Selling your home can be exciting, but there are also aspects of anxiety and frustration involved. This may be especially true if your house sits on the market for some time.
There are many factors that contribute to the amount of time it takes for your house to sell. Some of these factors are beyond your control. However, according to U.S. News and World Report, there are some things you can do to help your home attract the favorable attention of buyers.
- Price the home appropriately
You may think that you can set a higher price now and negotiate down with an interested seller. However, due to the increased access that buyers have to comparable homes, that approach typically does not work. If you want the home to sell quickly, it is better to run your own analysis on comparable data and set the price accordingly.
- Improve your curb appeal
There are many ways to improve the exterior appearance of your home to appeal to potential buyers. Simply cleaning up can make a world of difference. You may also want to think about adding some potted plants, replacing the house numbers or repainting the front door.
- Declutter and depersonalize
It may not surprise you to know that your house may sell more quickly if the inside is neat and clean. However, it can also help to remove items of personal significance, such as family photos, kids’ toys or sports memorabilia. You want to present your home as a neutral territory that potential buyers can see themselves in.
Keep in mind, however, that “neutral” does not necessarily mean “empty.” It can also help to stage the home with impersonal items. You may want to rent furniture for this specific purpose, putting your own furniture in storage if you have not already moved out.