9 tips on home selling – what sells a home?

September 12, 2011

There are a lot of homes on the market right now. How do you make your stand out? What factors are involved in selling a house in the fastest amount of time?

1. Price. Price is especially important right now. Price your home correct from the start, don’t wait and see and just reduce the price later. Activity is highest when the listing is new. Take advantage of that by pricing agressively.  You can search for sold property in your area at firstweber.com if you need help pricing a home to sell. Your agent should revisit the pricing with you on an ongoing basis.

2. Location. If your home has a great location, make sure your agent is marketing that fact to buyers. What is appealing to you about your location? Make a list of nearby attractions/conveniences and what you enjoyed about living in this location to let potential buyers know.

3. Condition. Most buyers appreciate a home that is move-in ready.  Many can’t see past the green carpeting, the 20 year old wallpaper that needs to be removed, the roof that already needs replacing.  Take care of these items before selling to appeal to the most buyers.

4. Be Competitive.  Your home is certainly not the only one buyers will look at. Many buyers look in numerous communities. Know your competition. Go to open houses to take a look inside and keep an eye on the competition’s price.  You can also set up a free My First Weber account where you can receive emails of new listings matching your criteria (your competition) and price changes.

5. Curb appeal. A home that does not look good from the street gives buyers a reason to drive right by.  Take the time to care for the lawn, the landscaping, the walkways. Put some flowers out or a wreath on the door.  Make them want to come inside to see the rest of the story.

6. Lifestyle.   People buy more than the home. They buy the neighborhood and its amenities.  Is there a neighborhood park? A bike trail? Nearby shopping?  What was important to you when you bought the home?  When buyers search for homes at firstweber.com, they are presented with a map to search for “points of interest” like schools, grocery stores, child care, bank and parks.  Presenting the amenities in your neighborhood to potential buyers by listing with First Weber Group offers buyers the information they need to decide if your home and neighborhood are right for them.

7. Stage.  Clean, clutter-free, updated. Take the time to get ready for each showing. Make the house smell good, put out fresh towels, clean the closets – they’re going to be opened.

8. Marketing. Homes certainly do not sell themselves these days.  Make sure your agent uses a variety of marketing tactics to attract buyers. Since much exposure is online, make sure your agent has an effective online marketing program such as First Weber’s Front Runner multi-media marketing.

9. A good agent.  A knowledgeable agent who keeps you informed can be your most valuable asset in a home sale.  An experienced agent knows how to negotiate and guide you through home inspections, contracts, addendums, counter offers, appraisals and more.  The process of getting to closing is more difficult than it has been in recent years.  Rely on a professional.

 

Thanks for reading the First Weber Wisconsin real estate & Wisconsin living blog about 9 things that sell a home. Much of these steps are in your control.  We wish you well with your home sale. Check out your competition at firstweber.com and please contact First Weber if we may assist you with your Wisconsin real estate needs.

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