Getting the Best Price for Your Home

No matter how much you might love your home, there's always that day looming when you may need to sell it. Whether you're looking for new adventures or just want to cash in on your investment, selling a house is serious business. It can be a challenging process that takes time, energy, and a diligent eye on the whole affair to make sure it will turn out in the best possible way for you. Everything from making sure the place is in tip-top shape to engaging the right people to help you with all of the paperwork involved, the undertaking can seem intimidating- but it doesn't have to be.

Of course, the most important thing the seller wants out of the deal is a good price. After all, nobody wants to go through all the work of divesting oneself of a valuable property without some reward in the end. We've rounded up some basic tips that can help you extract the greatest possible value for cashing in on your abode.

Sprucing Up the Joint

Consumers act largely the same whether they're buying something in a shop or buying something as substantial as a home. Look at the house you're selling like a consumer. What do you want to see at first glance when seeking an attractive property? Start with the superficial. On the outside, make sure the curb appeal features like gardens and walkways are clean, groomed and attractive. Windows should be nice and clean, and whatever siding is on the house should look unworn and strong. Try your best to make the place look like love at first sight!

Once inside, keep that romance going. Floors should be buffed, free of scratches and sign of wear. Walls and ceilings should have a fresh coat of paint with all the holes and dings properly spackled. Every fixture should be polished and shiny- or even new. If thats what it takes, Be sure that curtains and carpets are looking fresh! Keep the perfumes and odors to a minimum, the idea is neutral-clean. Consider hiring a professional stager (we have several to recommend) to arrange the interior in the most market appealing way possible. Finally, be sure the big stuff is looking good (this is the top priority): updated appliances, solid roof, plumbing, electrical.

Recon and Recruit

Selling a house is something you definitely do not want to do before gathering some intel and something you certainly don't want to do alone. First things first: get a lay of the market landscape with some preliminary reconnaissance. Check the listings to

see not only what similar homes are being listed for but what they've recently sold for. Pay attention to how long they have been on market. Has it been a few days or a few weeks? There are many factors that contribute to the price both parties agree on. Go to open houses and see whats going on. What's the buzz among buyers? What's drawing the most eyeballs? Talk to other people looking and get a sense of what the market really wants.

And as mentioned, get some help! Knowledge about the local market conditions can help set you up for a win on your house. Professional marketing and reputable branding also influence the eyes on your property.

Final Tips

Consider adding perks like energy-efficient doors and windows. Hire an appraiser to learn the value of your home and ask them what you can do to increase it based on what else they are seeing in the current market. Engage a professional interior designer to showcase your homes design, stand out amongst similar homes or prep the "blank canvas" style for new owners. All these little things can add up to a better price in the end.