Smart Ways to Sell Your Home at Top Dollar

Posted on July 26th, 2016

If it’s time to sell your home, you probably have two goals....sell fast and sell for top dollar. Sometimes it seems you have to sacrifice one to get the other, but that doesn’t have to be the case. By thoughtfully planning in advance, you can maximize your potential to both sell quickly and get the best possible price and terms for your home. The first step in preparing your home for sale is to properly stage your home. You already understand that buyers need to be visually attracted to your home in order to even get them through the front door. Take time to objectively evaluate your front yard. Is the home neat and clean with no deferred maintenance? Trim any over grown trees or shrubs, plant bright flowers and keep yard free of debris. Consider adding a “pop” to your first impression by sealing your driveway or adding a fresh coat of paint to the front door. Once you’ve prepped your exterior appearance it’s time to move inside. Staging is a crucial element in presenting your home in the best possible light. There is a reason that model homes are shown with furniture rather than as vacant spaces. The purpose of a staged home is to draw the potential buyers in and invite them to linger and imagine themselves living there. Some minor updates might also be suggested but normally you should refrain from major renovations. One exception is adding living space. Buyers are always looking for more room and you will get the largest return on your investment if you add on to the property. Remember that staging is not a criticism of your home, think of it as putting on formal wear for a wedding. It might not be what you normally wear, but it’s designed to make an impression. Finally, pay attention to your local market. Be ready to move when the market heats up in your community. Talk with others in your town and watch for “for sale” signs and open houses. Talk to your agent early and let them help you track the activity and prices so that you can capitalize on the market when it heats up in your community. Stay current on local news and know if new businesses are moving into your area which could bring an upswing in buyers. For instance a new Starbucks coming to your block could create a boom in home values. Homes within a quarter mile of a Starbucks doubled in value compared to the average home between 1997-2013. Seems people love their half-caf, latte with a double shot of whip! When it comes time to sell your home, it’s time to engage in the process. Selling a home properly can be worth thousands of additional dollars in profit. Spending a little time critically looking at your home, preparing it for buyer and understanding your market will put you in the best position to sell your home quickly and for top dollar.