When choosing to sell a house in Houston or surrounding cities, you’ll likely want the process to take as little time as possible. After all, time is money, right? The longer it takes to sell, the more it ends up costing you in the long run. Utility bills, taxes, and insurance payments only stop once the sale is finalized.
Statistically, the longer your home is listed, the less likely you are to get your asking price. To get the highest return on your Houston house, sell it quickly! In our latest post, check out our…
5 proven tips to sell your home faster in Houston!
Get Rid of Your Stuff
Seriously. You’re going to be moving into a new home anyway, so pack up now. Before you list, advertise, or have a single showing, box up and store EVERYTHING that isn’t vital. People viewing your home will consciously (or subconsciously) be distracted by clutter and items that appear too personal in a home. They will feel as if they are intruding on your space, and will never fully be able to picture themselves living in the house. (Which is what you ultimately want.) As far as decor, keep it neutral. Consider hiring a professional stager to add the right touches to your house. Most times it is less is the best concept. The fewer things filling up the room make it look more spacious.
Great Photos
The majority of people are shopping online for their next home. That means you have to stand out of the virtual crowd and have to capture their attention in only a matter of seconds. People will scroll right past a house with bad or sub-par photos. The pictures you use in your ad should present the house in the best possible light. They MUST be clear and show important parts of the house. Consider renting a wide angle lens, or hiring a professional to help you get the right shots. Any fees you encounter are well worth it in the end. It is proven people with awesome pictures get their asking price every time ( if the asking price is within the market norm).
Curb Appeal
They say, whether the buyer knows it or not, they decide right away if they will make an offer on a home. What potential buyers see as they are pulling up to the house, will set the overall tone of the showing. Unlike many other home improvements, curb appeal can usually be done at a low cost.
- Clean up and weed the garden/lawn
- Plant some flowers
- New hardware such as mailbox, address numbers and door handles
- Fresh coat of paint on the door
- New doormat
Remember First impressions are the biggest thing to overcome. You only have one shot for them to see your house. So start it off right!
Price it Right
From day 1 your home needs to be priced correctly. A great agent will be able to help advise you, however you should do a bit of homework on your own. What are other houses in the neighborhood actually selling for? Run some comps on places like Zillow or realtor.com and don’t price too high. Many people go for the highest imaginable price, hoping to snag a buyer that won’t ask for too much off their price. However, most of the time, this only leads to impending price cuts and long days on the market. And while you are finagling with price, your listing is dropping further and further down the line. In addition, repetitive price drops will make you look desperate or give the impression that there is something wrong with the house. By starting off with a well-researched price, you will be able to hit the market and be competitive with other listings in your area.
Highlight Your Neighborhood
When a person buys a home, they aren’t just buying the structure, they are buying the location and lifestyle. Showcase ALL of the things that make your neighborhood unique and inviting. Put together a ” Meet the neighborhood packet” to give to people viewing your house. Include information about area activities, Area group, restaurants and commute times. Also let them know about parks, lakes, and anything you love about the area yourself. It is also important to list the schools and their ratings. many people have kids and want to know how your area compares to the rest. Is the neighborhood tightly knit? Block parties and holiday events? Make sure to highlight them as well! Most people are looking for a great home in a wonderful area with a great atmosphere. Highlighting the area can be just as important as highlighting the home itself!