As a local Twin Cities real estate expert, I’ve seen many homes sell quickly and for top dollar – while others linger on the market. The difference often lies in careful planning and strategic preparation. In this post, I’ll share my top tips to help you sell your home fast and for the best price possible. Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or relocating, these insights will empower your home sale journey.
1. Price competitively from day one
Correct pricing sets buyer expectations and encourages offers from the start. Overpricing chases buyers away, leading to longer market times and potentially lower sale prices. Work with your agent to determine fair market value based on recent comparable sales, property condition, and location. This collaborative approach ensures your listing attracts serious buyers.
2. Declutter and depersonalize
A neutral, clutter-free space helps buyers envision their own life in your home. Begin by removing excess furniture, decorations, and personal items – store them offsite or consider donating/selling. Depersonalize further by painting walls neutral colors and replacing bold fixtures with understated alternatives. This transformation enables buyers to imagine owning your home. Consider hiring a staging consultant to provide an incredible vision to buyers of each room’s potential.
3. Highlight best features in listing photos
High-quality photos showcasing your home’s best assets attract online buyers and drive foot traffic. Invest in professional photography or use excellent camera equipment to capture well-lit, staged rooms. Highlight outdoor features like patios, pools, or gardens – and interior amenities such as granite countertops or hardwood floors. These visuals build buyer desire and encourage showings. Partner with your agent to select a photography package that is suitable for your home as this expense is normally included in their commission (though additional fees may be required for premium services such as drone photography and videography).
4. Improve curb appeal
First impressions matter – maintain landscaping, paint the front door, and ensure exterior charm. Trim trees, prune bushes, and add colorful flowers or plants to boost visual appeal. Consider power washing siding, replacing house numbers, and installing outdoor lighting for extra warmth. Positive curb appeal draws buyers in and sets the tone for interior tours.
5. Prepare for showings with a ‘showing checklist’
Create a routine to quickly prepare your home for last-minute showings – maximize impact with minimal effort.
Consider including tasks like:
- Quickly picking up clutter and toys
- Turning on lights and opening curtains
- Starting calming music or nature sounds
- Removing pets or securing them safely
- Wiping down kitchen counters and sinks
- Making beds and fluffing pillows
- Taking out the trash and recycling
This checklist helps sellers swiftly transition into “showing mode” and make a positive impression on potential buyers.
6. Understand the incentives your agent may suggest offering to buyers
Your agent may recommend offering incentives to attract buyers and close the sale quickly. Understand the options and their potential impact on your sale.
Common incentives include:
- Closing cost credits: reducing the amount buyers pay at closing
- Home warranties: providing protection for buyers against costly repairs
- Prepaid property taxes: covering some taxes for the buyer
- Buying down points: helps to lower the interest rate for the buyer
Discuss with your agent how incentives might benefit your sale and impact your net proceeds.
7. Ensure easy showings by maintaining a flexible schedule and clean home
Make your life easier during the selling process by being prepared for showings at any time.
To do this:
- Keep your home tidy and clutter-free daily
- Establish a quick pickup routine for last-minute showings
- Be flexible with your schedule to accommodate buyer showings
- Communicate promptly with your agent about your availability
This helps reduce stress and increases the chances of a successful showing.
8. Disclose property details upfront
Transparently share known property issues or needed repairs to build trust with potential buyers. Provide inspection reports, maintenance records, and disclosure statements to demonstrate honesty and fairness. This approach helps prevent surprises during the inspection period and strengthens buyer confidence. Ensure that any required inspections (along with required repairs) have been completed and the documentation is accessible to buyers - I encourage keeping a copy somewhere in the home such as the kitchen counter so prospective buyers can review it during a showing.
9. Enhance interior lighting
Brighten rooms with natural light or added fixtures – welcoming ambiance sells homes faster. Open curtains, install higher wattage bulbs, or add table lamps to create cozy pools of light. Adequate lighting makes spaces feel larger, warmer, and more inviting to potential buyers.
10. Work with a local expert – like me!
Familiarity with Twin Cities market trends, schools, and community benefits your home sale. Local agents like myself offer tailored guidance on pricing, staging, and marketing strategies optimized for our unique market conditions. Collaborate with a knowledgeable partner to ensure maximum visibility and profit for your property.
Ready to sell your home quickly and for top dollar? Fill out the home valuation request form to receive your Comprehensive Home Valuation Report and get an idea of what your house can sell for today – let’s work together to achieve your real estate goals!
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