If your home has been on the real estate market for several months, perhaps it’s time to explore ways to help your house sell faster. With stricter lending guidelines, it’s become increasingly difficult for people to secure mortgage loans. In addition, some housing markets have seen an influx of available properties, thus increasing the competition. Together, these factors increase the time it takes to sell a home. Fortunately, there are ways to help your house sell faster.
1. Hire a realtor
If you’re looking for ways to help your house sell faster, start by getting a real estate agent. Paying 6% commission to an agent may not be your ideal scenario. However, agents have the tools and resources to properly market your house. With an agent, you can sell your house 2 to 3 times faster.
2. Price it right
Perhaps there’s a lot of competition in your immediate area. In this case, you need to price your house competitively and fairly. A high asking price can turn off buyers and limit your number of showings. This is why it pays to work with a real estate agent. Your agent can pull comps for your area and help you decide the best asking price.
3. Curb appeal
A bad first impression can prolong the time it takes to sell your home. Curb appeal is essential, and it doesn’t require a lot of money. This includes mowing your lawn, pulling weeds, planting flowers, raking leaves and perhaps power washing your house. Daily remove any trash or debris that blows into your yard, and keep your children’s toys in the garage.
4. De-clutter
Nothing scares potential buyers more than a cluttered house. When there’s too much stuff inside your house, buyers cannot envision themselves living in the space. Remove large furniture pieces and hold these in storage. It also helps to clean out closets and keep toys in storage bins. Since showings can occur last minute, always keep your home tidy.
5. Make improvements
If you want to sell your house quicker, make a few upgrades. Bathrooms and kitchens sell homes, plus you’ll get a higher return on your investment. If you can afford a complete remodel, go for it. But if you can’t, stick with simple upgrades. These might include new flooring, new counter tops, new light fixtures or updated appliances.
6. Stage the home
Staging is the process of rearranging your furniture to give the illusion of a bigger space. You can stage the home yourself, but if you want to sell the house faster, it pays to hire a professional stager. Ask your real estate agent to recommend a professional. This person may bring in new furniture pieces, and remove existing furniture pieces. The goal is to project your home in the best way possible.
7. Incentives
Potential buyers love freebies, and the more incentives you offer, the better. Incentives can include a variety of things. For example, you might offer to pay the buyer’s closing costs. You may agree to leave your appliances. Additionally, you might agree to a few upgrades before you move. Incentives aren’t required, but if you’re serious about selling your home, they can help.
