If you're considering putting your home on the market, we've got 7 tips to help you sell your home quickly and at the best possible value. The supply of homes on the market in Northern Colorado is high and values have obviously decreased, so you want to make sure that your home stands out in the crowd. Here's what we recommend:
1. Be realistic about the price. Be thorough in your research for determining the value of your home. Many real estate Brokers offer free comparative market analyses so take advantage of this service and get at least 3 comparisons. Search online for active listings in your neighborhood and surrounding areas on sites such as Zillow and Trulia to see where competing homes are priced. Real Estate Value Maps are also helpful.
2. Make a good first impression. Many buyers can drive by a home and determine if it's the right fit for their needs and wants. Tidy up the yard and clean the exterior of the home itself (siding, windows, doors). Make sure your roof and gutters are in good repair.
3. Pre-inspect the home. Having a recent, professional home inspection report on the kitchen table when a buyer views the home does wonders to insure confidence in them that you are offering a sound investment. Hire a certified home inspector.
4. Pay attention to minor details. Finish all of those small projects you've been waiting to complete: paint touch up, clean windows, de-clutter, fix broken windows, appliances, fixtures, etc. You can save money with DIY projects.
5. Leave the home for showings. There's nothing that turns off a buyer more than the seller being present when they are previewing the home. It's uncomfortable for them because they want to get an unbiased opinion of your home and may feel intimidated and unable to make their own assessment. Take your pets with you as well.
6. Create a personality for your home with online marketing. The opportunities for marketing your home with social media and the internet are endless and it is imperative to utilize these tools in today's market. Before hiring a real estate professional to assist you in selling your home, ask them how they plan to market your property online. At the very minimum, they should be marketing your property on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Trulia, Zillow, Google Base, Homes.com, Realbird.com, and Craigslist.
7. Don't spend too much money updating your home. In a market where foreclosures are prevalent and values are declining, it becomes very difficult to recoup investments for remodeling a home. Remember that although you want your home to stand out in the crowd, it needs to be priced to compete with current market values. Positive updates would include a high efficiency furnace and/or water heater, kitchen appliances, landscaping and flooring if needed.
As with anything, knowledge and persistence is key. Making informed decisions, especially when selling a home, will create positive results.
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