20 Insider Tricks to Sell Your Home

When it’s time to sell your home, you want to get the best possible price in the least amount of time. Insiders know that there’s more to the process than simply listing your home, sticking a sign in the yard, and hoping the right buyer comes along. These 20 creative, outside-the-box tips will help you sell your home fast… and for the right price.

Marketing and Pricing

1. Pictures Matter. Over 90% of today’s home buyers start their search online (1). If you don’t present your home in an attractive light online, many buyers won’t bother to take a look in person! Posting at least six high-quality pictures is key — and more is better.

2. Create a Website. A dedicated website for your home doesn’t cost a lot, but can have a big impact. Use free online web-building platforms to create a simple, clean design that makes it easy for buyers to discover your home.

3. The Power of Video. Create a short video of home, showcasing it’s best points, and post it on You-Tube.

4. Social Media. Put the power of social media to work for you and promote your home on your Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts. Ask your friends to share, or purchase Facebook ads to increase your reach even further!

5. Up the Price. Though it may not seem intuitive, raising the price just a bit higher than other nearby homes  — just 10 to 20 percent more — may make it more competitive, according to research. (2)

6. Within the Range. Keep buyers’ search tactics in mind; choosing prices that  fall within common search ranges — such as $200,000 to $300,000 — will place your home within more search results.

7. Host a House Party. An open house party, that is! Take the standard open house showing a step further with catered food, music, drinks and fun.

Inside Your Home

 

8. It’s All About the Clutter. Or rather, the lack of it. Remove knick-knacks and other objects to create clear surfaces.

9. Empty Spaces. You may even want to take the de-cluttering a step further and rent a storage unit. As a general rule, try to move at least 30 percent of your stuff out of the house to create a clean slate.

10. Neutralise. Tone down the bright colours, especially on the walls, and bid the themed-rooms goodbye. Creating a neutral space makes it easier for buyers to picture themselves living in your home.

11. Depersonalise. Now’s not the time to display political posters or religious items. Put those family photos and heirlooms away, too.

12. Put the Pooch Away. Your dog is part of the family… but not everyone shares your love for pets. Hide evidence of your furry (or feathered friends) when your house is on the market.

13. Put the Toys Away. Same with the kids’ toys and artwork. It’s cute, but not everyone appreciates it, so stow the toys and crayon drawings.

14. Stage Rooms Correctly. When you’re staging your rooms, present them as they’re meant to be used. If you’re currently using your dining room as a home office, put the filing cabinet and desk chair away.

15. Little Touches. Touch up the trim, clean or replace the outlet plates, update the cabinet hardware… little, inexpensive touches go a long way toward modernising your home.

16. Leave a Note. Leave a personal note on the counter telling potential buyers all the things you love about your home and the neighbourhood.

Outside Your Home

 

17. Power Clean. If you don’t want to invest in a new coat of exterior paint, give your siding (and sidewalks) a deep cleaning with a power washer.

18. Readable House Numbers. Spend a few dollars on large, easy-to-read house numbers. Not only will they look cute, but they’ll make your home easy to find.

19. Colourful flowers. Fill your beds or pots with flowers and create cheerful, colourful curb appeal.

20. Welcome. Transform your front porch or stoop with a fresh new door mat, a pot of flowers, and a bright overhead light.

These tips will help you create a welcoming atmosphere to entice potential buyers.

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