So, you’ve decided to sell your home. Congratulations! This is a huge accomplishment. However, if your home is on the older side, you may be worried about getting top dollar for it. Because older homes can present unique challenges, knowing the best strategies for getting the most from your sale is essential.
Don’t fret! With a little bit of elbow grease and some clever marketing, you can get top dollar for your home—regardless of age. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Repaint your home
First things first: give your home a fresh coat of paint. This will go a long way in making it look more modern and attractive to potential buyers. Most buyers are looking for a home they can move into without having to do too much work. If your house looks fresh and up-to-date, you’ll be more likely to get a reasonable price on it.
If your paint is peeling or chipping, it’s best to hire professional house painters to take care of the job. They’ll be able to remove any old or outdated colors and give your walls a nice, even finish. Especially if you have intricate details or woodwork to paint, it’s best to hire a professional. Ask for referrals from friends or family and check online reviews to ensure you’re getting the best service.
2. Start decluttering
Next, declutter every room in your house. This includes closets, cabinets, and even the garage. The more clutter you can eliminate, the larger and more appealing each room will look. Buyers will appreciate the extra space, making your home look much more attractive.
Take some time to go through every room in your house and donate or discard any items you don’t need. If there are items you’d like to keep but won’t be able to take with you, consider renting a storage unit to store them until the sale is complete. Many of us tend to hang on to items we no longer need, but it’s best to get rid of them before you list your home. This will help you maximize the buying appeal of your home.
3. Make any necessary repairs
If there are any issues with your home, make sure to have them repaired before listing. This can include anything from leaky faucets to broken windows. Depending on the severity of the repairs, you may need to call in a professional. Don’t be afraid to invest in these repairs—they will help you get the best price for your home.
Look for any obvious signs of disrepair, such as broken fixtures or cracked tiles. If you can’t identify the problem yourself, hire a handyman to come and take a look. They’ll be able to tell you what needs to be fixed and even do the repairs for you. Once you have everything fixed up, your home will be much more inviting to potential buyers.
4. Photograph your home
Now, it’s time to start taking pictures. Hire a professional photographer to take high-quality photos of your home inside and out. You will use these photos in all of your marketing materials, so they must be perfect. Different angles and lighting can significantly affect how your home is presented to buyers.
If you want to really drive up interest in your home, consider hiring a videographer to create a virtual tour. This is an excellent way to give potential buyers a feel for your home without them ever having to step foot inside of it.
5. Price it right
Finally, make sure you price your home correctly. Do some research to see what other similar homes in the area are selling for. This will give you an idea of where to start when you list your home. It’s best to price it slightly below market value—this will help generate more interest and ensure you get the best price for your house.
Make sure you don’t overprice your home. This will discourage potential buyers and make it harder for you to find a buyer quickly. According to the National Association of Realtors, the average home spends about three months on the market. So if you price it right, you should be able to sell your home faster and get the price you want.
Selling an older home doesn’t have to be complicated—or impossible! With a bit of work and the right marketing strategy, you can get the right price for your home. Just remember to paint, declutter, repair any issues, take great photos and videos, and price it correctly. Following these steps will ensure that you have a successful sale and get the best price for your home. Good luck!
