5 Ways To Shift Your Hard To Sell Home
Some homes are snatched up as soon as they go on the market; others may take a few weeks before the right buyer comes along. But there are somewhere the selling process seems endless. It can feel disheartening to have a property sitting in the 'for sale section' of your real estate's website with no sign of movement. There are, however, many options available to make the home more appealing to buyers or even get the property off the market immediately. Here are a few things you could consider with your hard to sell home.
Renovation
It may seem like you are pouring money down the drain by renovating a home you want to get rid of, but this could be all the difference for some buyers. There are three types of buyers, ones who are up for rolling up their sleeves and working on the house, others who may be happy with a few adjustments here and there and lastly those who want to walk into their home and start unpacking immediately. If your property is run down, you will only be appealing to the first buyer. By renovating, you're hugely expanding your potential buyers market. There are ways you can be savvy and still turn a profit even with the cost of the renovation. Modernising even a part of the house like the bathroom or kitchen can help attract buyers. Modern appliances make a buyer more confident that the house has been well looked after and that they are not walking into a new home riddled with unseen problems. Freshening up rooms with a lick of paint, may not seem like it will make much of a difference, but some buyers are more imaginative than others. If the room looks tired but full of potential, that potential may not be getting spotted by every prospective purchaser that walks through the door. Help them out by showing how fresh and contemporary the home can feel. Of course, the key to this is keeping an eagle-eye on your spending. Renovations can quickly go over budget if not managed closely and that could be the difference between making money on your sale or ending up even more out of pocket than you would have been by doing nothing.
Bring In The Experts
Of course, a renovation means time and effort, which you may not be willing to spend on the property. Some people have hectic lifestyles making their capacity for renovation limited. Others may need to sell quickly as they move into their new home and cannot afford the mortgage on both houses. Others do not need to be renovated. They are already modern and stylish but still, for whatever reason, are not budging on the marketplace. This is an ideal time to bring in experts, companies that are willing to purchase your house from you to sell it on themselves. Windmill Valley Properties, for instance, proudly advertise 'we pay cash', which is very appealing if you need to remove the property from your portfolio and get a much-needed cash injection into your bank accounts. It is always worth approaching trusted house buying companies and asking for a valuation on the cash they will pay for your property. A purchasing company has many benefits, as it will give you instant security in knowing the sale is unlikely to fall through, and you can move on from your home at a pace suited to you.
Check Your Competitors
Many houses will offer open viewings or viewings by appointment from the real estate agents representing the sale. There is no harm in going along and looking at similarly priced houses in your area. You can track how long each property stays on the market and the value they eventually may sell for. Looking at what other places offer for a similar amount will let you know if your house is overpriced and that buyers are getting more for their cash elsewhere. It is also a great way to figure out which properties are moving quickly. Keep a spreadsheet of details you notice and see if you can pick up on trends. If the light and breezy houses are moving fast, then consider hanging more mirrors in your home and ensuring the curtains and blinds are fully open for your next viewings. If a particular estate agent seems to do a perfect sales pitch, consider switching agencies.
Spruce Up The Garden
Did you know that according to the National Association of Landscape Professionals, 79% of all Americans feel that a lawn is an important feature when buying or renting a home? If the first thing a buyer sees when they pull up onto your street is an overgrown and unkempt lawn, then it sends a direct message to potential buyers. Taking a bit of time to tidy up your garden could quickly turn your home from a 'best avoided' to a 'must-see' on a buyer's preference list. If you are not green-fingered, then consider getting in a garden to landscape your yard. Think about making a garden that matches your home. For instance, if your home has lots of bedrooms, then creating a yard that has plenty of play space for family play might be wise. If your home is better suited to elderly homeowners, try and remove steps, steep inclines or more challenging to manage greenery. Try and make sure you plant flowers that will show your garden off in full glory no matter the season you are selling within. A landscape gardener can advise you on the best solution for your budget. Ask in the local area to find a gardener with a good reputation to ensure the work will be carried out swiftly.
Finally, remember that your home does not need to become a burden. There are always options. You have to weigh up the benefit of keeping a house on the market for a long time to get the profit you are looking for against the stress, effort and overall quality of life that you are willing to expend on a property.
