One of the questions we get most often from sellers is, “How long will it take to sell my house?” While this is true in normal times, it’s even truer now. Sellers want to have some idea of how long the home-selling process is going to take, beginning with how long the house will be on the market. Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening in the market today and what steps you can take to get a great offer sooner.
Homes are flying off the shelves
According the National Association of Realtors (NAR) August 2020 Confidence Index, homes typically sold in 22 days in August. In addition, 68 percent of homes were on the market for less than a month. This is a record-breaking timetable. Buyers are eager to find a home and put in an offer, especially because there is currently a huge shortage of inventory. Simply put, in today’s market you can expect to move from listing to pending sale in less than a month. There has never been a better time in recent history to sell your home.
Set a realistic asking price
Just because we’re in a sellers’ market doesn’t mean that you can set an unrealistically high price on your home. Pricing your home right from the beginning is key in getting an offer quickly. Work with an agent who has experience in your market to help determine the best asking price for your home. When you overprice your home, it can sit on the market for too long. This can lead buyers to think there’s something wrong with it. Setting the right price is key.
Make it sparkle
Being in a sellers’ market also doesn’t mean you can get lazy about showing your home. You need to make it sparkle! First, pack up your extra belongings and large pieces of furniture and keep them in storage. Include anything that is personal, such as framed photographs of family or décor from a specific sports team. Organize what’s left, keeping in mind that buyers will be looking in drawers and closets so they need to be tidy. Once you’re organized it’s time to clean every room in your house. This includes places you tend to neglect, such as baseboards, windows, kitchen cabinets, and floors. If you’re short on time, then consider hiring professional cleaners.
Address minor repairs
In addition to cleaning and de-cluttering, you should attend to minor repairs. This includes patching drywall, touching-up paint, repairing loose doorknobs, and tightening leaky faucets. You should also consider giving rooms a fresh coat of neutral paint, installing new hardware in bathrooms and kitchens, and upgrading lighting fixtures. These small repairs can go a long way.
Stage and add curb appeal
More and more buyers are doing their preliminary shopping online. Make your home stand out amongst the competition by staging it to sell. Determine what the best feature is of each room and stage your furniture and décor to highlight it. You could also hire a professional stager who will bring in new furniture and décor to make your home look polished. Give some attention to the outside of your home as well. Clean up the yard, replace broken lights, and add some seasonal décor.
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