OK, you are probably thinking, “Wait, it’s a SELLER’S market! Don’t I just need to plunk a sign in the yard, post it on Zillow, and someone will roll up with a suitcase full of cash?” 
Yes, maybe. It does happen that way…sometimes.
But for those of you who prefer to gamble a little less to get your home sold, here are some tips for selling in a seller’s market–to maximize $$ and minimize time on the market and (gasp!) price drops:
- Be Realistic About Price: Yes, there is a huge pool of buyers in the Seattle/Eastside market now who are hungry for homes and willing to go to bat for the right one. But most of them aren’t stupid and they can see an overpriced house for what it is. (And they know when a seller is just getting greedy). Pricing on the higher side is one thing, but an even better bet is pricing right at or just below where the market is if you want to have the best odds of multiple offers.
- Clear the Closets: And the garage, and all the clutter. Just plan to get at least half of your stuff out of the house before it hits the market. I’ve said it many times…consider it pre-packing. Lighten the load for your upcoming move. Give it away, or box it up. Just get it out. You’re trying to show off your house in all it’s spacious, clutter-free glory so buyers can imagine their glorious clutter-free dream home. What’s more appealing, a Crate & Barrel catalog or a closet with clothes falling off the hangers and shoe boxes falling all over?
- Get Out of Town: Trust me, everyone is better off if you, dear seller, can get out of town for a few days–or better yet, weeks–when your house hits the market. The more buyers that get through the door in the first few days the better, and that’s tremendously easier to do when agents aren’t having to arrange showing times around your schedule. Plus, it’s just tough for most of us to keep a house spotless while on the market, especially if there are kids and/or pets around! (And it should go without saying that sellers should not be around when a buyer is touring the house. It’s just awkward.) Just don’t go somewhere totally off the grid. You’ll still need to be reachable via phone and/or email when the offers roll in!
- Spruce It Up: You may think that buyers won’t notice the little things that you’ve let go over the years. The scuffed paint, a deck that needs repainting, and that squeaky door. But they do, whether conscious or unconsciously, and it affects their perception of the house and what may be “wrong” with it that they can’t see. Consider spending a few bucks or a little time to fix all those little things. If you can’t see them, ask a friend. You’ll be glad you did.
- Show It Off: When it’s time to roll, make sure your Realtor is using professional photographs! This is another no-brainer since pretty much EVERYONE looks online now, but you’d be surprised (or maybe not) how many agents are still using pics they took with a cell phone. Professional photography is usually only a couple hundred bucks or so, and makes a tremendous difference in how buyers see your home, and how many of them actually make it in the door vs. passing it by online.
Now, who’s ready to get a house on the market before the rest of the competition comes online? Drop me a line for a FREE custom analysis of your home’s value in today’s hot sellers market.