Anyone selling a home, whether it’s an investment property or their primary residence, wants to achieve the best price possible. Some market conditions are beyond individual control, but careful planning, preparation and strategic decision making will set you up for a successful sale. Here are some factors to consider before listing your property.
- Know your market: Get up to speed with local trends and stay informed about the competitive landscape. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions throughout the selling process.
- Work with a skilled real estate agent: Hiring an experienced real estate agent is a game changer. They will provide valuable insights, market your home effectively and negotiate on your behalf to secure the best price possible.
- Choose the right time to sell: Timing can significantly impact your selling price. Consider current market conditions in your area. A seller’s market, where demand exceeds supply, typically leads to higher prices. Consult with a local real estate agent for market insights.
- Set the right price: Pricing your home accurately is crucial. Overpricing can deter potential buyers, while underpricing may lead to a lower sale price. Again, work with your real estate agent to perform a comparative market analysis to determine the optimal listing price.
- Enhance curb appeal: First impressions matter. Improve your home’s exterior by maintaining the lawn, landscaping and making necessary repairs. A well-maintained exterior will attract more buyers and potentially lead to a higher price.
- Make necessary repairs and updates: Address any visible issues, such as leaky taps, or broken fixtures. If your paint colour is outdated or not in good knick, consider redoing for a fresh and contemporary fix.
- Style your home: A professional stylist will objectively view your property and use various styling techniques to make it more appealing to potential buyers. Styling will create an inviting atmosphere, highlight unique and desirable features, while downplaying those that may be less attractive.
- Be flexible with inspection times: The more people who see your home, the higher the chance for competitive offers. Make it easy for them. You could also consider pre-inspections, inviting a smaller group of buyers, qualified by your agent, to view the property before its official launch. Pre-inspections can identify and address potential issues upfront, giving buyers confidence and potentially reducing the risk of price negotiations based on inspection findings.
- Negotiate: When offers start coming in, work closely with your real estate agent to negotiate effectively. Be prepared to counter offer if initial offers are not at the level you expected.
- Be prepared to walk away: If you receive offers significantly lower than your expectations and the market conditions allow it, be prepared to wait for a better offer or consider taking your home off the market temporarily and addressing some of the feedback you’ve received.
It’s important to remember that selling a home involves many factors and the highest price possible may not always be achievable. Setting realistic expectations while doing as much as you can to prepare your home and make informed decisions will give you the opportunity and knowledge to get the most out of your sale.
To learn more about property styling and the role it plays in a successful sale campaign, please contact our team and one of our friendly experienced stylists will run you through the process and what you can expect when working with Spatial Property Styling.