Winter caused a great dip in home sales in general because most buyers would not be going house hunting in the snow. Sellers also like to put their houses up on sale come spring because they want to take advantage of higher prices due to greater buyers' demand compared to limited supply.
However, Bankrate reports that even if this is the sellers' market, buyers still look after the good deals. Here are 5 tips on how to sell your house this spring:
1. Set a Reasonable Price
Lynn Findlay, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Belmont, Massachusetts, informs Bankrate that sellers posting overpriced homes are at a disadvantage. "We're seeing competing offers for some homes," Findlay says, and those houses who take advantage of the situation and setting higher prices "aren't selling at all."
Glen Gill, broker and owner at Landmark Properties in Sugar Land, Texas, tells Bankrate that location, condition and price are 3 factors determine if your house will sell. "If one of those three isn't good, your home may not sell," Gill says.
However, Bankrate notes a seller can compensate for the lack of a good location. Gill says, a seller can improve his chance " for a less-than-perfect location with a better price."
It would be wise for you to scan your area and compare your price with those houses being sold with the same features as yours. Knowing is half the battle, so to speak.
2. Clean and Declutter
Improve on your home's condition by making it presentable. Get rid of anything that will distract your would-be-buyers' attention. Throw that broken vase in that corner. When did you last clean the carpet? Open house season is like the job interview for your house. Make it look smart and a good candidate to pick.
Remember, even if you have a nice home to offer, but with these clutter, several thoughts may be playing in your prospects' minds right now---"If they cannot clean those things, I wonder what other problems this house has that we don't see."
3. Fix and Freshen Up
Before selling your house, check if all the necessary repairs have been done. As reported in Realty Today, we suggest that you focus on non-working light bulbs, roof leaks,stained walls and ceilings, broken cabinets and exterior repairs. Place yourself in your buyer's shoes. Would you buy a house with so many things to repair?
It's a new season so decorate your home for a fresh look. Get rid of those drying plants. Plant new ones if necessary. Mow your lawn diagonally to make it appear larger, says About Home.
According to Bankrate, Gill recommends cleaning and painting the front door because buyers stay some time outside the door and observe it while they wait for the agent or sellers to open up.
Even CNBC'c Diance Click suggests it in a video report and says that having a new door is a cheap investment but offers a high return.
4. Depersonalize and Reorganize
Diana Click advices you to "depersonalize," as seen in the CNBC's video. She says that you need to put down those personal frames with the pictures of your family members and replace them with "neutral pictures." They may be photos of farm animals, flowers or even tourist spots. That way, their thoughts and attention would also not deviate from their goal of buying this house.
If you feel that your living room is somehow "empty," reorganize and put in some decors to make it more appealing and homey.
5. Check the Ambiance
Diana Click says, "Keep your rooms cool."
You got lovely decors and a clean house, but the buyer decides to leave in a heartbeat. Sounds familiar? You must have overlooked the ambiance. Be sure that your clients feel comfortable in your house, After all, it is that comfort of a home you are selling, nothing else!
