When browsing through classifieds, you probably noticed that one house that just won’t sell for long months. You can take a look at it and even see it’s uniquely designed and furnished, but the owner still doesn’t get an offer.
But have you ever wondered why that happens? It can always be attributed to the price being too high, but there’s actually much more to that.
So, if you are planning to sell your house in the future, it’s worth knowing what factors affect the speed of a home selling process. For instance, curb appeal and photos you use to showcase your house are the first points of contact with potential buyers, so you should stage rooms and closets to make the best impression.
Other factors affecting the speed of selling are energy efficiency, the neighborhood, local schools, and other amenities nearby.
If you want to sell your house fast, make sure you score high in all those aspects – and the article below will help you with that. Read on!
Curb appeal
Curb appeal is probably the number one factor that can make or break a sale – which is all about first impressions.
When you look at a photo of a house, you make a subconscious judgment about it. If you don’t like what you see, you look at the price and then decide if it’s worth checking out in person.
In the end, unless you are looking for a complete remodeling project, you want your future home to be well presented.
The same goes for photos, as even the most luxurious apartment won’t sell well if the pictures are poorly conceived. Make sure to present your home in its best light, with a clean and tidy yard and manicured lawn.
In other words, try to make it look like a home that is cared for, not one that’s just waiting to be sold.
Move-in condition
The longer you live in your house, the more stuff and clutter you have.
Rummage through boxes and get rid of all the unnecessary clutter, whether that’s old clothes and shoes, chipped dishes, or even broken toys.
If your wardrobe is overflowing with clothes, declutter your closet and organize it into a smaller space. If you have too much furniture, sell or donate what you don’t need.
However, making sure your home is in move-in condition doesn’t just refer to getting rid of unnecessary stuff. It’s also about tidying wardrobes, shelves, and the like so that they look clean and fresh to the potential buyers.
Reorganizing furniture in a way that makes the most of a room’s space is helpful too.
Apart from that, fix up minor scratches or cracks in your walls and ceilings, repair damaged floors, check if garage door torsion springs are not broken, fix any leaks, and attend to any other damage you might have around the house that doesn’t require professional help.
While not that important, such small details can make a big difference in the way the buyers see your house.
Location, location, location
Not every factor is within your control, and the location of the house you want to sell is one of them. First, look at the neighborhood. Is it in a quiet area? Or is it surrounded by noise, traffic, and other rowdy neighbors?
It’s safe to assume that everyone wants a house in a peaceful area, but this often means sacrificing other things, like the quality of local schools, shops, and other basic amenities.
Everyone has their preference, so there’s no silver bullet to this. However, when selling your house, always use the location to your advantage.
If you have a house in a great, quiet neighborhood, highlight it in your ad. But if you live in a bustling area with countless facilities, mention them all.
Those who want to buy a house in your area will notice that and get convinced it’s the right place for them to live, and you won’t waste your time on the rest.
Energy efficiency and features
While you can’t do much about it if your house is situated in a noisy area, you can make it on par with other modern houses regarding energy efficiency and other features. With the prices of electricity, gas, and water rising, it makes sense to configure the house in a way that it’s as energy-efficient as possible.
Insulating windows, installing solar panels, and even installing a tankless water heater are just some of the ways to reduce bills.
You should offer an upgrade for your potential buyers. This is where features like smart thermostats, automated light switches, and security cameras come into play.
On the one hand, they make life easier and increase the comfort of living in the house. On the other hand, they can be a great selling point, especially for people interested in technology.
Adequate pricing
Finally, no matter how good your house looks and how much attention to detail you put into preparing it for sale, you won’t get a buyer unless the price is right.
After all, why would someone pay more for something that is worth less?
A common strategy is to first list a house for higher than what you are willing to sell it for. In hopes of getting more money, potential buyers will offer less, so you can always go with their offer and get the price you actually want.
However, a price too high may put potential buyers off, as they see it as an investment that’s not worth it. If you want to sell your house fast, make sure you value it at the right price.
You can estimate how much your house is worth by looking at similar properties in your area and examining the prices they command.
Keep in mind that there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for pricing houses, so you have to find the right balance between your desirable price and the potential buyer’s budget.
In conclusion…
Many factors can influence the speed at which your house sells. The most important ones are curb appeal, move-in condition, location, energy efficiency, and pricing. As a rule of thumb, you can always try to do better in each aspect. That will ensure you get the value your house deserves.
The key to selling your house fast is to make it look appealing. Take photos that showcase your home and make it look as good as possible. All these small details can make a big difference! And when setting the price, keep the location and features your house offers in mind. So, if you want to sell your house fast, follow the tips above, and you should be fine! Good luck!
