When most people put their home on the market, they are generally in a hurry to get it sold. Unfortunately, some homes can be up for sale for many weeks, months and sometimes a year or more, even in a place like Sandy Springs where the market is hot right now. Your real estate agent is most likely doing all he or she can to advertise the house, but what are you doing to speed up the process? These 5 tips will help you sell your Sandy Springs home faster:
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Consider Your Curb Appeal
When a potential buyer drives up to your home for the first time, it needs to make a great impression. Think of it like a blind date: If you are not initially attracted to a person after a few minutes, you probably do not want to get to know them better. Luckily there are some minor things you can do to increase your curb appeal. Clean up any clutter or dead landscaping. Keep your lawn cut and consider giving your front door a fresh coat of paint. Wash the windows and siding and fix any minor yet noticeable repairs. Replace the mailbox if necessary, and plant a few tasteful flowers.
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Get Rid of Your Stuff
Do you have family pictures spread across the mantle and your kids’ artwork attached to the fridge? If so, you might want to hide it away for now. The less personal a home looks, the easier buyers can imagine themselves living there. In addition to getting rid of personal touches, consider putting some of your belongings in storage. That walk-in closet is not going to look too appealing if it is packed with your entire shoe collection. However, if there are only a few pairs of shoes in the space, it shows off how ample that space really is.
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Keep It Clean
You never know when the right buyer will show up at the front door. Do you want him or her to walk in and see your dishes in the sink, your sofa covered in dog hair and stacks of newspapers lying around? Make it a habit to clean up each day. At the very least, dust, vacuum and avoid clutter. You want your house to put its best foot forward.
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Be Flexible
Speaking of buyers showing up at the front door, learn to say “yes” anytime your agent or a buyer requests a showing. It might be inconvenient for a while, but you never know when a potential buyer is just in town for the weekend to look at houses and passes on yours because you didn’t want to postpone that shopping trip to make your home ready for showing.
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Start with the Right Price
One advantage of working with a real estate agent is that he or she can help you decide on the perfect price for your home. The idea that you should start high is common, but it also slows down the process, and prices that are too high can turn off buyers completely. Consider the prices of other recently sold homes in the neighborhood as a good starting point.
To learn more about selling your Sandy Springs home, contact Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty at 404.237.5000.