Ready to put your home on the market? Before getting started, arm yourself with patience. On average, it takes 65 days or more to sell a house.
Depending on the property’s location and overall condition, you can expect to sell it in as little as 36 days or as long as 160 days. There are lots of factors that influence this process, from how you price your home to what steps you take to promote your listing and reach out to potential buyers.
With some planning, you can speed things up and sell your house faster. Small tweaks, such as decluttering your home and adding a few touch-ups, can make your property more appealing and even increase its value.
Not sure where to start? Getting your home ready to sell may not be easy, but it’s well worth the effort. Read on to find out more!
Common Reasons People Can’t Sell a Home
First, let’s take a look at some common mistakes people make when putting their homes on the market. This will give a better understanding of the Do’s and Don’ts of selling a house.
Many homeowners price their properties based on feelings rather than data. If you’ve been living in your house for years, you might overestimate its value. Emotional attachment is the culprit.
Go online and check a local newspaper to see the value of other properties in your area. Look at houses of a similar size and in a similar condition to yours.
Selling your home for a price that’s a lot higher compared to other properties will turn potential buyers away.
A suspiciously low price doesn’t help either as buyers might think that “if it sounds too good to be true, it is.” They may believe that your house has hidden flaws or that it needs lots of repairs.
Another mistake is keeping all your belongings in the house.
Family photos, cozy blankets, trophies, and other stuff mean a lot to you but provide no value to potential buyers. For them, it’s only clutter. Removing personal belongings can increase the odds of selling your house.
Remember the old saying one picture is worth a thousand words? It applies to properties too. Whether you plan to sell your home online, advertise it in local newspapers, or use a real estate agency, taking quality photos of the property is essential.
In fact, many people are unable to sell their homes because they post low-quality pictures. Professional photos, on the other hand, can turn any property into a masterpiece.
Now let’s see how to get your house ready to sell in no time!
Declutter and Depersonalize Your Home
Are those gorgeous photos of your family and pets still hanging on the walls? Take them down.
Do you still keep baskets with personal belongings near the couch or on the hallway? Store them away.
If you have any posters or wallpapers, get rid of them. The same goes for custom decorations, fridge magnets, kitchenware, and other items that reflect your personality and style
Remember, potential buyers aren’t interested in your hobbies and lifestyle. They should be able to visualize your house as their own and imagine themselves living there.
Get rid of the clutter too. Remove anything you no longer need or use. Place your stuff in bins, drawers, and closets rather than leaving them in plain sight.
Think of hotel rooms and rental apartments. They’re clutter-free and boast a minimalist design. Yet, you have everything you need right at your fingertips.
That’s what your home should look like if you want to sell it anytime soon.
Book a Home Inspection
A qualified home inspector will check your property’s interior and exterior structure, including the roof, heating system, basement, widows, and so on. He will also assess the insulation in the attic and other spaces.
This process can reveal essential information about a home’s condition as well as its strengths and weak points. Next, you can take the steps needed to upgrade or repair your home.
Furthermore, you’ll become aware of any safety issues in your home, such as mold, leaks, or carbon dioxide. The home inspector will also pinpoint room additions and installations that may not comply with the law.
At the end of the day, a thorough home inspection can reveal the deal breakers that may keep you from selling your house or decrease its value. It’s one of the best things you can do to ensure you’ll get a fair price on your home and prevent costly repairs.
Small Touch-ups Can Increase Your Home’s Curb Appeal
Planting a single tree in your backyard can increase your home’s value by over two percent. This number can reach nine percent if you have several trees.
Want to increase the value of your property by an extra four percent? Add a hedge or a landscaped wall. This will not only bring you more money when selling your home but also offer greater privacy.
Small touch-ups, such as a new custom front door, a patio, deck furniture, or BBQ area will attract potential buyers and enhance your home’s curb appeal. Plus, they’re inexpensive and provide a lot of value for your money.
Getting Your Home Ready to Sell Isn’t That Difficult
As you see, getting your home ready to sell doesn’t have to be a chore. Even though it’s not easy, it requires less time and money than most homeowners think. It’s all in the small details.
Make sure your house is well-lit and have it professionally cleaned. Paint the walls if you haven’t done in a while. Consider staging your home to increase its curb appeal and sales value.
When potential buyers are coming in, keep the windows open. This will make your rooms look larger and more spacious. Also, take the time to paint your fence, mow the lawn, and wash the door frames.
When you’re feeling ready to sell your home, contact our team in Utah! We buy houses in any condition and pay cash. Why spend months chasing buyers when you can sell to us?
What were the biggest challenges you came across when listing your home for sale? Drop a line below and let us know!