Nobody wants their house to sit on the market forever… even a month can seem like forever when your house is on the market. If you have children or pets, being ready to leave on a moment’s notice can be near to impossible. Following these not-so-simple tips can help you get the job done. We see two options: use a real estate agent to get maximum value, or a sell your home for cash.
OPTION 1: Find a Great Real Estate Agent
This option requires some time and investment. Ask around to find an agent who is known for selling properties in your specific neighborhood. A local agent will know what other homes are on the market. Be honest with your agent about the unique features and problem areas in your home. This will help the agent to market your home appropriately. And be prepared, a good agent won’t hold back. They will tell you exactly what repairs and projects you need to take care of in order to get the best price for your home. It may be tough to hear, and tough on the wallet, but remember the old adage – “you have to spend money to make money.” Unfortunately, that’s true in today’s market. Most people are looking for move-in ready homes. Your realtor will know what the latest trends are, so you can make appropriate decisions about how to spruce things up.
Start on the Inside
You might want to begin by getting a storage unit. Potential buyers will be poking in every corner and crevice. They won’t want to see closets stuffed with clothes, or have boxes of cereal come cascading down when they open the pantry. You will probably end up getting rid of a third of your stuff. Remember to clean out your basement, attic, and garage as well as the closets. To brighten your home, paint the entire house a neutral color and make sure you have the highest wattage of bulbs your lighting fixtures will take. If any room is looking shabby, you don’t have to do a full remodel, but you will want to freshen up surfaces, cabinets, and floors. You’ll want to be sure all of the appliances in the kitchen match, the sink looks like new, and the counters are clear. If you have hardwood floors, let them shine. If you have carpeting, now is a good time to replace it. You will also want to make sure your plumbing and electrical are up to code. If a home inspection turns up work done without a permit or other problems, your house stands to lose value.
Work on the Outside
Approach your home from the street. What do you see? Is your mailbox tilted? Are there cracks in the driveway? You will want to look at every detail. Powerwashing your house is something to consider. Taylor Tepper and Carla Fried from Time magazine recommend replacing your garage and front doors. If you are competing against new homes, you’ll want your home to have the same look. Pay attention to your curb appeal. Flowers near the entry make a home seem inviting. Be sure to trim branches and shrubs, and keep your lawn cut.
Be photo ready
By this time, you have spent a lot of money, and probably even more time, getting your house ready for the market. It may be worth it to hire a professional to stage your home, especially if that’s common in your area. There should not be any personal items like pictures or jewelry on display, and art should be neutral. You want people to picture themselves in the home, not comment on your taste in décor. Many agents pay for professional photos to be taken since nearly every home search these days begins on the internet. Alternatively, your agent may know how to take pictures that will make your house look it’s best.
OPTION 2: Sell To a Cash Buyer
Investors are interested in purchasing homes quickly for cash without real estate agents. You as the seller pay real estate commission on any sale, so you could save some money by selling your home for cash. You could take some of those savings and sell for a lower price to a cash buyer, so it’s a win-win for you and a cash home buyer. A quick house sale is a better option if you need to move quickly. If you live in an area that’s changing, you’re best positioned to sell your home for cash. If you aren’t sure about your area, reach out to us and we’ll give you an idea of which option is better for you.
Whether you have time and money to use a good real estate agent or need a quick house sale for cash, there are options. If you aren’t sure which one you want, or if you want some kind of compromise, get in touch and we can talk through your situation and goals for a cash home sale.