10 Tips for getting the Most out of Selling your Home

Sell your Home Stress Free and Fast

Not gonna beat around the bush, Niagara has a shortage of listings, but not a shortage of buyers. For all homes types, January 2023 saw 771 homes go up for sale in Niagara. In January 2022, only 529 homes were listed for sale in Niagara. As you can see, we’ve listed more homes, but not enough. We are beginning to see more buyers enter the market as home values have settled and held in the last month or so. People are very ready to buy. If you’re considering listing your home for sale, there are a number of important things to keep in mind (as you’ll see in the list below) to make it most appealing to your potential buyers.

For many people selling their home can be a pretty stressful experience. They are having to constantly keep the house clean and organized and be ready to run out in case there is a showing. It’s quite an inconvenient time, especially with small children or pets. It’s no wonder that sellers want to sell their home as quickly as possible. You must be prepared for this time in your life and remember it won’t last forever, only while the house is for sale.  

Length of time isn’t the only thing Sellers stress about but also selling for their desired price. I have advice to help with all these things! Here are 10 tips for selling your home faster, easier and for the most amount of money. 

#1: Hire the Right Agent 

This is VERY Important. You need an agent who is a skilled negotiator-our number one skill, hands down. This is why you hire us. They also need to be well informed of the current market trends in your specific area. One who is always checking statistics, checking what properties are popping up and checking the comparables in your neighborhood. Not only do you need someone who is informed but someone who fits with your personality and goals and truly understands what you want. If they are not informed you could lose money on your home and if they don’t consider your goals they may miss things that are important to you during negotiations. 

#2: Pricing Strategy 

This doesn’t just mean appraising your home properly. This means coming up with a strategy that gets you the most money. For example, in a hot market it might be beneficial to list a little under market value to spark interest and competition. But, in a slow market that strategy could end up backfiring. Talk with your agent, identify the type of market you are in and come up with a strategy that will work. 

#3: Storage Space

Every buyer is looking at how much storage a home has. Empty out your closets to show how much storage space you actually have. Even though they won’t admit it, buyers will snoop so keep your closets clean. Get items like toasters, coffee pots etc… off the kitchen counter. Having to get your toaster down from a cupboard when you want it is a minor inconvenience that helps show potential buyers that you have enough kitchen storage and counter space.

#4: Let the light in

No buyer wants to live in a dark home. Can’t blame them, I wouldn’t want to either! Take down the drapes, clean the windows, change the lampshades, increase the wattage of your light bulbs and cut the bushes outside to let in sunshine. More light = more smiles = better chance of selling. 

#5: Put away the Pet Stuff

Pets are cute, I know! I don’t know what I’d do without mine. But pets also come with a mess. Buyers don’t want to walk in your home and see a bowl full of dog food, smell the kitty litter box or have tufts of pet hair stuck to their clothes. It will give buyers the impression that your house is not clean. Also, I highly recommend taking your pets with you during showings. You want people focusing on your home to buy it, not interacting with your adorable little dog or cat. 

#6: Limit your Upgrades

A huge reno before you sell might not yield you the best profits. You should definitely do minor upgrades though. Get a new fresh coat of paint on the walls. Clean the curtains or go buy some inexpensive new ones. Replace door handles, cabinet hardware, make sure closet doors are on track, fix leaky faucets and clean the grout.

#7: Allow Buyers to picture themselves living there

This means de-personalizing. Yes, your kids are cute and your grandma’s tea set may mean a lot but the more personal stuff in your house, the less potential buyers can imagine themselves living there. Put any personal items in storage. You’re moving anyway so why not get a jump on packing. 

#8: People care about the kitchen. A lot.

A kitchen remodel is one of the valuable things you can do to your home.  It may be a few thousand dollars to replace countertops but a buyer may knock thousands of dollars off the asking price if your kitchen looks dated. Some small things you can do are painting and new cabinet hardware. Use a neutral-color paint so they can start envisioning their own style. Even just having one nice appliance helps. Why? Because when people see one high-end appliance they think all the rest are expensive too and it updates the kitchen.