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10 Ways to Sell Your Spokane Home Quicker

By
Real Estate Agent with Exit Real Estate

10 Ways to Sell Your House Quicker.

Ok. So you are ready to sell your home. But with so many other properties on the market competing with yours, and fewer buyers able to quality for financing, you have a challenge. That's the bad news. The good news is that people will always need to buy homes - regardless of the current state of the real estate market.  People get married, divorced, have kids, get job transfers and retire no matter if the housing market is up or down.

Here are 10 ways to sell your house quicker:

  1. Price it competitively. Buyers have choices, and if there are similar or better homes in your neighborhood that are listed for less, they know it. Make sure your realtor does an in-depth CMA and takes into consideration how fast you need to sell.
  2. Clean, Clean, Clean.  This is by far the biggest return on investment you can get. Here's why. When buyers look at homes, they make assumptions based upon what they see. If the house is not clean, they assume the home has not been well cared for in general.
  3. De-Clutter. You've heard this one a million times. Because it's true!  Buyers have to be able to envision themselves and their stuff in your home, and they can't do it if it's crammed with your things. Even if you have to rent a storage unit, it's worth it in the end. Personal photos are distractions for buyers, and please, no girly-girl or Budweiser posters.
  4. Neutralize.  I'm talking about color here. You may love deep red in your dining room or purple in your bedroom. Nine out of ten potential buyers won't. Paint is inexpensive, and repainting the important rooms in neutral, contemporary shades will be your second best return on investment. Don't paint white.  Try tans and beige tones (the most popular color right now is a light "latte" shade) creams, pale yellows and light sage green all work well.
  5. Deodorize.  If you did your cleaning job in #2, your house shouldn't smell. But keep in mind; many people are extremely sensitive to odors. Always take out the garbage. If you have pets, try to minimize any smells, or keep them out of the house while it's on the market.  If you use a home fragrance, don't choose the flowery sweet-smelling types. Homey aromas like cinnamon or vanilla or clean-smelling citrus are better choices.
  6. Make Repairs. Again, if buyers see a leaky faucet, mentally they start to ask... "what else in the house hasn't been maintained? The furnace? The roof?" All the annoying little things you live with, like dings in the wall or cabinets that don't close properly should be repaired.  Replace burnt-out light bulbs.
  7. Consider Staging. Here's a secret. Buying decisions are based mostly on emotion. Staging provides a "feeling" of a "lifestyle" that buyers can envision for themselves. A beautiful dining room table with fabulous place-settings and wine glasses leads buyers to think of great meals, entertaining, friends and laughter and, oh, let's just write up the contract, shall we?
  8. Spiff up Curb Appeal.  What do you notice when you first drive up? If you have an older home, sometimes trees and shrubs can get overgrown to the point that they hide the house. If so, trim them back or just get rid of them. Make sure plant beds are neat and trim. Pull weeds. Mow and edge the lawn. In the winter, keep walks and driveways shoveled and de-iced. The front entrance is important, so make sure the main entry door looks (and works) well.
  9. Pick the Right List Agent.  On average, homes that are listed sell for 15% more than homes that are sold by owner. But not all agents are created equal. Make sure your agent has a proactive marketing plan that goes beyond putting a sign in the yard.
  10. Be Patient.  This is by far the most difficult item on the list. Ask your agent what the typical "days on market" is in your area. Ask for feedback from people who have looked at your home, and be objective. Know that there is a buyer out there for your home if it is in good condition, priced right and marketed well. But it could take some time.

I'd love to help you get your Spokane home SOLD! Give me a call at 509-270-0782 and let's get started!

Show All Comments Sort:
Byron Lewis
Landmark Real Estate - Manhattan, KS
Realtor, e-PRO, ABR, CRS, Manhattan Kansas Real Es
Welcome to AR Darla.  Be sure to join the Active Rain Newbie Blog.
Oct 13, 2007 07:27 AM
Keith Elliott Jr
KEIRE Realty Group - Manassas, VA
Principal Broker/Owner

Hi Darla,

Welcome to Active Rain! The opportunities to learn and network are incredible here. Best of luck to ya!

-Keith

Oct 13, 2007 09:36 AM
Leo Namiot - LeoLends.com
Canopy Mortgage - Leo Namiot - Saint Augustine, FL
More than just great rates

Hi Darla,

    Welcome to active rain....It's a great online community, Enjoy!

 

Leo Namiot

Benchmark Mortgage -  Connecticut & Florida

Oct 14, 2007 01:21 AM