If you sell your house while the real estate market is favorable for sellers, it can be rewarding. With record low housing inventory and median prices surging in Wisconsin, many homeowners have been considering cashing in. If you have been pondering the idea of putting your house up for sale, here are 10 tips to help maximize how much money you sell for.
1. CONSIDER GETTING A PRE-HOME INSPECTION BEFORE YOU SELL YOUR HOUSE.
Things that come up in a home inspection can give buyers re-negotiation leverage and/or delay closing. The age and location of your home are a couple of factors that may help you decide if this step is necessary. It is also a good idea to consult with your realtor for their advice. (Word of caution: anything discovered by your inspector will likely need to be disclosed, regardless if you remedy the issue or not).
2. BE PREPARED FOR SHOWINGS WHEN YOU’RE READY TO SELL YOUR HOUSE.
You only have one chance to make a great first impression to potential buyers. To make it easier on yourself when it comes time for a showing, consider:
- Putting things away immediately after using them.
- If you have kids, only keep out a few of their favorite toys and store away the rest. You can always rotate which ones are kept out.
- Remove pets. To help keep your home clean and easy to show, ask a friend or family member you trust, to take in your pet while you try to sell. If this is not an option, try to make an effort to remove your pets during showings.
3. STAGE YOUR HOUSE TO GIVE EVERY ROOM A PURPOSE.
Show potential buyers what a room could be used for, by staging furniture to give each room a purpose. Convert that room used as a dumping ground for your extra stuff, into spaces such as a:
- Home office.
- Reading nook.
- Hobby or craft room.
- Additional bedroom.
4. LIST THE EXTRAS.
When you sell your house, tell buyers about the extras your house offers to help you gain an advantage over your competition. Those small details can provide reassurance to buyers and perceived as added bonuses. Features such as a security system, motion-sensitive exterior lighting, reverse osmosis system, or even an extra-large garage can be unobserved or overlooked.
5. DESCRIBE YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD’S CULTURE.
Another strategy to try when selling your house, is to reveal what your home’s photos don’t, such as your neighborhood’s culture. Pointing out perks such as being in close proximity to amenities and recreational trails, having easy access to major roadways for commuting, and that the neighborhood’s low traffic streets are ideal for dog walking, can all help convince buyers that your location is on target with their needs and wants.
6. UPDATE YOUR KITCHEN.
A few budget friendly changes can help modernize your kitchen, and make it more appealing to potential buyers. Some easy updates include:
- Paint kitchen cabinets and update the hardware.
- Add a contemporary kitchen sink faucet.
7. UPDATE YOUR BATHROOM TOO.
Bathrooms and kitchens are the spaces most buyers pay particular attention to in a house. If your bathroom is outdated (such as having pink or green tile still), a cost-effective way to freshen up the look is to re-glaze the tiles. If your bathroom is on the small side, re-glazing tiles white can help make the space feel more spacious. Adding a new sink faucet and updating cabinetry can also help modernize your bathroom.
8. RISE ABOVE YOUR PRIDE AND PRICE IT RIGHT.
Strategically price your house to get the best price. After all, multiple price reductions on an overpriced home can make potential buyers skeptical and prompt them to write low offers. An aggressively priced home can help get more buyers through your house, which can ultimately lead to a bidding war that drives up the final sales price. A comparative market analysis by a local realtor, can help determine the best list price for your home.
9. WORK WITH A REALTOR®.
Selling your house is one of the most important financial transactions you will make, and involves many moving parts. Having a professional, local realtor on your team can help minimize your stress and set you up for success. A seasoned realtor will have the experience and knowledge, not to mention the resources to get you to a successful closing smoothly.
10. TIME IT RIGHT.
Beat the rush of more homes hitting the market in spring and summer by selling your home ahead of the spring real estate market or in early spring. Benefits of getting ahead include:
- Less competition with other home sellers.
- Your house will stand out more to buyers.
- Increased chances of multiple buyers bidding on your house.
- More power when it comes to negotiating terms with buyers.
The low number of houses for sale in Oconomowoc and Lake Country area, in addition to solid buyer demand has created strong upwards pressure on housing prices. It’s still a strong seller’s market making now an excellent time to sell.
To request a complimentary comparative market analysis for your home or to speak with a realtor about starting the process, contact your local realtors at Oconomowoc Realty: 262-567-3611 or send us an email: info@oconomowocrealty.com.
To hear what others have said about working with us, check out our Testimonials page.
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