Hi! Welcome back to #WorldWednesday. Even in a hot seller's market...choosing savvy marketing tactics can help you get the best price for your property. It's true--there are more buyers on the market competing for homes, but--you might set yourself up for financial failure if skip these marketing tips and tricks.
The pandemic halted open houses in some parts of the United States for over a year. In other parts of the country, homes were selling so fast that there wasn't time to have an open house. That imbalance of supply and demand had some agents and homeowners convinced that skipping this vital step was the best option. More homes are going on the market and now is the opportune time to employ all the best marketing tactics and obtain the maximum exposure for your home.
Here are 5 tips to go from "for sale" to "sold":
1) Repair, Clean and Declutter. Fix all the items that have been on your "to do" list. Even eager buyers won't overlook flaws. They will either opt to pass on your property or decide to make an offer below what you feel your home is worth. Clean up the landscape, create curb appeal by taking care of your lawn, remove weeds, plant flowers and tidy up the yard. Remove extra sheets and towels from linen closets, box up extra clothing and shoes. Store extra dishes and excess pots and pans. Clean the floors, wipe down baseboards and trim. Wash the windows and the draperies. Throughly dust blinds and ceiling fans. Make the beds, do the dishes and keep the home freshly vacuumed before showings.
2) Use Social Media. Social media has the power to open your home to more potential buyers and multiplies the marketing reach of your property. Combined with in person showings--adding a virtual open house can be a game changer.
3) Strategically schedule an Open House. Veteran agents know that a crowded open house stirs a sense of urgency with buyers. One way to drive traffic is to make the listing active on a Thursday, then book listing appointments to coincide with an Open House on Saturday. This is a proven strategy and can incite multiple offers. The increased traffic at an open house makes buyers think there is a lot of interest in the house and inspires them to write competitive offers.
4) Stage your home. According to national statistics, 85% of staged homes sell for 5 to 23% over their listing price. Home staging brings in a 8-10% return on investment. In fact, a staged home spends 73% less time on the market than a non-staged home.
5) Negotiate the best offer-not the best price. It's perfectly normal to want the highest offer, but don't jump without reviewing the terms. Most offers include contingencies, which are terms in the paperwork that allow either party to cancel the agreement if those terms aren't met. Be sure to discuss the best overall offer with your agent. Once you know all your options, you can make the best decision.
At Shaffer Realty and Shaffer Real Estate, we care about our clients--both current and prospective! Unlike other real estate firms that focus solely on the transaction--we want to establish a life long working relationship. We want to get to know you on a personal level and help you live your dream. To learn more-contact us today. See you soon! Warmly, Susan