Whether selling your house for personal or financial reasons, the task can sometimes seem overwhelming. Here are some tips on selling quickly while still getting the most out of your real estate investment.
1. Hire a real estate agent. When you are just testing the market or have plenty of time to research and show your house, you can try for-sale-by-owner. If you really need to sell, make sure to hire a professional. After all, this is what they do for a living and they have access to all the web sites, magazines and other tools helpful for attracting buyers.
2. De-clutter. You may need to stick some of your things in storage until you move. Ratty sofas, worn out rugs or your collection of Elvis Presley clocks has to go. You need to make your place look like a vacant house that was staged for showing. Clearing off your dressers, putting away most of your picture frames and other knick-knacks will help potential buyers to picture your house as their own.
3. Fix anything that you will have to declare as broken or not working in your seller's agreement. No one wants to buy a house when they hear the shower is leaking water or the central vacuum doesn't work. It's just something negative for people to focus on instead of all the good features your house has to offer.
4. Clean your house from top to bottom. If you don't have the time or energy to do a full 'spring cleaning' on your house, hire a professional. Washing the walls in the well-used areas of your house with hot water and soap and then scrubbing any persistent marks with a Mr. Clean magic eraser can really make your house show well.
5. Advertise. Get your house pictures and details on the web site, in the local newspaper and realty magazines. Put the sign up on your front lawn. Have an open house. Tell your friends, family and coworkers that you are moving in the hope of a word-of-mouth sale. The more potential buyers that know about your house, the better odds you have of making the sale.
6. Make sure your house is comfortable for any showings or open houses. Keep the heat or air conditioning at a comfortable level. Use air fresheners to keep the place smelling great. Anything that gives the buyers a good impression of your house counts.
7. Be flexible with showings. Try to accommodate all showings within reason, even if you just sat down for dinner. Board your pets if necessary. If showing the place while you are out working all day is going to be a problem with your large German Shepherd, than you should consider having them stay with a friend or in the kennel. It will also help you keep your house extra spotless.
8. Make sure the outside of your house gives a good impression. This is no time to skip cutting your lawn or let your flowering bush out front go brown. A lot of people do 'drive buys' once they find out a house is up for sale and will only ask for a showing if they are impressed with the overall appearance. If it is the wrong time of year to show off your pool, pond or extensive landscaping, then make sure you have plenty of pictures of it looking it's best in your advertisements and in your house for people to view.
9. Offer to include appliances, light fixtures, window dressings, hot tub, pool shed, kids play equipment or stools for the breakfast bar. If it secures the house deal and you really need to sell you can always purchase these items again if you still need them.
10. Make sure you set the right price. Research the competition in your area. What's good about your house that your competition doesn't have? If you set the price even a little high your house will stay on the market too long. You can't just immediately drop the price and get the same response as if you set the right price to begin with.
Relax. It shouldn't take more than a few weeks to sell your house and you'll be back to living like yourself and being able to breathe again. Just a word of caution, make sure the buyer hasn't asked for another showing prior to the closing date before changing your house back to normal. Good luck!
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