Selling a home is rarely a quick process. Factor in market conditions extremely favorable to buyers and a home can stay on the market for weeks and months on end. In fact, ast August, Realty101.com cited information from the Accredited Seller Agency Council claiming, “the average time to sell a home in the U.S. is 10 months.”
Earlier this week, the National Association of Realtors served up a five tips for selling a home faster and for more money. Though the story targeted realtors, contractors should take notes before trying to sell their next spec:
- Pay attention to “curb appeal.” This is more applicable to a pre-owned home, but it rule applies: Be sure the driveway is in great condition, the lawn and landscaping is well-kept and be sure any blemishes to the exterior are taken care of. (These aspects are critical to No. 4.)
- Set the right price. Don’t get clever. Trying to scrounge a few extra dollars may mean keeping a home on the market for an extended period until the price is finally lowered to a more reasonable amount. The longer a home is on the market, the more skeptical buyers become. If you price correctly, there’s a better chance the home will sell right away.
- Talk about energy efficiency. Don’t be afraid to boast. With the rising costs of energy, buyers want a high-performing home that will help them save from month to month.
- Give the home Web appeal. Hire a professional photographer or at least use a professional-grade camera to make your home stand-out online. Poor photos can give a false impression of what a home is really like and clicking away to the next home is far too easy.
- Make it move-in ready. Don’t stick a for-sale sign in the yard until the home is absolutely ready. As in, an interested buyer could hypothetically move in the next day.
