How to Sell a House
Do you want some of the best advice on how to sell a home? Who wouldn’t?
Selling your home will take some work, but just because it will take effort does not mean it needs to be any more complex than necessary.
By being smart about how you use your time and energy, you can smooth the way for a sale that satisfies your goals and lets you realize your property’s full potential.
Below, you will learn some of the best advice for selling a home. These home-selling tips include pre-sale preparation for your home’s interior and exterior.
The following tips are tried and true – ways to make selling more manageable and even more profitable. Try a few out, or if you are a real go-getter, all of them! You are sure to see some benefits if you do.
Be sure to check out the link above, which offers tremendous home-selling advice, including tips on picking a top Real Estate agent, pricing the home correctly, addressing needed repairs, and avoiding getting hung up on the small stuff.
You will sell your house faster by following the advice.
From three decades experience with selling homes, the advice will help to maximize the sale price of your property. You should expect to sell in a timely fashion with the least trouble.
For first time home sellers, following sensible advice will put you in prime position to move onto your next home.
Let’s examine what to do before selling your house in depth. Enjoy these best tips for selling a home!
Fun Facts and Statistics About House Sales
1. Curb appeal plays a crucial role in attracting potential buyers.
2. Properly staging your home can help showcase its best features.
3. Setting the right price is essential for a successful sale.
4. Hiring a reputable real estate agent can simplify the selling process.
5. Preparing your home for showings and keeping it clean and tidy are important ways to make a positive impression on buyers.
6. Homes that are adequately staged sell 50% faster than those that are not.
7. Including high-resolution professional photos in the listing can increase the selling price by up to 15%.
8. Houses listed on Thursdays sell 20% faster than houses listed on other days.
9. Curb appeal can increase the value of a home by as much as 12%.
10. Homeowners who invest in kitchen renovations typically recoup 80-85% of the cost when selling their house.
Selling Your Home – 15 Tips You Can Use
Let’s examine some of what it takes to have an outstanding home-selling experience.
1. Take Care of Your Landscape.
As the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.
One of the first things you should add to your checklist for getting your house ready is the exterior. Some of the first things buyers will notice as they pull up to your home are the landscape – lawn, plants, flowerbeds, etc.
Curb appeal plays a pivotal role in the home-selling process. It’s the first impression a potential buyer has of a property. Its importance cannot be overstated, as it sets the tone for the entire viewing experience. Exterior appeal can significantly impact a buyer’s perception and decision-making process.
Now, you don’t have to be extravagant, install a fountain, or hire a professional. You need to tidy up and ensure things look neat and presentable.
Mow the lawn, trim your bushes, and buy a few bags of mulch to add to the flower beds to tie things together. In real estate sales, first impressions count. This is one of the simple improvements that will increase home value. Make it count!
An appealing exterior can create a positive, welcoming feeling. Many buyers I’ve worked with have told me it encourages them to envision themselves living in the home.
Impact on Property Value
Enhancing curb appeal will contribute to the perceived value of the property. Well-maintained exteriors, fresh landscaping, and a clean facade suggest that the property is cared for. From years of experience selling homes, this will translate to a higher asking price.
It’s a relatively cost-effective way to increase the attractiveness of a home compared to major renovations or upgrades.
Quick Fixes Can Make a Big Difference
Improving curb appeal doesn’t necessarily require a significant investment. Simple measures like power washing the exterior, painting the front door, maintaining the lawn, and adding a few strategic plantings can significantly improve a home’s appearance and appeal to potential buyers.
You Can Create an Emotional Connection
Many people make emotional decisions when buying a home. A well-presented exterior can help forge an emotional connection, making it easier for buyers to imagine themselves living in the space.
This connection can be a powerful motivator in the purchasing process. It often influences buyers to choose one property over another.
2. Remove Clutter.
One of the most cost-effective home selling tips is to make your home clutter-free! You want to maximize the perceived space in the home. The more clutter, the more uncomfortable things will feel. Go through everything and clear out all the non-essentials.
Decluttering is critical in preparing a house for sale, as it directly impacts a potential buyer’s perception of the property. I know it can influence their decision-making process, as I have seen it firsthand.
The importance of decluttering can be seen from several perspectives:
Enhances Aesthetic Appeal
A clutter-free home appears cleaner, more spacious, and more inviting. It allows potential buyers to focus on the property rather than being distracted by personal items and clutter.
This improved aesthetic appeal can make a solid first impression. This has been shown time and again to be crucial in home selling.
Showcases the Space
Decluttering helps to highlight the actual size and layout of the rooms. It allows buyers to accurately assess the space and envision their belongings in the home.
For first-time sellers, it is essential to understand that a cluttered home will negatively impact photos and virtual tours. It will make rooms feel smaller and less appealing.
One of the things I always do for my seller clients is giving them tips on showcasing their space better. Many of my friends in the real estate industry provide the same services.
Chris and Karen Highland, Realtors with eXp Realty in Frederick, Maryland, advocate for staging. Karen mentioned that one of the services she provides to her clients is a property walkthrough that offers staging tips.
Bill, as you know it is so crucial to set the stage for a positive atmosphere during a showing. The better our clients property shows the quicker it will sell. It is a win-win for all parties involved in the transaction. I love providing this guidance as I can see the positive end result. Sellers that follow my lead end up being satisfied with my advice being part of their success.
Facilitates Emotional Connection
Buyers want to imagine themselves living in the space. Cluttered homes with too much “stuff” make this challenging and can hinder their visualization.
A decluttered space provides a more neutral backdrop. This makes it easier for buyers who have a challenging time visualizing. They can picture themselves and their lifestyle working for the home.
Indicates Well-Maintained Property
A clean and organized home suggests that the property has been well-maintained. Buyers are more likely to assume that if the visible areas are in good order, the less visible aspects, such as plumbing and electrical systems, have also been well cared for.
I know my clients have felt better about purchasing homes where pride of ownership exists.
Speeds Up the Sale Process
Homes that are decluttered always sell faster than those that are not. A clutter-free environment is more appealing for listing photos and during showings. It attracts more interest and potentially leads to quicker offers from buyers.
Most buyers today want to move into a property that doesn’t need immediate clean-up or repairs.
What You Can Do:
Donate to Charity
One of the better ways of getting your home ready to list is having a donation pick-up. Numerous charities will come to your house and take the stuff away you no longer want for FREE!
Rent Storage Space if You Need to
Even if you don’t feel like sorting all your stuff, you should put things away where buyers won’t be looking—so no cramming stuff into closets or the garage. Rent a storage space if you need to.
You can search online for storage facilities near you to see where it will be most convenient to store your things.
A cluttered home can make your home feel a lot smaller than it is. This is not good when trying to get the most out of your sale. Today’s buyers like bright open spaces unfettered by an abundance of someone’s personal property.
Keep in mind that a significant percentage of the population lacks vision. Make things easier on the buyer by giving them something they can visualize. Look at some top tips for clearing the clutter when selling your home.
One of the things that will help sell a house fast is an uncrowded, clean space. It is all about a buyer seeing themselves in your home.
3. Paint Your Interior if it Needs it.
A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a house’s interior. I have experienced this countless times. Painting makes the rooms look cleaner, brighter, and more inviting. This freshness can help create a positive first impression during showings and in photographs used for online listings.
Dark, dreary colors can shrink the perception of space. Old, stained paint makes rooms look depressing. By painting with contemporary colors and ideally with a bit of insight from a knowledgeable Real Estate agent or interior designer, you can change the whole feel of your home.
Choosing neutral paint colors can help depersonalize the home. It allows potential buyers to envision themselves living there. Neutral colors do not distract and can complement various styles of furniture and decor, making the space appealing to a broader range of buyers.
No home improvement will give you more bang for your buck than a fresh coat of paint. I always mention to my clients that properly chosen colors and finishes can accentuate the architectural details and strengths of the home.
For example, lighter colors can make small rooms feel more prominent, while a different shade on an accent wall can highlight a fireplace or beautiful windows.
Alison Bentley from Redfin says that while specific outcomes can vary, investing in interior painting may lead to a higher sale price. Buyers are often willing to pay more for a home that appears move-in ready. A fresh paint job contributes significantly to this perception. I could not agree more!
Remember, selling your home is not about personal preferences but appealing to the masses. Stick with off-white and light creamy colors for maximum benefit. Sherwin-Williams offers some excellent interior home painting tips that are worth a look.
4. Hire a Great Real Estate Agent.
If you notice a trend here, that’s because there is one. Working with a professional to sell your home has many benefits and can relieve some of the burden on your shoulders.
They should be providing you with the kind of advice for selling that I am providing here.
An experienced Realtor can often sell your home faster and for a better price than you can. This is one of the most valuable tips for selling a home. Just make sure you hire the right agent!
Before a real estate agent begins selling a home, they can be a great source of knowledge about pricing your home correctly.
Without the right price, everything else you do will be meaningless! Don’t be like many other sellers who put a pie-in-the-sky price tag on their home. This is a sure recipe for failure.
An exceptional local real estate agent who knows the market like the back of their hand is worth having in your corner.
Here are some great tips on how to pick a real estate agent. The article addresses what you should consider when hiring a Real Estate agent.
My advice is to interview multiple local agents. Make sure you ask pointed interview questions.
Remember that pricing a home correctly is vital to your success, and some agents will intentionally mislead you to get your business.
Avoid this kind of agent at all costs! Nothing will prevent you from getting top dollar faster than hiring a real estate agent who overprices your home!
Traits to Look For in a Top-Performing Realtor
The best real estate agents do many things to enhance the home-selling journey. It would help if you demanded these traits:
- Communication Skills: Communication is one of the most vital characteristics of a top agent. You’ll want someone who makes you feel comfortable and is easy to ask questions. They should ensure you understand each step in the home sale process.
- Negotiation Skills: Your agent should have strong negotiation skills. They should advocate for you to get the best price and terms for your home. They need to understand what can be negotiated and what can’t.
- Dedication and Determination: You’ll want someone dedicated to their profession. Their goals should be to achieve the best outcome for you, not them when selling your home.
- Team Support: Top agents often have a supportive team or network. This helps sell and keeps agents focused on their most vital tasks. I’ve had a transaction coordinator over the better half of my career. She has allowed me to focus on what is most important in selling a home.
- Empathy and Integrity: The best Realtors care about your needs. They show empathy towards your situation and integrity in their business. They should prioritize your best interests over earning a commission. One good way to know this is if they don’t practice dual agency. An agent who truly cares about being a fiduciary and not worrying about double-siding a sale says no thank you.
- Reputation: A solid track record of success and positive client feedback can give you confidence they will sell your home effectively. Reputation in real estate translates to getting the best service.
5. Put up a Sign in the Yard.
With all the emphasis on online marketing – which is critical, of course – it can be easy to forget the basics.
Putting a “For Sale” sign in the yard will let everyone know what’s going on and make it easier for people to find the house. Some folks want to “keep their home a secret” for many reasons. This, frankly, is a mistake.
Home sellers should never underestimate the power of real estate signage. Many homes have been sold over the years due to a sign.
More often than not, this can happen with a person who was not thinking of buying but has always said to themselves if that particular home comes on the market, they would be interested. That home could be yours!
One of the creative ideas I came up with years ago was incorporating a Google real estate address as a sign rider. Many buyers forget that they can Google the address of a home when they are in a neighborhood.
A quick search on their phone will point them to the exact places I want them to go, including my website, video tour, and other enhanced marketing channels.
6. Make Sure Your Photos Are Exceptional.
Exceptional photography is a critical element in the marketing and selling of homes. They significantly influence potential buyers’ first impressions and decisions. It is similar to what I mentioned about curb appeal only online.
The pictures you post on your listing can make or break your sale. They are the first thing anyone sees. If you are not skilled at photography, and your Real Estate agent isn’t either, hire a professional. It is worth the expense.
Many sellers hire a real estate agent but don’t bother to check on one of the most essential parts of the selling process—how does the marketed home look online? This is a vital consideration, yet many sellers underestimate its importance.
Your home’s photography is a gateway to a buyer’s perception of the property—good or bad! Want to see a quick example of terrible real estate photos posted online? Please take a look, and remember that when buyers and other real estate agents see this, they cringe.
Real Estate agents that market like this give our industry a lousy reputation!
Listings with more professional photos usually sell faster. A National Association of Realtors study found that homes with 20 photos spent an average of 32 days on the market, compared to 70 days for homes with just one photo.
Additionally, they found that homes with professional photography can sell for $3,000-$11,000 more, depending on the price range.
According to Photography Talk, quality images are versatile and can be used across various marketing platforms, from printed brochures to online listings and social media posts. This consistency in marketing materials enhances the property’s overall appeal to potential buyers.
Kevin Vitali from Real Broker MA emphasizes the value of having a professional for all his clients. He should know since he’s a part-time professional photographer when he is not selling real estate.
Bill, one of the things that a professional can provide is High Range Dynamic Photography. The technique allows a photographer to control the highlights and shadows. You can make your photos far more crisp looking.
I like to take the photos and add them to Adobe Photoshop to add some finishing touches. I straighten and adjust the color and sharpness to improve the results. The end product is amazing.
7. Consider a Video Tour.
Video tours have become an essential feature of home sales. Today’s real estate market is digitally driven, and a video tour provides an immersive experience compared to photos.
The best Real Estate agents today utilize video or slideshows in addition to photos. Buyers like to take a tour before they decide to visit, which a video allows.
They can help buyers imagine themselves living in the property. A video tour can be particularly effective for buyers out of the area who can’t see the house in person. Many agents will forward video tours to help a buyer make an offer.
Another benefit is the increased engagement compared to photos. Videos help create a deeper connection to the property. They are easily shared, whether through social media or email and can help attract a larger number of buyers.
Again, working with a professional here is important – either a Real Estate agent skilled in video tours or a professional who makes real estate videos.
Do you want to see an example of what a professional real estate video tour looks like? Look at this video tour of 45 Camp Street in Milford, Massachusetts. Would you not agree that this is an exceptional way to market a property?
Homebuyers will probably look at the photos first, but once they see the video, it will seal the deal, and they will schedule a showing.
8. Ensure You’re Marketing Using All Channels – Particularly Online.
Old school Real Estate agents can sometimes be slow to adopt new marketing channels, so you should hire someone with a demonstrated ability to utilize the web.
A Realtor with a website is great, but you also want to use someone who understands how to make your home shine online.
Real Estate agents who control their online presence understand the importance of making their homes “stand out” from the competition. Again, it all starts with their photography.
Without good photos, you can be all over the internet, and it won’t matter because your presentation will be lousy.
Real Estate agents with a solid command of advertising are also using social media to enhance their marketing efforts further. Nearly everyone today owns a smartphone.
An exponential number of these people use one of the major social media channels, including Facebook, Pinterest, Linkedin, and Twitter.
If they are looking for a home and you have an agent marketing in these channels, you could see an increase in showing activity.
I have advocated for a strong Internet presence since the day it was introduced. All of my clients have their homes marketed in these channels.
9. Take Advantage of Good Lighting.
A bright, cheery home is more inviting to buyers. Let the sunlight in if you can, and add better lighting if your home is dim.
Even buying brighter light bulbs can help. I always tell my clients to make sure all their curtains are drawn, and the lights remain on when a scheduled showing occurs.
Again, the presentation of your home is critical. Small things like lighting can make a big difference with no money coming out of your pocket!
As a home seller, you must remember that houses with lots of natural light appear more spacious and open. A bright room feels airy and comfortable, which buyers love. A well-lit room can eliminate the feeling of being cramped and dull.
It has also been shown that natural light helps with people’s mood and energy levels. You want potential buyers to feel happier when viewing your home. A positive association is always good!
10. Consider a Professional Cleaning.
One of my favorite tips for selling a house is to clean it from top to bottom. It is one of the least expensive things you can do. With time and effort, it’s a DIY project that can save money for those on a strict budget.
A clean home is inviting to buyers, whereas a dirty house can turn them away faster than just about anything. The easiest way to know your home is spotless and looking its best is to hire a professional cleaning company.
Make sure your kitchen and baths are spotless. Buyers will pay closer attention to these areas. Also, make sure your carpets are as clean as possible. If need be, consider having your carpets professionally cleaned. This is one of those things where spending a few hundred dollars can save you thousands by preventing the buyer from thinking they need to replace the carpets immediately.
Not too long ago, I had a client in Grafton, Massachusetts, who wanted me to list their home. After viewing the property, it was clear that it needed a professional cleaning before anyone set foot inside. A tenant had just moved out, and the owner did not realize it was not up to snuff.
I keep talking about perception because it matters! Clean homes convey a sense of care and appreciation for ownership. They create an excellent first impression, which can set the tone for the rest of the visit as visitors enter the foyer.
Clean homes let buyers see the best features, architectural details, and finishes that stand out. Buyers won’t get distracted by looking at dirt or dust.
From years of selling thousands of homes, clean houses feel healthier and more inviting. Potential buyers can feel the pride an owner takes in their upkeep.
Probably the most essential aspect of a deep cleaning is eliminating any odors. Over time, odors from pets, cooking, smoking, and other sources can seep into a property. Unwanted smells can be an immediate turnoff to potential buyers. Negative feelings are not what you want in house sales!
11. Make Sure You Repair What Your Real Estate Agent Advises.
Many renovations are arguably a bad investment for sellers, as getting your money back in the sale is hard. But if your real estate agent advises that you fix some things, like faulty wiring, a hole in the fence, a leaking toilet, or a visible stain in the ceiling, you should do it.
These are things that the buyer may balk at or demand a lower price because they feel immediate attention is needed. Understanding what to fix is an essential part of the process.
Secondly, when the buyer does their home inspection, they will most likely try to renegotiate the sale price or, worse, ask to back out of the deal.
One of the things I constantly stress to my clients is being well-prepared for the buyer’s home inspection. This is the number one place where home sales fall apart, so it only makes sense to address the problems beforehand.
If you know about a problem, a good home inspector will likely find it.
12. Address All Odors.
While I have already emphasized removing odors when cleaning a house, I want to mention it again.
The potent smell can quickly drive someone away from buying your home. However, you may not even realize the smells are there.
Foul odors can prevent a house from selling. The problem as owners is we become immune to the smells in our homes.
Ask a trusted outsider, like your Realtor, to let you know if there are any unpleasant odors—like pet or cooking odors—and address them before you show.
Believe it or not, pet odors can kill a home sale. Some buyers fear they won’t be able to remove the odor once they purchase the house. Don’t take any chances with home odors—remove them!
13. Make Your Kitchen Appealing.
The kitchen is the most crucial room in a house. It usually isn’t even close when compared to other rooms.
Many buyers focus on kitchens, so you want to ensure yours is reasonably appealing. Remember that many buyers consider the kitchen the hub of a home, especially for those who love to entertain.
Most families spend most of their time there, so you’ll want to do your best to improve your appearance.
Don’t forget that kitchens hold emotional significance for many potential buyers. They are where friends and family will gather for holidays and celebrations.
Buyers want kitchens to be attractive and incorporate modern amenities and functional space. Features like ample countertop space, efficient appliances, and sufficient storage are highly valued. Most buyers I have worked with over the years want an open concept.
Remodeling or updating the kitchen has one of the highest returns on investment for home improvement. Home buyers usually pay a premium for houses with updated kitchens, so it’s usually a wise investment when you’re looking to increase your property value.
Formica countertops from the 70s may need to be updated, and you might want to install a new appliance or two if the existing ones are in horrible shape.
Ask any real estate agent, and they will agree with my advice. Do what you can to make your kitchen as appealing as possible. Here are some simple tips when you’re on a tight budget:
Quick Kitchen Enhancements
- Ensuring Cleanliness: A deep cleaning can make the kitchen feel more inviting and well-maintained.
- Minor Updates: Even small updates make a difference. Updates like painting cabinets or upgrading hardware can refresh the space without a complete remodel. Over the years, I have had many clients paint dark kitchen cabinetry white. The change is dramatic. Many clients tell me they wish they had done this before even considering selling.
- Decluttering: Removing excess items from countertops and organizing cabinets is essential. Doing this can make the kitchen appear larger and more functional.
- Strategic Lighting: Good lighting, including under-cabinet lights, can enhance the kitchen’s ambiance and functionality. I have added under-counter lights in my home. They look outstanding.
- Highlighting Features: When a kitchen has unique or high-end features, you should highlight them throughout your marketing.
14. Get Organized.
The people looking at your home will open every door, including closets and the garage.
You may help your sales by making sure these areas are relatively organized. The better they look, the easier it is for buyers to imagine that they can fit everything in the home.
This again goes back to one of my previous home-selling tips: DEcluttering. Organizing your closets and garage should be part of the process. Anita Clark, a Georgia Real Estate agent, offers some fantastic tips on managing your closets when selling a home.
You may also want to gather boxes for moving and put excess “things” in them to make your home feel more spacious.
15. Take Your Pets Somewhere For Showings.
The last essential tip for selling a house is removing pets and accounting for any past damage to the property.
It is hard for pet owners sometimes to imagine, but some people don’t like pets. You may not want to hang out with such people as a dog or cat owner, but they might make a great offer on your home.
Take the pets somewhere safe and comfortable, like friends. Some people can be turned off by evidence of their pet, including their odors. For sound guidance, look at some of the best tips for selling your home with pets.
It’s also important to know that many people have allergies or are sensitive to pet dander, fur, or feathers. Animals in a home can trigger allergic reactions in potential buyers.
It makes it difficult for them to appreciate the home’s features fully. You will want potential buyers to feel comfortable during showings. The more evidence you can remove that you have pets, the better.
Please have a look at my guide for moving with pets. It is chock-full of excellent tips to make moving with pets a breeze.
Tips to Enhance Appeal
- Deep Cleaning: Hire a cleaning professional before listing for sale to clean carpets, floors, and upholstery to remove pet hair, dander, and odors.
- Repairs: It is essential to fix any damage caused by pets. For example, scratched floors, chewed baseboards, or damaged lawns. It’s crucial for a buyer not even to notice you have animals.
- Air Quality: Many clients have used air purifiers to ensure good ventilation and eliminate lingering odors.
- Remove Pet Items: During showings, temporarily remove all pet-related items, including toys, beds, and feeding stations.
- Consider Temporary Relocation: If possible, have your pets stay elsewhere during the sale to avoid accidents or damage during showings.
What NOT to Do When Selling a House
No home selling checklist would be complete without explaining what not to do. These are things you need to avoid to be successful. Home selling mistakes are commonplace, especially when doing it for the first time.
Turn Down Showings
Over the years, most of my clients have understood how vital flexibility is to real estate sales. A missed showing can result in a lost sale.
Unfortunately, occasionally, you’ll get a client who doesn’t understand the magnitude of turning away buyers. Don’t be one of them! There are going to be times when a showing isn’t convenient. Suck it up! A home sale is a business transaction.
Making Open Houses a Priority
One of the things that all sellers should know is that open houses are unnecessary when selling a home. They are an agent-centric activity that offers far more benefits to an agent vs. a homeowner.
Genuine buyers schedule showings with an agent. They don’t skip viewing properties if there is no open house. They make a showing appointment.
Many agents will use the open house to prospect for future clients, such as the couple down the street who is thinking of selling their home or the buyer who can’t afford to buy your house.
Not Understanding How Seller’s and Buyer’s Agents Differ
Choosing an agent is one of the more vital tasks when selling. Understanding the differences between seller’s and buyer’s agents is critical. When selling, you want someone who specializes in listing houses, not an agent who primarily works with buyers.
There are entirely different skill sets involved.
Conclusion
There you have it—these are some of the best home-selling tips to help you sell your house successfully! The effort you put into selling your home will be well received. It will be noticed by the brokerage community and all the buyers in the market.
The time you spend in preparation will pay you back in the long run.
About the Author: Bill Gassett, a nationally recognized leader in his field, provided the above information on 15 killer tips for selling a home. Bill has expertise in mortgages, financing, moving, home improvement, and general real estate.
Learn more about Bill Gassett and the publications in which he has been featured. Bill can be reached via email at billgassett@remaxexec.com or by phone at 508-625-0191. For the past 38+ years, Bill has helped people move in and out of Metrowest towns.
Are you thinking of selling your home? I am passionate about real estate and love sharing my marketing expertise!
I service Real Estate Sales in the following Metrowest MA towns: Ashland, Bellingham, Douglas, Framingham, Franklin, Grafton, Holliston, Hopkinton, Hopedale, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Natick, Northborough, Northbridge, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Sutton, Wayland, Westborough, Whitinsville, Worcester, Upton, and Uxbridge MA.
