Selling fast in the current market
How to sell fast in the current state of the market
Are you ready to sell and need to get “your ducks in a row,” thereby, increasing the chances of a successful and profitable transaction? Instead of feeling overwhelmed, try to be systematic, structured and steadfast while navigating through the necessary tasks associated with selling your home.
The following tips (though far from exhaustive) are offered as food for thought when beginning the process of placing your home on the market.
First and foremost, begin your search for a knowledgeable, experienced and highly professional real estate agent. Do not take this step for granted – or approach the task superficially. For example, it certainly may not always be in your best interest to hire a relative or friend that happens to possess a valid agent’s license. Just because your uncle “Louie” is an agent, does not mean he knows the intimate details about your neighborhood and/or unique home features – and, accordingly, will initially list the property at an aggressive, yet “quick to move” price. Bottom line: even if you want to work with a relative of friend (for the sake of keeping the peace or utilizing a relationship already built on trust and comfort), do the necessary homework and research to find the right agent for your unique situation. What’s at stake? Perhaps the largest and most important financial transaction of your life.
What else is highly recommended? Remember to undertake the tasks that you can do to improve the current state of your soon-to-be listing, even as you begin the process of listing with a vetted agent.
It is probably best to begin with a determined effort to declutter and freshen up the interior and exterior of the property. Fix any deficiencies you are capable of repairing. Remember to stay within your scope of comfort and experience. Saving money is one thing, making an issue worse or not fixing it correctly is another potential problem altogether. For everything else that must be repaired or replaced, find professionals through referrals or from the advice of your chosen agent.
How about your current state of technology? Advances in user-friendly, home electronics and lighting are occurring at a rapid pace. What could you change / add to your existing lineup to make your listing more appealing. The important consideration is this arena is not to spend more than you can realistically expect to receive in return. For example, if you spend several hundred dollars on voice-controlled lighting, will you in fact be able to recoup the investment, which will need to be added to the listing price, without extending the time the property will stay on the market sans aggressive offers.
Another potential DIY project is taking pictures to market your property. If you possess the comfort and knowledge to take the pictures yourself, all the better. If not, hire a professional to document your listing with flattering photos. The old adages certainly ring true in this context: “a picture is (truly) worth a thousand words” and “you never get a second chance to make a fire impression.” Bottom line: if you want to save the cost of hiring a professional, then make sure your pictures are of an appropriate high quality. If not, consider the cost well worth the added value you should receive when listing. Another idea, if your property is on the higher end or is very unique, it may make sense to hire the services of professional drone operator that can do flyovers and “fly throughs” and record the property is all its physical glory.
A final suggestion is to use social media to help get the word out that you are selling your home. Any real estate agent worth their commission should recommend various methods of marketing the property. However, it certainly cannot hurt to use whatever “intimate” means you have available to let potential buyers know you are offering a desirable property for sale. If you choose this route, make sure to subtly advertise the listing and not overwhelm family and friends with “in your face” marketing. Perhaps, you can even offer a referral bonus for anyone recommending a buyer that ultimately purchases your home.