Tips for selling your home fast for top dollar

Question: Dear Kari, My husband and I are planning on selling our home and we will be first-time sellers. Can you please provide us with some advice? Answer: Thank you for your prudent question. To sell your home successfully, investing energy, time and money in preparing it for buyers is a smart move when your circumstances permit. There are a variety of strategic steps that can greatly boost your property's appeal, helping it stand out from other homes on the market. This can lead to a quicker sale and potentially a higher selling price. Here are some key tips to help you achieve these goals: · The right listing agent makes all the difference to a successful home sale. It is wise to hire a local experienced and trustworthy listing agent to sell your home at the highest possible price and with the best terms. This skilled professional will guide you through every stage of the process, including setting the right asking price to help you obtain the best outcome of attracting qualified buyers. · Be resourceful to obtain a pre-home inspection that will offer awareness of any necessary repairs needed for your home. This can provide you with a big advantage, because it allows you to address any known issues on your terms, for instance making some of the repairs yourself or using a handyman. Taking care of items up front can make a huge difference in how your home is perceived and the final sales price it closes at. When your home goes under contract, buyers almost always get their own home inspections and if major or too many repairs are discovered the buyers usually request the sellers make the repairs or credit buyers money through the escrow to cover the costs of repairs. Even worse, the buyers have the right using their contingencies to simply walk away from the deal while getting all their earnest money back. This can be a big headache for the sellers when your home sale falls apart and then has to be relisted again for sale. This can scare off future buyers who might wonder what problems are hidden in the home. To help avoid those stressful complications, go ahead and address any repairs or maintenance issues that could frighten buyers away. · Hiring a professional stager is a smart move that goes far beyond simple decorating. It's a strategic approach to highlighting your home's best features and helping potential buyers truly envision their lives there. When your home is professionally staged, every room is thoughtfully arranged to showcase the lifestyle it offers. Each piece of furniture and every carefully chosen detail acts as an inspiration, allowing buyers to easily imagine how they would use and enjoy the space. Ultimately, professional staging transforms a home from "one of many" into a one-of-a-kind gem. · Enhance your home's first impression with the value of good curb appeal, which is what your home looks like from the street. The first impression for potential buyers will have a great impact on your home's value. A small investment of time and money can yield a big return, leading to a quicker sale and even higher offers. For instance, trimming bushes, adding fresh mulch and colorful flowers, greening up the lawn, painting the front door, new lighting, etc. These small changes create a positive initial experience for buyers, making your home more appealing and potentially increasing its market value. · Invest in a professional photographer, as the first steps most buyers take in their home search is online and your listing photos are your home's first impression. If your photos don't effectively showcase your home's best features, prospective buyers might dismiss it without ever stepping a foot inside or attending an open house. These are just a few selling tips to get you started. Your agent will be your go-to for more information and guidance, ensuring your home sale is as smooth and successful as possible. This is precisely why it's so important to begin your home sale journey with the best agent by your side, advising you every step of the way.