Spring has sprung, and so have the 'for sale' signs in many Edmonton neighbourhoods. The following are tips for differentiating your listing to sell your home quickly, so you can move out and move on with plenty of time to enjoy the best of summer. 
 
  1. Price it right. Typically your listing's first 30 days on the market will see the greatest level of activity. Pricing too high with a view to reducing it later is a waste of time for yourself and potential buyers. You run the risk of seeming unreasonable, inflexible, and potentially insulting to some buyers. A Realtor will research comparables in the neighbourhood and will have expert advice in terms of what's reasonable in the current market. A good Realtor is someone you can trust to work within your expectations and advise you on the best listing price that shows you are serious about selling and, as a result, will attract serious buyers. 
  2. Good photos. Most buyers are doing their initial research online and this is where your listing really needs to shine from the start. Photos taken on your smart phone are not going to cut it. Consider investing in professional photos — a pro will know exactly how to capture the best angles of your home. Do some prep before picture day: declutter, clean, pick up clothes and toys, completely clear off countertops in all bathrooms and the kitchen, and remember little details like putting the toilet seat down — you'd be surprised how the little things can make a big difference! Make that online first impression a good one. 
  3. Make it easy to show. You don't want to miss out on any opportunity to have your house shown to a potential buyer and this means viewings almost any time, any day. Some sellers go on vacation or temporarily move out to accommodate maximum viewing opportunities. When you factor in how much work is involved in maintaining the cleanliness of your home, plus having to leave at a moment's notice, it actually makes a lot of sense. If you're selling a rental property, consider either vacating it first or paying your renters to keep it extra tidy. Remember, your renters are not going to be as motivated to keep the house immaculate, so offering some incentive will certainly help sweeten the deal while they are being inconvenienced by viewings. Also, if you have pets, think about boarding them during the day at pet daycare and remove all pet-related items like water and food dishes, litter boxes or dog beds. Even if there is no pet damage, some potential owners may view a pet-inhabited home as a negative. Lastly, if your home is empty, consider professional staging to help showcase maximum potential.
  4. Sell the community and the lifestyle. You've heard it a million times: "location, location, location." So make sure you're selling all the amazing features your neighbourhood has to offer. Consider putting together a fact sheet with great information about the community and make it available at open houses or viewings. Is it a family-friendly neighbourhood with lots of children and great schools? List all nearby amenities such as shopping centres, grocery stores, walking paths, ravine or river valley access, and nearby fitness / recreation centres. Point out community features like parks, spray decks, skating rinks, and any other amenities that would be attractive to potential buyers. 
  5. Curb appeal. Once your home has passed the online inspection, potential buyers are likely going to do a drive-by assessment next. Overgrown hedges, dead trees, a cracked driveway, or a sad lawn will undo any excitement created by your amazing online listing and photos. When a potential buyer pulls up outside a home, he/she wants to be impressed right from the start. Addressing your curb appeal by maintaining the exterior and adding nice touches like flower planters and regular lawn care will go a long way to keeping excitement levels high and prompting potential buyers to request a viewing. 
  6. Play up your home's top features. When describing your home, make sure you point out the unique, special characteristics that set it apart from the rest. Things like recent upgrades, architecture style and character, luxury finishes and details, appliance brands, and energy-saving features are all things that help attract the right buyer for your specific home. 
  7. Hire a Realtor. If you're looking to sell your home quickly, there is truly no better investment than hiring an experienced Realtor. A good Realtor will offer recommendations and has access to the best resources to maximize the benefits of each of the previously mentioned tips. Experience and expertise play a critical part in making the right decisions that will prep your listing for quick success. 

As temperatures heat up, so does the real estate market. A little bit of work and some strategic planning will make yours a hot listing that's sure to disappear quicker than a popsicle in July! 

Posted by Wally Fakhreddine on

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