Are you thinking of selling but feel overwhelmed and like you’re forgetting the crucial steps you have to take when you list your home? We know you want to sell in record time and for top dollar, but you may feel a little stressed right now. With the proper approach and a little effort, your home can be sold in no time at a competitive price. Keep reading to find out our 7 best-kept secrets to selling your home.

The First Impression is the ONLY Impression

No matter how amazing the inside of your home looks, buyers are already making judgments and forming their opinions before they even walk through the door. Remember, when it comes to selling, you will never have a second chance to make another first impression. That’s why having good curb appeal is the first secret to sell your home. As buyers approach your property, it is important to make them feel welcomed and safe. Typically, you can get 100% return on the money you put into the exterior of your home. You can check out our 10 Curb Appeal Makeovers to Increase your Home’s Value here.

Price it Right

Find out what your home is actually worth (use our free home valuation here) and then take 15-20% off of that price. This will attract more buyers which is the key to create a bidding war. In this case, they will bid above the price of what your home is actually worth. By creating a sense of competition, you will ultimately increase the price that buyers are willing to pay. Many sellers are hesitant to price their home below what the market value is, but this is one of the best strategies to take when trying to sell your home.

De-Personalize your home

One important tip to take note of when trying to sell your home is to” take the home out of your house” and de-personalize it. The more stuff that is personal in your home, the less that potential buyers can visualize themselves living there. You should be getting rid of or storing a third of the stuff in your home. Some specific things to take out include family photos, personal keepsakes, any distinctive family items, as well as pets. You may think that everyone would love to see your cute little pup but not everyone loves dogs or cats. Make sure to hide any pet food bowls, kitty litter box, and pet toys and take your pets to a friends house or a pet hotel during your open house.

Light it up

Did you know we’re psychologically programmed to move toward light? It’s true, Nobody likes a gloomy or a dark room! Good lighting is something every buyer wants in a home, and the right lighting has the power to liven up and add style to a home. So open those curtains, clean the windows, increase the wattage of your lightbulbs and trim bushes to allow the most light. Whether you have to create light or showcase the natural light, focus on making your home bright and cheery in order to sell it faster. 

Hire a tech-savvy listing agent

The person you hire for the job could make or break the sale of your home. Your agent should be not only extremely knowledgeable about the MLS and comps in your neighborhood but also tech-savvy. Agents who embrace technology have many tools to gain digital exposure for your home. Sticking a for sale sign in your yard and relying only on traditional advertising methods is not enough anymore. Versatility and innovation are key qualities modern listing agents must have in our digital world. 

Focus on the kitchen

Your kitchen is arguably the most important room in your home to a buyer. If you do remodel your kitchen, there’s a good chance you will recoup most of your investment during the sale. You could spend a few thousand dollars on necessary updates but if you don’t, a buyer may knock $10,000 off the asking price if your kitchen looks dated. The fastest, most inexpensive kitchen updates include a fresh coat of paint and new cabinet hardware. Use a neutral paint color so buyers can envision themselves making the space their own.

Always be ready to show

Your house needs to be "show-ready" at all times. You have to be available whenever they want to come to see the place and it has to be in immaculate condition. Don’t leave dishes in the sink, keep visible surfaces decluttered and make sure the bathrooms sparkle. It’s a little inconvenient, but it will get your home sold.