Home sales jumped by over 12% year-over-year between April 2018 and 2019. About 50% of buyers find their homes using the internet. Meanwhile, only 28% find homes through a real estate agent.
Selling your home can often feel complex, especially if it's your first time going alone. In the days of COVID-19, strategizing is essential. Otherwise, you might miss out on a sale.
Here are the top 10 real estate strategies you can use in 2020. With these tips, you can attract prospective buyers and improve your asking price.
Don't miss out on opportunities; instead, make them. Get started with these strategies for selling your home today!
1. Make a Strong First Impression
Potential homebuyers will judge your home before they even step through the front door. You can't make a strong first impression twice. Instead, it's important to wow buyers the moment they approach your house.
First, try to make your home look safe and welcoming by improving your curb appeal.
Take a look at your home's exterior. Does your front door need a fresh coat of paint? Considering adding shrubs and flowers to your walkway while you're at it.
Pay attention to the little details. Your buyers will.
For example, consider updating your house numbers or mailbox. Trim the trees and bushes around your home. Make sure to clear away the cobwebs, remove dead plants, and pressure-wash the walkway, too.
Prospective buyers might drive by at night. Consider keeping the outdoor lights on each evening. Buyers might like how your home looks when driving by after work enough to schedule a tour.
Don't forget your entryway, too. When someone steps into your home for the first time, what's the first thing they see? Imagine seeing your entryway from a stranger's eyes.
Make updates to spruce up your entryway. For example, you can add a vase of fresh flowers or a plate of fresh cookies atop a table. The smell of fresh cookies or perfume of flowers will make a welcoming first impression once people step inside.
2. Avoid Personal Touches
One of the most important real estate strategies you can use is de-personalizing.
When looking for a home, buyers want to imagine themselves living there. Leaving your personal items can make that difficult. Instead, remove your family photos and personal keepsakes. You can put these items in storage until you move.
In fact, it can help to get rid of as much as possible. If you need to, consider hiring a professional home stager. With their help, you can rearrange your furniture to show off your home's floor plan.
Buyers will have an easier time picturing their own furniture and possession in the space as a result.
Working with a professional can maximize your home's selling potential.
3. Prioritize the Kitchen
The median sales price for houses in September 2019 was $299,400. If you want to increase your asking price, you need to add value to your home. Many experts suggest starting with the kitchen.
A major kitchen remodel could generate $38,938 in resale value. That's almost 65% of recouped costs!
First, start with the countertops. Old, outdated, and scratched counters can scare away buyers.
If you want to complete a fast, inexpensive update, try painting the walls. Choose a neutral color, which will give buyers a blank canvas. Then, they can imagine their own style while touring your home.
You can also update your cabinet hardware or buy a new, stainless steel appliance. Even a single, brand new appliance can make the rest of your kitchen look expensive.
4. Make Quick Fixes
Try to avoid over-upgrading your entire home. There's a chance you won't make every penny back if you complete a major home improvement project. Instead, try to make important, quick fixes.
For example, it helps to start with a fresh coat of paint. Repainting the walls will make your home look clean and bright. You should also clean the curtains and let the sun shine through!
Otherwise, take a look at your door handles. Are they looking scratched up and dull?
You can also update cabinets in your bathroom and kitchen. Make sure your closet doors are on track and open properly. If you have any leaky faucets or worn grout, make those updates right away.
These quick fixes can make your home look brand new!
5. Keep It Clean
A dirty house can immediately scare off customers. If you're looking into strategies for selling your home, start with a deep clean.
If you can't effectively clean your home alone, hire a professional company.
Your home should always look clean while it's on the market. You never know when someone will want to schedule a showing. Keeping your home neat and clean will help you make a strong impression with prospective buyers and make sure you are ready for a showing at any time.
When cleaning your home, make sure to look everywhere. That includes:
- Inside closets
- In and outside your windows
- Walls, doors, and baseboards
- Floors and room corners for dust
- Inside cabinets
- Any appliances
- Kitchen countertops
- Bathroom toilets, tubs, showers, and counters
- Basement and garage
While you clean, make sure to take the minimalistic approach when showing your home. Too much furniture can make your home look smaller than it actually is. You can rent a storage unit to move out unnecessary furniture.
Remove knickknacks and pack them away. Storage your books, older appliances, and throw rugs, too. These items can collect dust and make your home more difficult to clean.
Don't forget to take a look at the closets, too. Emptying your closets can make it look like you have more space.
6. Remain Flexible
Buyers are spending three fewer days searching for homes on average.
One of the most important real estate strategies you need to consider is flexibility. You never know when a buyer will have free time. They might want to schedule last-minute showing on an evening or during the weekend.
Some want to tour a home as soon as they find it online.
In order to compete with other listings, remain flexible about when you're available to show your home. One of those last-minute prospective buyers could become your buyer.
Make sure your home is ready for showing at all times. You never know when a prospective buyer will schedule a last-minute visit. You'll want to make sure your home is in the best possible shape before they arrive.
Otherwise, you'll end up scrambling to clean up. You might end up neglecting an essential detail as a result.
Make sure to never leave dirty dishes in the sink. The dishwasher should always remain empty, too. Check the kitchen counters for crumbs.
Remaining flexible about when you're available to show your home can maximize your opportunities. Otherwise, you might miss out on a big sale.
7. Spread the Word
One of the best-kept real estate secrets is using creative marketing strategies.
As technology continues to improve, new marketing methods are emerging, too. Knowing how to use these technologies to your advantage can help you make a sale. A professional Real Estate Agent will know how to use these tools.
First, make sure to utilize the power of social media marketing. Post your listing online using high-quality, eye-catching photos. You might want to work with a professional photographer (more on this below).
When you post about the listing on social media, make sure to highlight key features. What details might grab a prospective buyer's attention?
Using techniques beyond a sale sign in your yard can make a big difference.
For example, more people are using virtual tours. In the days of the COVID-19 quarantine, this is a great way to attract buyers without scheduling tours in-person.
8. Light It Up
The right lighting can make your home look warm and bright. Without natural light, however, rooms might look cramped and musty.
Start by opening your curtains, shades, and blinds. In darker rooms, turn the lights on. You might need to strategically place lamps or add extra light sources, too.
Make sure the curtains are open and lights are on, even if you leave your home for work. If a prospective buyer schedules a last-minute tour, you'll have everything ready for their arrival.
9. Hire a Professional Photographer
Oftentimes, photos are the first glimpse people have into your property. To shine your home in the best possible light, consider hiring a professional photographer. Make sure they get photos in and outside of your home.
You might also consider using video footage to show off your property. By 2020, real estate video will account for 22% of total drone usage. Drone videos can give prospective buyers a convenient tour while they remain at home.
10. Make Sure the Price is Right
When trying different strategies for selling your home, don't forget to consider the price.
An overpriced home will likely stay on the market longer. Pricing too low can leave money on the table. Make sure you know how much your home is worth. A professional Real Estate Agent will be able to work with you in determining the best price to list you home. They will compare your home to other homes on the market. That way, your price will be a price that remains competitive.
Sell Sooner Rather Than Later: Real Estate Strategies for a Faster Sale
Ready to sell your home quickly? Make sure to put these 10 real estate strategies to the test. By following these tips, you can show your home in the best possible light!
Want to work with an agent to sell your home quickly? Find an agent today!