Not all real estate agents have the resources, experience, and depth of market knowledge needed to reduce stress and uncertainty in the selling process. Look for a real estate agent who has a team of specialists; a team can provide you with superior service compared to a solo agent who has to be a “jack of all trades and a master of none.” A good team will have the financial resources to employ a variety of home marketing tactics that will maximize the money you walk away with. Some teams, like ours, have access to cash buyers and special marketing programs such as the 72SOLD program, with which we are affiliated. According to a recent study, your home can sell in 72 hours for thousands more when using this unique selling program compared to traditional selling methods.

When your house is on the market, you have to be ready to show it at any time. So you’ll need to do a little more upkeep than normal. Do your best to put things back in their place after you’re done with them. Sweep the house every day. And keep the kitchen and bathrooms as spotless as possible. Remember, a clean home sells faster than one that’s well-lived in.

It should be easy for prospective buyers to see themselves living in the home. Work with your real estate team’s stager to allow buyers to focus on the home and not your belongings. De-personalize your home by putting away photographs, memorabilia, posters, and other personal items. That way, your home is like a blank canvas for buyers. The stager’s consultation should be included in the fee you pay your real estate agent.

First impressions are everything when it comes to buying a house. Make buyers fall in love before they even walk in the door. According to a study from HomeLight, curb appeal is one of the most important areas sellers can invest in. It doesn’t take much, either. Professional lawn care service yields a 352% ROI, while fresh mulch gets you 126% ROI. Or, save more with DIY options, like putting down mulch yourself, mowing your grass, and trimming shrubs. Consider also investing in power washing the outside of the house and the driveway.

Buyers need to see inside closets, cabinets, and pantries to get an idea of the available storage space. Show off how much can fit by decluttering and organizing all your closets. Put loose items into boxes or drawers. Organize clothes and shoes, linens, towels, and personal items. This is also a great way to start going through your stuff to find out what you don’t want to bring with you to your next home.

Let there be light! You can easily (and for little to no money) brighten up your home to make it feel inviting and spacious. Open the curtains and blinds before a tour to show off the natural light. Replace the light bulbs in all your fixtures with ones that shine even brighter. Consider replacing those incandescent and fluorescent bulbs with LED bulbs. Update lampshades to make it easier for light to bounce around. Clean the windows, too. And leave all the lights on when there is a showing.

Even if a prospective buyer has their own pets, they still want to see a clean, fresh home. That’s why it’s important to hide the obvious signs of dogs, cats, and other pets, if you can. Keep litter boxes tucked away. Make sure to clean them every day to prevent odors indoors, and clean the yard of any dog waste, too. Put away toys, pet beds, as well as food and water bowls. And vacuum or sweep floors and furniture regularly to reduce pet hair and dander.

Kitchens are the heart of the home, so buyers pay very close attention to this area of the house. Even on a small budget, you can add a little oomph with one new, stainless steel appliance, an updated backsplash, or refinish on the cabinets. If you have a bigger budget, consider all new appliances, replace the cabinets and counters, or get new flooring. An experienced agent can help you determine whether any major upgrades can boost your resale value or if you’re fine with small touches. 

Full-house remodels aren’t really going to help you sell any faster. It’s also not usually in a seller’s budget. Invest a little money into quick fixes that freshen up your home. Paint all the rooms, especially those painted bold and bright colors. Be sure to also fix any broken fixtures and replace old ones — bonus if they’re energy-saving!  If you have any questions as to whether a particular item should be fixed or upgraded, consult with your agent.

Setting a very competitive price can help you attract more interested buyers, get more offers, and sell your home fast. Numerous studies have shown that a house that is overpriced will take longer to sell and for less money than had the home been priced properly at the beginning.  Work with an agent to determine the market value for your property based on the location and the home’s condition.