Whether you're buying or selling a home in the Pittsburgh area, you've likely noticed something about the housing market. Homes are either sold in a flash above asking price, or linger on the market with no offers.
When you're selling your home, you have two goals: sell it fast, and get a good offer. Working with a great listing agent is the best way to achieve those goals. But there are things you can do, as the seller, to make your property more desirable to buyers.
Here are the top reasons homes sell faster, and for more money.
1. Pricing
Make sure your home is accurately priced from the start. Your agent and appraiser will let you know what the best listing price should be. Don't let your emotional attachment to the home impact your asking price. If your home is listed for more than it's worth, you're less likely to get the right buyers in the door.
2. Location
Two identical houses could sell for different prices in different locations. Although you can't do much to change the location of your property, it's crucial to price it properly to begin with. Your agent will be familiar with the area and knows how to take factors like walkability score, school district and neighborhood desirability into account.
3. More Storage Space
Closet space and well-organized living areas help homes sell faster. Buyers will find your home more appealing if it looks larger, spacier, and is decluttered. Organize basements, closets and attics. You can accomplish this by adding storage solutions, or by moving some of your belongings to a storage facility. Don't forget to clean out the garage, too, because buyers like to know if their car will fit.
4. Cleaning and Staging
Buyers need to be able to envision themselves living in the home - and they want to envision it sparkling! Give your kitchen and bathroom a good scrub down (here's how). Get rid of any odors. Depersonalize the space with modern, neutral decor, and organize furniture so there's a convenient flow. If you're moving out of the home before it sells, be sure to have someone clean the property monthly. Dust and cobwebs can accumulate quickly in an unoccupied house, which makes it less appealing to buyers.
5. Move-In Ready
Buyers want the transition into their new home to be as smooth as possible. If your property has damage or requires updates, all they'll see is a headache waiting to happen. Your home will be much more desirable if you take the time to grout and tile the bathroom, or refresh your hardwood floor. Although you are bearing the cost and doing the labor, you'll be rewarded with faster, higher offers.
6. Feeling Homey (rather than deserted)
Homes that are currently occupied tend to sell faster and for more money. An empty, unoccupied house feels less appealing and comfortable, so buyers may be less enticed to make an offer. If you are moving out, have the home staged or leave a few pieces of furniture behind to help the buyer visualize the home.
Follow this list, and you'll be on the short path from "Just Listed" to "Sold." Have specific questions about getting your property ready to sell? Contact us for a free consultation, contact us online or call us at (724) 443-9020.