There are few things more frustrating to a seller than a home
that sits on the market. It's stressful to keep a house in showing condition, and not selling
can cost you lots of money.
Use these tips as a quick guide to better your chances at
selling your house in a timely fashion.
- Sit down with your Texas REALTOR® and evaluate your listing price. Visit open houses
in your neighborhood. Are similar homes priced lower? An overpriced home is
destined to sit on the market too long.
- Do whatever it takes to be away from your home during
showings and
open houses.
- Ask your Texas REALTOR® for feedback on how your home shows, and ask him to
solicit other agents' advice. Feedback from their clients can really help.
- If you intend to hold an open house, consider doing so on a weeknight.
Competition may be lower, and you'll attract the interest of buyers who may not
be available on the weekend.
- Help promote your property. Talk about your home to everyone you know. Look
for other ways to get the word out, too, even if your agent is doing a lot to
promote your house.
- If you're really motivated, you can offer perks to buyers, such as a cash
bonus or help with closing costs.
- Neutralize your color scheme. Most buyers prefer neutral colors that make it
easier to imagine a new home as their own.
- Consider offering an increased commission or a bonus for your listing agent
as extra incentive. If you do so, amend your listing contract to reflect the
change, and be sure those details are added to the multiple listing service
(MLS). Buyer agents will also be inspired to give your house extra attention.
- If your REALTOR® has a video tour of the house, watch the tape as if you
were a prospective buyer … you may be surprised at what you see.
- Fix lingering problems,
such as the dripping faucet or the door that doesn't quite close right.
- Clean and de-clutter—neat, organized houses sell faster than those that look
too lived-in.
- It's not about you. Buyers want to imagine their family in the house. If
your house shows an abundance of your personality, it may dissuade the buyer.
There are many other things you can do to hasten the sale of
your property, no matter the condition of the housing market. Make sure you
consult with your Texas REALTOR® first.