While the housing market may not be as scorching as the Georgia sun these days, don’t worry. Selling a home in a tepid market is achievable with a little creativity and effort.
By implementing the right strategies, you can speed up the process and find the right buyer even amidst rising interest rates and a cooling housing market. After all, somebody is always looking to buy a home. Your job is to make sure that they choose yours.
The hottest tip we can give you is to find out how much your home is worth and then consider setting it 15-20% below its worth. In a slowing market, pricing your home correctly is critical. While some sellers fear this risk, the tactic can actually attract multiple buyers and spark competitive bidding.
While sellers don’t have to fork over cash for expensive remodels or renovations, staging your home is still a good idea. The search for a home for most people starts online by browsing through photos.
To entice online browsers to your front doorstep, you need to help potential buyers envision themselves living in your space:
First impressions are everything, so the outside of your home or curb appeal is just as important as cleaning and staging the inside. A lush green lawn with plants and flowers makes the house look fresh and attractive.
A few exterior home improvements can increase your resale value.
For example, spruce up the front by picking up some inexpensive shrubs or adding flowers along the walkway. If you lack time for yard work, hiring a lawn service can yield a significant return on investment.
Additionally, power wash the exterior to eliminate any dirt and grime.
If you want to sell your home fast, be ready at any time for a showing. That means keeping your house clean. Daily, empty the dishwasher, vacuum, dust, and mop. Make sure the bathrooms are sparkling and that the house overall has a clean smell. Cleaning daily is probably inconvenient for busy schedules, but a clean house will leave an impression on potential buyers.
Not everyone is a cat or dog lover. Buyers shouldn’t walk into your home and see cat litter or spot animal hair on your furniture. That is actually a turn-off for many, and they may think your house is dirty.
Hide food and water bowls and consider sending your pets to daycare or a friend’s place during showings. A clean, pet-free home is more appealing to potential buyers.
The kitchen is a vital room for buyers, so invest in upgrades. Consider granite countertops, backsplash, lighting, and custom cabinets. Natural-colored paint like white or beige can give your kitchen a modern look without alienating potential buyers. Newer high-end appliances are also a significant selling point. A house with new appliances is as good as sold!
Don’t skimp on any necessary repairs. Make sure the plumbing and electrical wiring in the home is in good working order. All drains should be free and clear, broken shower tiles replaced, and showerheads should be fully operational. Repair holes and dents in the walls and have worn or dirty carpet cleaned.
The water heater, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system should be in good working order, and you should have proof of the last tuneups on the HVAC system. The electrical panel and circuit breakers should also be up to code.
Last but certainly not least, choose a realtor that can get your house sold. Selling a home quickly requires experience and in-depth knowledge of the local market. Our team can guide you on how to appropriately price your home to stimulate interest. Let’s connect and take the steps necessary to get your house on and off the market quickly.
Tammy Pitts has an extensive background in journalism, media relations, social media strategy, marketing, and brand management. Her family includes her two sons and their Goldendoodle, Max. In her free time, she loves to read and travel.!
Some Highlights Want to know what experts say will happen in the rest of 2023? Home prices are already appreciating again in many areas. The average of the expert forecasts shows positive price growth. Where mortgage rates go for the rest of the year will depend on inflation. Based on historical trends, rates are likely to ease as inflation continues to cool. Even though low inventory continues to be a challenge, experts project 5 million homes will still sell this year. That pace should pick up if rates come down.
Plenty of people are still moving these days. And if you’re thinking of making a move yourself, you may be considering the inventory and affordability challenges in the housing market and wondering what you can do to help offset those. A new report from Gravy Analytics provides insight into where people are searching for homes and what they’re prioritizing most right now. That information could help you plan your own move. 1. People Are Moving to Cities with Lower Housing Costs One big factor motivating...