Real estate markets heat up and cool down, but waiting out a slow patch when you want to sell your home isn’t always possible. There are lots of reasons people sell when the market is slower. For example, your job may have relocated, or you need to care for an elderly parent in another state.
Regardless of the reasons, if you are selling your home in a less-than-hot market, there are things you can do to help it sell more quickly. These five tips are excellent ways to easily — and inexpensively — improve your chances of getting an offer on your home.
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Get Rid of the Extras
Going through your belongings and paring them down is perhaps one of the hardest parts of selling a home. However, it is a vital first step in garnering an offer. Be honest about what you use and what you don’t, and you may be surprised at how much stuff is doing nothing more than taking up space in your home. If there is a bright side to this decluttering process, just think of how much less you’ll have to pack and move once you do sell the house.
Once you’ve slimmed down the amount of stuff in the house, arrange it attractively and functionally. Adding a light fragrance to reinforce the clean feeling can also help. Avoid using anything overpowering, like those often-offensive plug-in air fresheners. Instead, opt for a few drops of Young Living essential oils in a reed diffuser for a gentle, clean scent.
Complete Small Repairs
As a homeowner, you know that there is almost always a repair needing attention. Now is a great time to address all those little things you have been putting off. Many small fixes can be done with supplies you already have on hand, so you are only investing your time. However, eliminating dripping faucets and squeaky door hinges can make a big difference in how others see your home.
Touch Up the Front Entry
Potential buyers’ first interactions with your home come well before they walk through the door. Making minor improvements around the entrance to both the house and property can make a big difference in how they are viewed as a whole. Some suggestions include:
- Replace your mailbox with a simple but attractive new one
- Paint the front door in a neutral and complementary color — black is a very popular choice for home sellers
- Add a touch of colors with flowers or planters along the front approach
- Include seating near the front door if there is room
Let in Natural Light
There is no substitute for natural light to make a home appear welcoming. Swap out heavy window treatments for lighter, sheer options to create a more natural environment. If you have blinds or shades, open them up when viewings are scheduled. This allows you to create more privacy when you are home yet still create an open, airy feel for home buyers.
If you simply cannot let light in through windows look for LED bulbs that mimic natural light. They come in various color temperatures, some of which are much less harsh than others. If you have questions, talk to someone in a lighting or home improvement store for suggestions.
Paint in Neutral Colors
That lime green wall you love may be the perfect complement to your personal decor, but it can make it hard for home buyers to picture themselves in the space, which is what you want them to do. So, no matter how hard it is, now is the time to reevaluate personalized decorating choices.
If you have rooms that are painted unique colors, it can be helpful to give them a quick update with a more neutral choice. For example, a home theater painted black could be just as functional with grey walls, yet the latter would be easier for home buyers to embrace. The same thing goes for over-the-top rugs, furniture and accessories. You don’t have to get rid of these, but putting them in storage might be helpful.
Selling a home is about giving others a chance to picture themselves in the space. Refreshing the entry, keeping things simple and fresh, and letting in natural light can all help accomplish that goal.
