Sell Your Home in Three Easy Steps

Whether you are upgrading into larger home, or downsizing into a smaller one, selling your current home – in addition to buying a new one – can be stressful and time-consuming. Finding the right buyer, at the right time, can be challenging, especially in a competitive market.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to improve the chance your home will sell quickly, and at the best possible price. Start by following these easy steps:

#1) Price your home to sell – Perhaps the single most important factor to consider when selling your home is the price tag. If you want to sell your home quickly, list it at the fair market value. Overpricing your home could cause poor early showings. Because consumer interest fades dramatically after three weeks, this could prolong the sale of your home. After four weeks, you may need to reconsider your price, and relist. If you price your home too low, don’t worry. Multiple offers usually cause the price of an undervalued home to increase until it reaches fair market value.

To determine the fair market value of your home:

Browse local real estate listings – Check the prices of homes sold in your neighborhood during the past six months. To get an idea of what your home is worth, look for those similar to yours in square footage, age, condition and amenities.

Ask your realtor for advice – Your real estate agent is the expert on the local market. Consider your realtor’s recommendations, insight and feedback before choosing a price.

Consider the current market conditions - In a buyer’s market, you may need to price your home more aggressively if you want to sell it quickly. In addition, sweetening the deal with perks, such as help with closing costs, may sell your home faster.

2) Find the right agent – If you want your home to sell quickly, then you will need a good real estate agent. Look for one that consistently outperforms others in your area, and has positive feedback from previous clients. In addition, it is important you feel comfortable with your agent. Interview a minimum of three real estate agents before you commit, and choose the one in which you are most confident.

3) Prepare your home for sale – Clean your home until it sparkles, and take the following steps before showing it to potential buyers to improve the chance it will sell quickly:

Add some curb appeal – Entice potential buyers to attend a showing by giving your home some extra curb appeal. Beautify your lawn and landscaping and make the outside of your home the prettiest on the block.

Stage the scene – The easier it is for a potential buyer to imagine living in your home, the faster it will sell. Unfortunately, this can be difficult for potential buyers if you leave personal items within view. Replace family portraits, photos and other trinkets with neutral items, like a vase of fresh flowers or piece of artwork. In addition, clear the clutter from your living spaces. Store unnecessary knickknacks, furniture and other items in a storage unit, if necessary, so potential buyers are not distracted or overwhelmed. In addition, make sure your closets and cabinets are organized, because potential buyers love to open doors.

Repair and refresh – Leaky faucets, loose railings, and other obvious minor flaws deter potential home buyers. If anything in your home needs repaired, fix it before you put your home on the market. Finally, give your rooms a touch-up. A fresh coat of neutral paint is an inexpensive investment that leaves a positive impression on a potential buyer.

Chances are, if you are selling your current home, you are looking to buy a new one. Estimate your monthly payments with this handy mortgage calculator, and then consider applying for a new home mortgage at a reputable financial institution like Nationwide Bank®. In addition to personal service, Nationwide Bank offers attractive interest rates and flexible terms, so you’ll pay less on what you borrow, and earn more on what you save.