How to Make Your Property Stand Out From The Rest
When the “For Sale” signs start popping up all over the city, you know that you will need to do something special to get the price you want for your home. Thankfully, there are some key steps that you can take to help your home stand out in a crowded marketplace.
Trust the Professionals
The first and perhaps the most important step, is to get your place professionally listed, and seek out the service of a real estate professionals. A key advantage of doing this is that a real estate professional has the ability to analyze buyer behavior and industry trends They can provide insight on what’s selling, and why, but also envision unique ways to stand out and draw buyers.
Be as Prepared as You Can
By using a real estate professional you can also help cut through the noise in a crowded marketplace by generating leads through agent-to-agent contacts. Before any showings, it is important to have a home inspection done and to compile a summary of operating costs (such as utilities and insurance). If you don’t know what to prepare, ask! Your agent is your resource, and comes with a wealth of knowledge. If you are open and honest with your agent, you’re less likely to be disappointed in the long run.
Make it Personal
Once the potential buyers come inside, do everything you can to turn the showing into a pleasant and memorable experience—little touches like air fresheners around the home and offering cookies to the buyers can go a long way. Set your dimmers to hit that optimal light and turn on a little mood music (something upbeat and cheerful, but keep the volume low so people can easily have conversation). Consider adding a few personal touches is a fine balance…you don’t want buyers coming face-to-face with the current owners, but you do want the house to feel cozy and welcoming. Think beautiful coffee table books instead of family albums in the living room!
Take Quality Photos
Having professional photos taken is an essential component of attracting a potential buyer. Schedule a shoot when your home has optimal lighting, and develop a shot list with your real estate agent to highlight key selling features within your home. If the lot is large or particularly attractive, arrange to have aerial photos taken. Consider staging your home before taking photos and scan your rooms with eagle eyes. There’s nothing worse than seeing a full trash can or a shower riddled with half-used soap bottles in listing photos.
Set the Stage
When it comes to the showings themselves, curb appeal and staging are essential. A home listing can be a lot like an online dating profile—it’s a great way to share some information, but nothing compares to that in-person first impression. When does your home get the most natural light? This is the best time to showcase your home and plan an open house.
No matter how many homes are out there on the market, showing that you are a conscientious seller with something unique to offer will help you and your home stand out.