Life can throw the occasional curve ball, forcing us to make decisions at a speed we had not anticipated. When that happens and it means you need to sell your home, there are several strategies to maximize the value of your property.
Summer is a peak period for buying and selling real estate. It's often dominated by young families seeking to strike a deal before the holidays and new school year.
With longer daylight hours, there's more flexibility for potential buyers to view properties after work, and open houses are generally more pleasant to attend. Outdoor features like decks, patios, and pools can be true attractions.
Better still, prices are rising again. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has reported values are 1.3% higher than a year ago.
The number of transactions in the market is slightly higher, too. The U.S. is tracking to make 4.03 million real estate deals in the next 12 months, according to NAR.
So, if you need to move quickly to catch the summer buying vibe, here are some tips for preparing your home for sale quickly:
Logistics first – Organize your agent and legal representation. You should notify your lender, as well.
Price it right – Work with your agent to decide the best price to strike a fair deal. If you need to move super-quickly, don't go too high thinking you can just drop the price later. Buyers in today's market are savvy and don't pursue properties they view as overpriced.
Showing strategy – Be as flexible as possible during the sales campaign. Many buyers will want to view the home before and after work, as well as on weekends. Rely on your agent to identify the potential buyers who are worth the sacrifice of your schedule.
First impression – Make this your first task around the home. If buyers don't like what they see from the outside, they'll be harsh judges once they're inside. Get that lawn looking sharp. Edge sidewalks and driveways. Fix any cracks in pavement. Weed flowerbeds and plant summer color. Trim hedges and hide the trash cans.
Summer showstoppers – If you have a patio, deck or porch, wipe down the furniture and add a few outdoor cushions. Of course, if you have a swimming pool, this is a summer gem that must shine.
Be cool – Because we're selling in summer, have the cooling system fired up. Keep the fans turning, too. A nice touch is to offer a cool drink to potential buyers because home-hunting can be hot and thirsty work.
Let the light in – Open the blinds and curtains and turn on all the lights for showings even during the day. Make sure your furniture does not block the windows.
Declutter like crazy – Clear the kitchen, bathroom, coffee tables and nightstands of everything. Free space in your storage areas so they look sufficient. Put away personal items so potential buyers can visualize themselves living in your home rather than feel like a guest.
Go deep – If the budget will stretch, hire a professional company to deep clean your home once the decluttering project is complete. Make sure the cleaners pay attention to grout around wet areas, the carpets, and they zap any odors.
