Deciding to relocate and purchase a new house is an exciting milestone, but it’s easy to get caught up in the new adventure. While browsing potential properties is fun, the enjoyment can quickly be lost when you remember that your current house is on the market.
For a quick and efficient sale, keep these home selling tips in mind for your marketing material and upcoming showings:
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Declutter
Decluttering is two birds, one stone scenario. Potential buyers won’t be overwhelmed by your belongings; it allows them to envision their furniture and lifestyle instead. This action will also benefit your moving efforts. There is no point in packing, transporting, and unpacking unnecessary items.
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Complete Small Upgrades
Tiny upgrades can completely modernize a room. Switching out old plastic knobs for a sleek, modern black or silver pull bar can transform your kitchen from dull to trendy. The same goes for light fixtures; you don’t have to upgrade every room, focus on the main areas like the living room or bathroom. A little bit of paint can go a long way: touch-ups, repainting a door, or adding a feature wall.
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Hide Personal Photos
We’re sure your family, couple, or pet photos are adorable. During a walk-through potential buyers may even smile at them or provide commentary, but in the grand scheme of the open house, it’s an unneeded distraction. When showcasing your house, you want it to feel like a home, but without personalization. Personal photos and documents should be the first items to be packed up.
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Deep Clean
Nothing leaves a bad impression more than a dirty room. Once all of the adjustments are finalized, a deep clean is necessary, right before your photos/videos are taken and before an open house or viewing. For viewings, be careful with scents. You don’t want an overpowering aroma, but the first whiff should be pleasant. Potential buyers are intrusive, they will look everywhere. Clean from top to bottom, left to right, and don’t skim any corners.
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Well-Kept Landscape
Your yard is the first sight potential buyers see when they stop by for a viewing. Having a well-kept landscape is key. Depending on the season, you may have more/less to worry about. All snow, mud, leaves, or any type of muck should be cleaned off pathways. Grass should be freshly cut. Adding a splash of colour with flowers is always recommended. You don’t need to plant a garden, just grab free-standing or hanging pots.
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Hire a Sitter
If you’re not required to be at the house viewing, plan an outing with your family and pets. This way the potential home-buyers won’t be disturbed by noises, they will feel more comfortable snooping around, and the real estate agent will have one-on-one time to oversell the property. If you feel more comfortable being present at the viewings, that’s completely understandable. Although, hiring a sitter will be your best bet. You want the potential buyers to be immersed in their vision of the home. Any personalization or distractions are discouraged.
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Home Evaluation / Assessment
Receiving a home evaluation can provide unique insights into your property, plus, it will help you and your real estate agent determine an accurate price. Some of the top areas considered during an assessment are the square footage, the number of bedrooms, and your house’s features. Your property will be compared to other properties within the neighbourhood to determine a fair price. It’s common for sellers to assess their property before and after they complete upgrades/repairs.
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Research Realtors
Moving can be a stressful transition and you will need someone in your court to help you through the hurdles. That person will be your realtor. Working with a realtor that you don’t jive with or don’t see eye to eye can make the journey uncomfortable. Learn about your realtor's track record, their marketing methods, and meet with them in person to ensure they’re the right fit for you.
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Create a Plan of Action
To balance the selling and buying scale of your life, create a plan of action. In this plan, you should outline the timeframe of when your home should sell, when you will be moving, changing your address, time slots for buying and selling tasks, etc. Having a written outline will keep you organized and will reduce anxiety about getting everything done.
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Know the Closing Costs
Another reason why it’s important to pick an outstanding real estate agent: a good realtor will outline the closing costs of a sale during the beginning stages of the process. You have commission fees, lawyer fees, taxes, etc., to consider. If your home sells for $400,000, your closing costs will be around $21, 750 (including the buyer’s commission fee).
The Ed Dale Team
Several home selling tips and tricks are geared towards homeowners/sellers, but working alongside a qualified realtor is the best way to achieve a quick and productive sale. Collaborating with your realtor on the sale process can create an outstanding result.
If you’re considering selling your home, take the first step and meet with a realtor from the Ed Dale Team. Simply fill out the Contact Us Form and a member of the team will reach out right away.
