How to Sell Your Home Fast and For Top Dollar

Getting your home sold fast is usually relatively straightforward when a Sarasota real estate seller is highly motivated and willing to do whatever is necessary. There are six components that are really important when you are trying to sell your home. When these areas are not addressed, it can lead to long listings and frustration for all parties. Not adequately addressing these issues can lead to homes not selling. Buyers are smart and know when a home is overpriced. In addition, they are looking for the home that stands out and they “connect” with. There are things you can do in the beginning to greatly increase your chances of a fast sale.

1) Price your home right.

When I say price it right, I mean price it right. Not “a little bit right” or “just a little high.” If you would like to sell your Sarasota real estate fast, you should price it where other homes are SELLING. It doesn’t matter what other homes are priced at if they are not selling. When you look at comps you should look at the closest comps to your home. You need to be using comparables in your community, not a community down the street. You should be using homes close to your same size to determine price. It’s probably not relevant that the home down the street 3,000 square feet larger sold for $200k more if three houses identical to yours in plan and features sold at or close to your recommended asking price.

2) Stage your home.

This doesn’t mean you have to pay thousands to a professional stager. Most sellers can simply use what they have, with some changes in placement, to effectively showcase their home. A really good real estate agent will be able to give recommendations for staging and can even help make your home show better. Make sure you use someone who has an “eye” for staging and can give you pointers and help as part of their listing services.

3) Follow recommendations for improvements and repairs.

We’re not talking about upgrades. I am talking about making improvements that would significantly improve the way your home shows. Custom paint often needs to be neutralized to sell your home. If your home looks like a box of crayons it can be harder to sell. If doors don’t open and shut correctly that signals to buyers your home is not well taken care of. Make sure all of your lights turn on when they are switched on, otherwise buyers often decide something is wrong with the wiring. Make sure everything works correctly and is functioning as intended. If a buyer thinks a house is not in good condition, they will often bypass the home and buy one that they feel is in much better condition. If they DO make an offer, it is often far lower than the asking price. The buyer will greatly exaggerate the expense required to bring the condition of the home up to their standards.

4) Clean your house inside and out.

Hire a professional cleaner if you are not up to the task. Get rid of spider webs. Clean grout. Clean the baseboards, paint if necessary. Make the home look as close to a brand new home as possible. We have seen twenty year old homes that look better than homes that are a year old. Buyers like clean.

5) Never underestimate curb appeal.

Is your home attractive on the outside? If not, then you need to improve your curb appeal when preparing to list your house. Plant some pretty blooms. Mulch your flower beds. Trim bushes. Level pavers and walkways. Get rid of dead bushes. Make sure there is no trash or old items littering up the yard. Make sure your grass is green and growing well.  Make sure your paint is consistent and any areas of discoloration are pressure washed and/or painted.

6) Accommodate showing requests.

Buyers can’t buy houses that they can not get into. When you list your home you should plan on accommodating all reasonable showing requests. Don’t turn down showings and don’t make unreasonable demands for showings.

If you are considering selling you home, you should go to great lengths to do it right.  The first month is the most important and, as the old saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.  Find an experienced, knowledgeable agent that you trust and listen to their recommendations.  A great agent can walk into a home and know what needs to be done, and have a good idea about what price the home will sell for.  Listen.