7 Tips for Selling Your Home in a Tough Market

In today’s economy, selling a home is no easy task.

In today’s economy, selling a home is no easy task. Even selling just one home in a neighborhood can be difficult, so it goes without saying that selling a house in a neighborhood littered with multiple “for sale” signs can be extremely challenging. Not only is there lots of inventory in this crowded market, prices are also lower and buyers are having a harder time qualifying for loans. But just because there are many homes for sale right now doesn’t necessarily mean that you will not be able to sell yours. Here are 7 tips that will help boost your odds

1.     Hire a professional

When the market is down, avoid trying to sell your house in Columbus, Ohio on your own because it is tough to attract buyers and negotiate one-on-one with people when they think they hold an advantage. An experienced real estate agent or broker can help you sell your home by figuring out the right price, marketing your listing, running open houses, and haggling with buyers.

2.     Boost your home’s curb appeal

Most people won’t consider buying a home if it looks like it is in rough shape or in need of repair. It is essential to create a good first impression by making the exterior of your home look good to buyers because when your property is advertised, its exterior will be displayed before its interior. Keep your garden neat, paint your home’s front door and fence, wash the windows, and hire a landscaper. In addition, remove trashcans, dumpsters, and other unsightly items from your front yard. Strive to make your home look like a model home.

3.     Underprice your home by 10%

There are a high number of foreclosures and short sales these days, so your price has to be competitive with them if you want it to be shown. Price your home lower than others listed for sale in your neighborhood or area. If your home seems like a bargain, it will attract more buyers. A home that is priced right could sell in a matter of days rather than in months, which is what it often takes.

4.     Don’t let your listing become stale

If your house or condo in Columbus, Ohio sits on the market for a while, people might start to wonder why it isn’t selling and think something is wrong with the property. If you put your house on the market and it doesn’t sell within 90 days, take it off the market and list it again at a later date to prevent your listing from getting stale.

5.     Give buyers easy access to your home

Be prepared to show your home to buyers quickly – don’t make them jump through hoops to see it. People who happen to pass through your neighborhood or go there to look at other homes for sale might see the “for sale” sign in your yard and ask to see the property on the spot. Making your home accessible to prospective buyers can increase the number of impulse showings. On the other hand, restricting hours for showings could cost you potential buyers.

6.     Stage your home

Stage your home, or in other words, decorate it in a way that appeals to prospective buyers. Avoid leaving your house empty because you want visitors to fall in love with your home and picture themselves living in it. Remove personal items, like family photos and your kids’ trophies, so you don’t distract buyers from visualizing the home as their own. Staging your home properly can make it stand out from other houses in the neighborhood.

7.     Clear out your house prior to listing it

Rent out storage units and de-clutter your home prior to listing it. If you get at least half the stuff out of your house before showing it, your home will look bigger and less crowded to prospective buyers.

Rockford Homes is a premier Columbus, OH homebuilder. Let us build the perfect home for you and your family in Central Ohio. Contact us today for more information about our single-family homes and condominiums in Columbus, Hilliard, Delaware, Circleville, Grove City, Lancaster, and beyond.

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