If you’re about to put your property on the market, here are a few things you can do to help shorten the selling timeline…
1) Declutter & depersonalize
One of the keys to generating buyer interest in a hurry is maximizing your property’s appeal. While an experienced agent can help you determine whether your home will benefit from staging efforts, one of the most critical first steps is going to be getting your clutter and personal items out of sight.
Your recliner that’s seen better days could be a major turn off to buyers, and those family photos on the wall will make it more difficult for them to envision your space as their own. Once you thoroughly declutter and depersonalize your home, it will be well on its way to making a great first impression!
2) Invest in professional photos
If you’re hoping to receive an offer on your home right away, using low-quality photos is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. That’s because your listing can make or break most buyers’ decision to set up a viewing. If the images they see aren’t compelling, they’ll lose interest immediately.
Put simply, optimizing your listing with gorgeous photos is one of the keys to capturing the attention of buyers (and, hopefully, securing a quicker sale). For this reason, it pays to work with a professional real estate salesperson who utilizes a good photographer with real estate expertise.
3) Consider a pre-listing inspection
Many buyers won’t purchase a home until it’s been thoroughly inspected. This requirement can be bad news for sellers. All too often, inspections hold up real estate transactions and lengthen the time it takes to close.
Fortunately, there’s a way to give buyers peace of mind while avoiding potential delays: get your own professional inspection done before you list. This due diligence will put many buyers at ease. As a result, you may be able to eliminate a more time-consuming inspection process.
4) Perform (strategic) repairs
Make sure your home looks its best when buyers come calling. This means tackling small, cosmetic issues—such as window treatments that are in need of repair. Of course, more significant problems are a different story.
If your HVAC system is old or your roof needs to be replaced, buyers will see it as leverage to start bargaining, which can mean more time around the negotiation table. For this reason, your best bet may be to factor these issues into your listing price.
5) Price competitively
There’s no surer way to attract buyers quickly than with an attractive price. Of course, that doesn’t mean underpricing—a move that could leave you with a significantly lower return than you deserve.
To find just the right sum, work with an experienced local real estate agent. They’ll start by looking at your home’s features and amenities, along with recent sold prices for similar properties in your area. Using this data, they’ll help you set a price that’s works for you..
6) Keep it show-ready
When a quick sale is part of the goal, you want to be ready to capitalize on any opportunity that comes your way. That means keeping your home in show-ready condition—from the time you list, right up until you close.
You’d be surprised by how many real estate deals occur after a last-minute showing. Being prepared to welcome buyers into your home at the drop of a hat allows you to maximize its exposure. This could be the key to closing within a short timeframe! Try not to ever turn down a showing, even if it is last minute.
Many home sellers believe there’s nothing they can do to increase their odds of a quick (and all-around successful) sale. Fortunately, that isn’t true. Whether you’re relocating for work or simply can’t wait to move into your next home, there are steps you can take to help speed the process along. Start by finding an experienced agent who can act as your guide!
Are you ready to sell your home? Get in touch to find an agent who will focus on your needs, your goals, and your timeline!
