Once you have made the decision to sell, the next step is to put a concrete plan into place. While this is often easier said than done, having a strategy is what separates a "For Sale" sign from a "Sold" sign.
Here are the proven ideas that have worked for our most successful seller clients in 2015.
1. Price it Right from Day One
The most important first step is pricing your home correctly at the start. When you hit the "Fair Market Value" immediately, you eliminate the need for stressful price readjustments later.
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What is Fair Market Value? It is a price that compares favorably to recent closed sales and the active homes you will be competing with today.
2. The Pre-Listing Inspection
I highly recommend having a pre-home inspection done before your home hits the market. This allows you to identify "deal breakers" or hidden issues that might derail a sale during the buyer's due diligence. Correcting these items now gives you control over the repairs and ensures a smoother closing.
3. Curating "Digital Curb Appeal"
In 2015, the first place a buyer views your home isn't the driveway—it’s online. High-quality interior and exterior photos are non-negotiable; they must showcase your home in its best possible light.
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Declutter & Pre-Pack: Begin removing non-essential personal items. Clutter is a distraction that prevents buyers from envisioning their own lives in the space.
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First Impressions: "Curb appeal" starts at the screen and ends at the front door. Don't take offense to your Realtor's suggestions; they know which visual details drive showings.
4. The Showing Etiquette
A simple but vital rule: Don’t be home for showings. Buyers need to feel comfortable speaking frankly with their agent. They are often afraid of offending a homeowner, which prevents them from voicing concerns that a trained Realtor could otherwise address or counter on the spot.
The Bottom Line
Homes that are priced right and presented properly sell significantly faster than the competition. By following this roadmap, you position your property as the "must-have" listing in the neighborhood.
