Homeowners who are in the position to sell their home in the market today, have leverage to sell under the best possible terms. In today’s strong seller’s market, the housing inventory is extremely low, driving buyer competition even higher, and leading to increasing home prices. Houses are selling very quickly and the average house is on the market for just 18 short days. Although your house might not be on the market for long, there are still some steps you can take to prep your home before the sale.
1. Make Buyers Feel at Home
The first thing you’re going to want to do is make the potential buyers feel comfortable and at home. One important step is to declutter and pack away most of your personal belongings. The more neutral the space, the easier it is for a buyer to picture themselves living inside of the home. According to the 2021 Profile of Home Staging by NAR:
“82% of buyers’ agents said staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home.”
Staging a home has even increased the dollar value of a home and helps consumers see the full potential of a property. Staging helps a home be shown in its best possible light and allows potential buyers to envision possibilities.
2. Keep it Tidy
Keeping your house neat and clean is another way to reduce things that could potentially distract a buyer from the appeal of the home. Before any potential buyers stop by, it is essential to pick up items, make the bed and wash any dishes. You can also ensure that your home smells nice and clean since buyers will generally remember the smell of your home.
3. Make Your Home Accessible
Buyers are hoping to easily schedule a time to look at your home. If your home is available anytime, that opens up opportunities for all the potential buyers. Being more available will also allow buyers who are on tight schedules to still be able to view your home. With health concerns still vastly prevalent today, it is important to work with an agent to use correct safety measures and also utilize best digital practices for your listing. This will allow buyers to see your home while also keeping everyone safe.
4. Set the Price Correctly
Although we are still in a seller’s market, it is essential to set your home at the right price to maximize the selling potential. The goal is to build up competition from buyers and let bidding wars increase the price of the home.
