When the “For Sale” signs start popping up all over town, you know you’ll need to do something special to get the price you want for your home. Thankfully, there are some crucial steps you can take to help your home stand out in a crowded marketplace.
Leave it to the Pros
The first and most important step, is to get your place professionally listed, and seek out the service of a REALTOR®. A key advantage provided by REALTORs® is the ability to analyze buyer behaviour and industry trends. They can provide insight on what’s selling, and why, but also envision unique ways to stand out and draw buyers.
HGTV Canada Tip: Listing your house is one thing, selling it is a completely different story. When negotiations reach epic heights, you’ll be glad to have an experienced agent to give you advice, and speak on your behalf.
Be Prepared
A REALTOR® can also help cut through the noise in a crowded marketplace by generating leads through agent-to-agent contacts. Before any showings, it’s important to have a home inspection done and to compile a summary of operating costs (such as utilities and insurance).
HGTV Canada Tip: If you don’t know what to prepare, ask! Your agent is your resource, and comes with a wealth of knowledge. If you’re open and honest with your agent, you’re less likely to be disappointed in the long run.
Quality Photos
Having professional photos taken is an essential component of attracting a potential buyer. Schedule a shoot when your home has optimal lighting, and develop a shot list with your REALTOR® to highlight key selling features within your home. If the lot is large or particularly attractive, arrange to have aerial photos taken.
HGTV Canada Tip: Stage your home before taking photos and scan your rooms with eagle eyes. There’s nothing worse than seeing a full trash can or a shower riddled with half-used soap bottles in listing photos.
Set the Stage
When it comes to the showings themselves, curb appeal and staging are essential. A home listing can be a lot like an online dating profile—it’s a great way to share some information, but nothing compares to that in-person first impression.
HGTV Canada Tip: When does your home get the most natural light? This is the best time to showcase your home and plan an open house.
Curb Appeal
Giving your home a fresh exterior appearance, including paint touch-ups, gardening, landscaping and power-washing the driveway. Temporary potted plants can also help give the property a bit of visual pop.
HGTV Canada Tip: Buyers are interested in more than just your home, they’re scoping out the neighbourhood, too! Let your neighbours know you’ll be hosting an open house and (hopefully) they’ll feel encouraged to offer a neighbourly nod should they encounter potential buyers at the end of your driveway.
Make it Personal
Once the potential buyers come inside, do everything you can to turn the showing into a pleasant and memorable experience—little touches like air fresheners around the home and offering cookies to the buyers can go a long way. Set your dimmers to hit that optimal light and turn on a little mood music (something upbeat and cheerful, but keep the volume low so people can easily have conversation).
HGTV Canada Tip: Adding personal touches is a fine balance…you don’t want buyers coming face-to-face with the current owners, but you do want the house to feel cozy and welcoming. Think beautiful coffee table books instead of family albums in the living room!
No matter how many homes are out there on the market, showing that you’re a conscientious seller with something unique to offer will help you and your home stand out.
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