What is the most important task to sell a home?

By
Real Estate Agent with Compass

There are so many things that need to fall into place perfectly to sell a home. When we do a great job, we make it look easy.  This is a list of the most basic things I'd say are critical to any home sale happening quickly and for list price or close to it.  One of these things should be the easiest and has nothing to do with the agent.  There is much more to it than this, but these are like a basic necessities list. Like your TP and bread run at the grocery store. 

Here is my list:

  • Price the home right. This means looking at pricing of similar homes recently sold and those that are currently active. You have to see where you fit in among the competition.
  • De-clutter and stage. No one wants to see your stuff. Get your stuff out, paint your walls neutral and make your home pleasing to a broad audience. 
  • Keep the lights on! Keeping lights on and window shades up is essential! No one likes a dark house. First of all, they can't see it. Second of all, it's just unwelcoming and depressing. Homes need to embrace the buyers with a warm, bright, friendly atmosphere.
  • Let people see your house. Realtor showings are the most important aspect of selling a home. Odds are, if a buyer is out looking with a Realtor, they've got a loan pre-approval and are ready to purchase. Please don't make the critical mistake of thinking "oh well if they want my house, they will come back." No way. They will buy someone else's house because they will forget about yours as soon as as they it. Accept the fact that having your home on the market is an inconvenience and needs to be a priority. Don't reject showings, ever!

Which one do YOU think is the most important? Can a house sell without all of the above?

Comments (2)

Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

Light it up!  This is NOT the time to save the planet by using 40 watt bulbs.  Use 100 watt bulbs (or whatever the equivalent is for those corkscrew bulbs),  take down any heavy drapes, open the curtains and blinds. 

Jun 21, 2015 12:09 PM
Jane Peters
Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles real estate concierge services

All excellent points, Coral. Pricing the home correctly is key to not having it get stale on the market. Nothing is less appealing than a tired-looking home. A fresh coat of paint and bright light could give prospective buyers a different view of the home and show its potential. And you are so right about making the home available to view. Sellers who make it difficult to see their home give the impression that they are going to be difficult throughout the process.

Jun 21, 2015 12:16 PM