There’s no way around it, it has been a highly competitive housing market over the past year, with prices more often than not going well over the asking price due to multiple offers. With that being said, since October this intensity within the market has decreased. In the summer months we were seeing almost just as many homes sold as we did listings, but in the Fall and with Winter approaching we have seen this level off.
So how do you stand out and have your home catch the appeal of potential buyers?
Well the first thing to consider is that more often than not, the first time a potential buyer will see your home is on MLS or another online listing directory. Ultimately what this means is that you have to make a good first impression DIGITALLY.
There are many ways to help your property have that eye-catching look, including these 4 tips below that will help towards giving your home that eye grabbing appeal for potential buyers.
1) Deep clean & declutter:
This one may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many interior pictures of homes have clothes, toys and other sorts of personal belongings all over the place. Give your home a deep clean and view these pictures you post online as a “digital” open house. Also, what most buyers are looking for are good representations of the floorplan so that they can envision how their potential new home may look. So if there is a lot of clutter in the way, it’s tough for them to envision how their new home may look and drive them away.
2) Make repairs &s:
If you have the budget to make renovations it doesn’t hurt to update that kitchen or bathroom. It will give your house a more appealing look and modern updates will also drive the price up of your home and make it stand out. Now if you don’t have the budget for a renovation in major rooms like a bathroom or kitchen, there are smaller budget fixes that can help you out immensely. For instance, maybe tear up that 15 year old carpet and make a minor update to the flooring, it doesn’t have to be anything crazy, and this can go a long way in making your property become more appealing.
3) Lawn maintenance and curb appeal:
Rake those leaves, do some yard work, and tidy up the exterior of your home. Typically the first image a potential buyer will see is the front exterior of your home, so make sure it looks in prime condition. The term ‘curb appeal’ gets used a lot in real estate and it’s very important to remember that the appearance of the exterior of your home is just as important as the interior.
4) A fresh coat of paint:
This is something that gets overlooked, but a fresh coat of a neutral coloured paint can really make a difference in making your home look updated and pop out. Make sure to use a neutral colour so that you don’t throw off potential buyers by making a personal taste choice rather than a simple colour that everyone can like. This is also something that you can do with a limited budget and can make your home look much newer than it actually is.
These are just four simple ways to help your home stand out and sell in a competitive market, there are several more ways to do this and I would be more than happy to help you. Don’t hesitate to reach out via email or social media for more advice, I would love to help guide you with the process of buying or selling your home!