With this down market we all must figure out new and creative ways to get the sell. With so many homes inundating the market via foreclosures and short sales how can we make our homes more appealing to a buyer? What can we do to bring them to our door?
The most important tip is in pricing your home. If your home is not competitive then you will be out of the loop no matter how appealing your home might be. Be sure to price your home according to other existing homes in your area. Find a few comparables and list accordingly. Many sellers are offering incentives to purchasing their property. You might offer to pay the buyers closing costs, install landscaping or a deck, an elegant dinner out for the purchaser or pay the bill for the buyers moving company. In going this route, be sure that your “offer” is included in all marketing ads. Most sellers are going the extra mile for Open House as well. Consider having your showing catered. Play soft music and offer a token such as a rose as they come inside.
Do the same for your “Broker” walk-through. Most brokers have so many homes to view that it might be impossible to take the necessary time with your home. Offer incentives for them as well such as hosting a lunch out on the veranda or deck or catered hors d’oeuvres and champagne. It is all about enticing in this market.
Curb appeal is just an absolute. If the home is not attractive from the curb then no matter how you entice it will not get the attention that you need from brokers or buyers. Plant flowers, pull weeds, trim trees, pressure wash driveways, and walkways. Paint and add a new front door if you need to. Do not forget to install some yard lighting as many buyers are out after dark to view the inventory out there.
Consider having your home “staged” by a professional Home Stager. Home staging is just part of good marketing. Your home must show professionally both inside and out; home staging is the way to go. It does not cost a fortune to have this done and you will get a higher appraisal value in doing so. Keep in mind that the home stager is trained to design your home to appeal to mass buyers and it is a proven fact that the staged home sells quicker than homes that are not prepared for showing.
While it is true that it is difficult to compete in this market we hope that we have offered some valuable tools to help you get the sell. For more information and tips on selling your home contact us at PerkinsRealty.com
