sell your house fast

Tips before putting your home on the market

WHEN YOU FIND YOURSELF IN THE POSITION OF NEEDING TO SELL

YOUR HOME, generally quicker is always better. Not being able to sell a house in a timely fashion can mean serious financial strain. In the current economy, however, it is difficult to count on a fast sale. Keep the nightmares of your house sitting on the market for months on end at bay and try the following tips to help make your home stand out to buyers.

Declutter

This small goal can have big effects. People want to be able to visualize their own belongings in the space. This is hard to do if you have stuff stashed in every corner. If it’s feasible, rent a short-term storage locker for your nonessentials, or ask a friend or relative if you can store a few boxes in their garage or basement.

At the same time, make sure you keep enough of your belongings in the house to stage the space. It can be hard for people to visualize how a couch might fit, or where to best position a bed. This is much easier to do if you haven’t had to relocate before selling.

Take photos

We live in a digital world. According to the National Association of Realtors, 90 percent of people use online searches as part of their house hunt. And those who don’t are probably receiving digital listings via email from their agent.

This means that curb appeal starts online. Oftentimes, the listing photos are the first impression potential buyers have of your home, so make sure they are high quality.

If your Realtor insists on taking the photos, don’t be shy about still snapping a few of your own. Remember that you’ve lived in your home and know its best features and angles. Let buyers see how lovely the light is in your dining room in the morning or how shady the backyard gets in the hot afternoon.

Improve your curb appeal

Because the first impression your home makes is its exterior presence, it is important to consider what potential buyers might think when they pull in the drive. Walk outside and take an honest look at your house. What elements are attractive?

Are there projects or maintenance you’ve been meaning to complete but haven’t? If they aren’t cost-prohibitive, consider tackling a few. Set aside a Saturday and clean out the gutters. Swing by your local home improvement store or nursery to pick up potted plants and hanging baskets for the front porch. Rent a pressure-washer and give your siding, front porch and driveway a good scrub. Everything doesn’t need to be new, but it must be clean.