What is the right length? A six-month to one-year sales period is not unusual in a dry market. To determine an acceptable selling period, look at the sales records of comparable homes in your area. If a property hasn’t sold in one month, it is a sign that there is a problem. You have several options before you decide to put the white flag up in either situation.
- Take videotapes of your home, both inside and outside, and then watch it as a potential buyer.Do you find the yard weedy? Are you able to keep your house clean and tidy? Houses that are sparkling clean sell quicker than houses that appear too lived in or display too much of their owner’s personality.
- Have a second glance at the listing price. Open houses are available in your area. Is the price of similar properties lower? Your first market analysis may not have been as thorough. If you don’t sell your house in a month or less, it is likely that you overpriced the property. If you’re looking for a quick sale, you might consider dropping your asking price slightly.
- Open houses and shows: Do not be afraid to leave your house. Prospective buyers find it hard to talk with their agent and partner when there are sellers. To make buyers feel more at ease, leave some snacks out: cookies, drinks, nuts — any food that doesn’t go rancid or get too messy
- Be sure to pay attention to the feedback you receive from your showings. The feedback can guide you in making home repairs, toning down your décor, making landscaping improvements and the like.
- Buyers may be offered perks such as cash bonuses, closing costs, or the ability to buy their interest rates down to lower monthly payments. Owner financing is also an option.
- Neutralize your color scheme. Pale, neutral colors are preferred by buyers. This makes it simpler to envision a home being theirs. White houses are most popular. For interiors, whites and off-whites work well.
- Hardwoods can be exposed and polished until it shines. Many buyers are not willing to look at houses without hardwoods.
- A potential buyer might be upset if there are pets or mildew problems. You can ventilate your house and use an anti-odorizing and air cleansing product. You can also use a cleaner with live enzymes to permanently eliminate the odor-causing substances.
- Staging your property is an excellent way to get your home sold quickly and for the highest price. Staging creates a welcoming environment in your home that attracts buyers immediately. There are two ways to sell your house: the way you live and how you stage it. You can pack large furniture pieces and clutter from every room. You don’t have to move everything into a new room. Rent storage space, and then get rid of it before you sell the home.
- Lighting is important. Be sure to clean light sources. It’s not easy, but it will be worth the effort. By adding more bulbs to your rooms, accent lamps and cabinet lighting can improve the room’s brightness. Make sure to pull down the curtains, and raise the blinds. You want to achieve the best results by using a mix of overhead and natural lighting.
- Reorient your eyes. Consider any additional price as an icing on top. If you’re in a prolonged dry market, it may be necessary to make a profit. If you have unrealistic expectations, it is best to not alienate potential buyers who are financially stable.
- As an incentive, you might consider raising your commission or offering a bonus to your agent if the market is struggling. To sweeten the deal for your agent, you can amend your listing agreement to reflect this change and make sure that it is added to the Multiple Listing Service book. Buyer agents may also appreciate the extra attention your house gets.