Selling your home is no easy task. From choosing a listing price to taking the best photos and completing all the necessary paperwork, a home sale is one of the most stressful events in any person’s life. That’s why most homeowners hire an estate agent to help manage all the minor details — including marketing. In most cases, displaying a “For Sale” sign on your front yard simply isn’t enough, especially in today’s digital world where most shoppers are searching online.
Are you trying to sell your property but need help getting the word out? Keep reading for some useful tips and tricks when it comes to marketing your home for sale, with or without an estate agent.
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1. Perform Needed Renovations
Source: blacklinerenovations.com
Before you can market your home for sale, you need to fix both major and minor renovations. While most sales don’t require an entire home makeover, a few cosmetic adjustments and upgrades can work wonders for both the listing price and overall appeal. Take a quick walkthrough of your home and make note of any imperfections. Try to be objective and think like an impartial buyer.
Be mindful of how many upgrades you make. Certain renovations have a better ROI than others. Avoid overspending on home improvements that will impact your bottom line. Little changes like new light and plumbing fixtures and a fresh coat of paint can do wonders for your home’s appearance and your listing price. All of these changes will also come in handy when it comes time to photograph and show your home (more on this in a minute).
Preparing your home for sale isn’t all about adding new features. In some cases, minimalism is best. Before you list your home or schedule any viewings, remove personal items and clutter. Staging your home for sale is about helping potential buyers imagine themselves living in your house. That’s kind of hard to do when your walls are covered with family portraits or they’re tripping over toys in the living room. Remember, sometimes, less is more.
2. Don’t Neglect Curb Appeal
The first thing potential buyers will see is the outside of your home so be sure to give your property’s exterior a little TLC. Fix any cracks or holes in the driveway or walkway, if applicable. Not only are these imperfections unsightly but they could create a safety hazard. The same goes for any steps, railings, or fencing on your property. Replace broken or loose pieces.
Paint is important both in and outside your home. Give your front door a fresh coat of paint and address any paint that’s peeling or chipping. If your home has vinyl siding, you may want to consider having it power washed before you list your home for sale. Even if you don’t have a green thumb, make sure your landscaping is up to par. This includes a nicely mowed lawn, brightly colored flowers, and removing all junk or clutter. You want to make a good first impression when marketing your home and that starts from the moment a potential buyer passes by.
3. Hire an Estate Agent
Source: residentialrealtors.co.uk
Even if you perform all the necessary home repairs and your property is in pristine condition, if no one knows it’s on the market, you’ll have a difficult time selling it. This is where hiring an estate agent comes into play. Estate agents not only have market insight and experience but they often have access to resources and professionals that you don’t.
Estate agent marketing is calculated and vast. The agent you hire will perform a market analysis to determine what other properties comparable to yours are listed for or recently sold for. This will help you choose a reasonable listing price. They will also manage all inquiries and viewings. The biggest benefit to hiring an estate agent is that they will market your property on popular online portals including Rightmove and Zoopla. Here, your listing will get thousands of views, greatly increasing your odds of landing a sale. Some estate agents will also provide you a sale board for your property, attracting even more visibility and prospects.
4. Take Attractive Pictures
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. When it comes to selling your home, the photos you take and post can be the difference between a bidding war and no offers. Don’t leave these important photographs to chance. Skip snapping pics on your smartphone, and let your estate agent or a professional photographer handle this part of the marketing process.
Not only do professional photographs have high-tech equipment that will capture the true beauty of your home, but the right techniques and angles to make your home look its best. Do your part by reducing clutter and leaving each room as clean and clear as possible. Sites like Rentround can help you find and compare estate agents so you can find one that offers photography as a service.
5. Offer Open Houses and Virtual Tours
Source: rismedia.com
Now that your home is clean and ready for the world to see, you can offer virtual house tours and in-person open houses. Similar to the photographs you take, you’ll want to hire a professional to film a video walkthrough. Many online listings include these types of virtual tours to give potential buyers a more thorough and realistic view of the home. These are especially popular in light of the recent pandemic.
If you, your agent, and the prospective buyers are comfortable, you can also host an open house or in-person viewing. Open houses give passersby and anyone interested in your home a chance to view the property in person. Now, they can see the type of street you live on, how close your home is to neighbors, and if those gorgeous photographs they viewed online accurately depict the house. You may even get an offer on your home during an open house! Keep in mind that most buyers prefer to view a property without the homeowner present, which is one more reason to hire an estate agent to handle these particulars.
6. Leave Your Home Sale to the Professionals
While some homeowners are tempted to skip the realtor fees and try the “for sale by owner” route, this may hurt your marketing efforts. Not only do independent sellers often lack the skill and experience needed to land a solid offer, but they don’t have access to the same pool of resources as professionals in the field do.
If you want to sell your home quickly and for your asking price (or higher), it may be in your best interest to hire a qualified local estate agent. With a little research, you’re sure to find an agent that fits your needs and budget.
