Selling your home can be exciting, but let’s face it, it can also feel expensive when thinking of getting your home ready. The good news is, there are several ways to help save you money and make you more money. You can cut costs when selling your home without sacrificing the results. And you can do things to make more money off your home sale. Let’s look at some tips to help save you money during the selling process AND make you more money in the end!
Price your home right from the start. Sellers, overpricing your home is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Sellers often say, “Well, if it doesn’t sell, we can always drop the price later.” This is the worst strategy and it can cost you more in the long run. If a home sits on the market too long, buyers know it’s overpriced, or they think something’s wrong with it. You’ll likely end up lowering the price and getting an offer for even LOWER than the reduced price. Work with an experienced agent who knows the market and can help you price your home strategically to sell quickly and at the best price.
Focus on cost-effective home improvements. You don’t need to go all out on expensive renovations. Instead, focus on affordable updates with a big impact. Start with a fresh coat of neutral paint on the walls and woodwork, especially where there are scuff marks or dark colors. This does wonders for a home and makes a huge impact on how your home looks. Then replace outdated fixtures, like lighting and cabinet hardware in the kitchen and bathrooms. If you have extra money in the budget, replace ugly countertops and worn out flooring. You can freshen and modernize your home without breaking the bank.
Boost curb appeal with simple landscaping. First, clean up your yard! Get rid of toys, old outdoor furniture, piles of bricks, trash, etc. Clean up all flower beds, remove weeds, and thin out overgrown plantings. Trim back bushes. Then add dark mulch to the flower beds and around trees. Spruce up your home with some color. Plant some flowers in the flowerbeds and place a few planters on your porch by the entrance. If you have nice outdoor furniture or a swing, make sure these are clean and placed neatly outside. These little improvements can make your home look beautiful and inviting as buyers drive up to your home.
Make simple repairs. If there are a bunch of little things broken, buyers will begin to think your home wasn’t taken care of. So many times I’ve taken buyers on showings where lightbulbs were dull or burned out, closet doors didn’t open and close properly, doors stuck, handrails were loose, blinds were broken, and so on. These little things really matter! Take time to make all the small repairs around your home that you’ve gotten used to over the years. To buyers, these little things make a big statement on whether or not you’ve cared for your home.
Declutter and stage your home. Start by removing items! Make four piles: 1) keep, 2) pack, 3) give away, 4) throw away. Then get things out of sight by putting stuff away, taking things to the donation center, or putting junk out with the trash. It is acceptable to have one area to store packing boxes, like a basement or garage, as buyers know you are moving. Decluttering is FREE and can make a huge difference in organizing your space to make it larger and more inviting. Then add a few items back in like decorator pillows and a throw, a nice rug, and a bouquet of flowers.
Hire a full-service agent. Putting a sign in your yard and adding your home to the MLS is basic and not enough. Work with an agent who uses effective digital marketing strategies. Professional photos and video, online and traditional advertising, and social media exposure can attract buyers without extra costs to you. Then, when you go under contract, a good agent will help negotiate the contract price and terms, such as a buyer’s requests for closing costs or repairs. This way you are not overspending and your agent can actually help save you money.
The bottom line is selling your home does not have to be a financial burden! You can get top dollar by rolling up your sleeves, getting some basic materials, and strategizing with the right agent. If you’re thinking about selling and want to learn more about money-saving tips and my comprehensive marketing strategy, reach out to me today for a free consultation. Lisa Graham Group wants to make your selling experience smooth, profitable, and as stress-free as possible!
By Launch Kits