There is more to selling a house than just putting it on the market and hoping that it sells. If a home seller becomes pro-active in making sure the home is sellable, then they are in for a successful home selling experience.

What Sells a House?

The following are ten important tips to help you get your home sold in a quick and efficient manner and at the price you are looking for.

Tip #1: The Proper Perspective About Your Home

Most people form some type of attachment to their home. In many cases, this is through the memories that they have made while there. Perhaps the birth of their first child. Or, the first home they bought as a married couple. While this in your mind increases the personal value of your home, it means nothing to a prospective buyer. The first step is to detach yourself from your home.

Tip #2: What Looks Good to You May Not Appeal to a Buyer

You may love the bright yellow walls in your kitchen. Or the antique looking wallpaper in your living room. But everyone has their taste, and first appearances are going to be important.

A new coat of paint:

A new paint job throughout the home will serve a couple of good purposes. Using a neutral colour will ensure that prospective buyers are not going to form the first opinions one way of the other. Even though this is something, they can easily change as the new homeowner. A fresh coat of paint will also give the house a new look and allow you to make any minor repairs to the walls like chips or cracks.

Tip #3: It’s Time to D-Clutter

Home buyers don’t get a lot of time to look around a home that they are viewing. If a house is cluttered, it can almost become overwhelming for them. Ideally, if you want your house to sell quickly, then you want them to be able to focus on the good features of the home.

Focus on closets and cupboards:

Many like to see the size of the cupboards and closets. If these are cleaned out and organized the potential buyer gets to see just how much space is available. It allows them to visualize how accommodating this space will be for their items.

Tip #4: The  Right Repairs and Updates

Knowing what you need to do to the home to make it more sellable is often a point of confusion for many home sellers.  A good practice is to do an inspection of the home to see what stands out the most if you were going to buy the home. Also, keep in mind that you need to weigh out the cost of the improvement and whether you are going to get your money back for this through the sale of the house.

Sell “as is” option

If the home is in need of major repairs, then you may be better to sell it “as is.” Although you will get a lower price, you may still come out ahead compared to if you invested in all the necessary repairs. Some of the smaller repairs should be done, but a lot can be done through home cosmetics that will create better appeal to a potential homebuyer.

Tip #5: Home Cosmetics

Home cosmetics comes down to paying attention to the small details that can make a difference in the way the home shows. Here is a short list of what some of these are;

• Making sure that carpets are clean even if they are not being sold with the home.
• Removing heavy drapery from the windows so as much natural light can come in.
• Having the proper lighting in each room particularly for night showings.
• Focus on staging the home so it will be appealing to home viewers.
• If the showing is in the warm months make sure the garden and grounds are well manicured.
• During the winter months make sure the pathways are safe to walk on and free from snow and ice.

Tip #6: Showing Advantages

Trying to be sure that every room is available for showing which means trying to avoid show times when the kids are napping or in bed for the night.

Making arrangements for the pets to be taken out of the home during a viewing.

The Right Ambiance

Pet odours and cooking odours can linger in the home, and air fresheners can be aggravating. Try to air out the home before a showing. But, make sure the home doesn’t feel cold in temperature when home viewers are going to arrive.

Having something pleasant cooking on the stove or in the oven creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Some home sellers just have a pot of water boiling with some herbs or cinnamon that permeates the air which creates a nice environment.

Tip #7: Choosing the Right Realtor

Doing your part is an important step in selling your home. But, choosing a good realtor is also one of your responsibilities. You can do this by checking with other homeowners in your area that have had success at selling their own.

Use the Internet to your Advantage:

There are plenty of ways to research reviews online. You want to choose a realtor that is specializing in residential housing and is familiar with your area.

Tip #8: Knowing What You Have to Disclose

Realtors have an obligation to disclose some things that may be wrong with the house. This has to do with latent and patent defects. Patent defects are those which a home buyer can see for themselves. Latent defects are those that will not be visible. If the homeowner is aware of these, then they should disclose this.

Know Your Rights:

The realtor may ask the home seller to sign an SPIS form which they are not compelled to do.

Tip #9: Being Prepared for the Sale

If you are prepared for the sale before it happens, then it makes it a lot less stressful. It can help you decide on a closing date. You can arrange for pre-approved financing which will help you determine how much you need to sell your house for.

Gather your Documents:

Once the house is sold your lawyer is going to some documents from you. Have these ready to go so that there are no delays in the closing process.

Tip #10: Avoiding the Mistakes

Knowing what to do to help sell the home faster is the best step to being successful with the home selling, but there are also some things that should be avoided.

• Don’t leave cleaning the house to the last minute which is just before prospective buyers are coming in to see the house
• Setting the price of the house too high when compared to what similar homes in the area are selling for.
• Allowing showing of the home when all the rooms cannot be viewed by potential homebuyers.
• Not allowing your realtor to put your home on the MLS listing.
• Preventing your realtor from putting a sign on the front property
•  Not allowing open houses

By knowing what to do and what not do when selling your home it allows you to be pro-active in its sale and makes it much easier for the real estate agent.