Putting a home on the market can be a very tall order. From setting the right price to building an effective marketing strategy, there are many steps on the road to a successful sale. Fortunately, there are some strategies you can use to navigate them smoothly—and walk away with more money in your pocket.
If you’re starting the process of selling your home, here are five tips you can try to boost your return…
1) Price competitively
A higher listing price won’t necessarily translate to better offers. The truth is, asking for an amount that far exceeds what your home is worth could turn off potential buyers. That could leave your property sitting on the market for a while, at which point you may have to drop your price.
Pricing competitively based on local real estate data will serve you better. In a hot market, it could even stir up multiple offers! Your agent can help you settle on a number that’s both appealing to buyers and fair to you.
Knowing the market will help you find the right price, and a lot has changed! Our recent posts will help bring you up to date:
- Will the Peterborough Real Estate Market Ever Get Back to Normal?
- Will the Latest Interest Rate Hike Help or Hurt Peterborough?
- Why Peterborough Investors Don’t Have to Worry Now
2) Make key improvements
If you’re looking to boost your home’s appeal and your potential return, making some simple upgrades could be the key to success. The first step is understanding where there’s room for improvement.
It’s important to remember that some minor repair and remodelling efforts are more worthwhile than others. For example, replacing worn-out siding and refacing old-fashioned kitchen cabinets can positively impact your bottom line. An experienced agent will know which enhancements have true potential.
3) Stage to perfection
There’s no doubt about it. Staged homes tend to sell quicker and for more money than properties that don’t undergo the same treatment. Unfortunately, many sellers don’t understand the full value of staging.
From the ideal shade of paint to the right pieces of furniture, all of the choices made by a professional stager will contribute to your property’s aesthetic. It’s all about expanding your buyer pool as much as possible—which means keeping it relatively neutral without sacrificing visual interest.
4) Market to your ideal buyer
When it comes to spreading the word, targeting the right home hunters will improve your chances of success. Whether it’s growing families, young professionals, or older adults who are ready to downsize, your marketing efforts should be tailored to your most likely buyers.
Your agent can help ensure that all of your materials, from beautiful postcards to impactful social media posts, speak directly to your target audience. From copy to photos and design, every element should come together to make an impact.
5) Remember curb appeal
Whether it’s the first day of spring or the dead of winter, ensuring that your home makes a great first impression is crucial. In most cases, that means giving the exterior a little TLC.
If it’s warm outside, your lawn should be healthy and trimmed. Details such as colourful planters and sleek house numbers can add a bit of polish—and welcome potential buyers inside.
In the winter, shovelling and deicing are crucial (these steps can prevent safety hazards in addition to keeping your home looking its best). Don’t underestimate the power of an elegant holiday wreath!
Ready to put your home on the market? We’d love to help—get in touch to learn more about our selling process!
