Are you getting ready to sell your home? It takes more than just listing it online or posting a “For Sale” sign out in the front yard to have a successful sale. Now is the time to get a few things done that will make your house outshine others on the market. Check out these top home selling tips below from Lakeshore Realty. Most are surprisingly simple and will pay back in faster offers from buyers and more cash in your pocket.

1. Get a reliable, experienced real estate agent

One of the most important decisions you will make when selling your home is selecting the right real estate agent. Don’t be fooled into blindly selecting one who recently sent you a mailer, or who is your cousin’s boyfriend’s cousin. And certainly think twice before even considering doing a “sale by owner,” which can become a longer and more painful sale experience and a significant reduction in hard cash. Instead, interview a few agents. Find one you can trust and is experienced in selling homes in your neighborhood. Finding a hard-working and reliable agent will save you many a headache and allow you to focus on other aspects of your move.

2. Settle on a realistic selling price

An experienced realtor will provide you with a comparative market analysis that tells you selling prices for other comparable homes in your neighborhood. Together you and your realtor will settle on an appropriate price that takes into account a number of factors including the home itself, the neighborhood, and nearby amenities like schools, shopping, restaurants, and more.

3. Create a powerful online presence

Selling a home today requires a solid online presence consisting of clear and attractive descriptions, high-quality photos, and even walk-through video tours. Images need to demonstrate that the interior and exterior of the home are well-maintained

4. Declutter

Ever heard the expression “less is more”? This is a home-selling mantra. Home buyers are turned off by viewing other people’s clutter on countertops, tables, cabinets, and closets. These things become a distraction preventing them from visualizing the space as their own. Clear off and clear out to make your living and storage spaces more appealing.

5. Depersonalize

While decluttering, be sure to pack away personal items like family photos, trophies and awards, and bold furniture or artwork. Your goal is to allow the buyer to envision this home as their own, not yours. Stage your home using plants, bouquets of flowers, or bowls of fruit to bring color to your decor and create a welcoming environment.

6. Elevate your home’s curb appeal

A buyer’s first impression of your home will decide whether it inspires them to schedule a tour or pass it by for a more appealing option. Plant some colorful flowers and trim overgrown bushes. Keep your lawn manicured and leaves rakes. Touch up paint on your front door and windows. These actions will go a long way in bringing in prospective buyers.

7. Make minor repairs

Every small repair or upgrade you do will help to impress potential buyers by increasing the perceived value of the property. A few easy and inexpensive repairs include touching up scuff marks on walls and baseboards, and tightening up loose handles on cabinets and doors. Depending on the last time you painted or the existing colors, you may want to paint select rooms in lighter toned neutrals.

8. Keep everything sparkling clean

It’s critically important to keep your home neat and clean at all times during your home-selling process. You simply never know when a potential buyer will request a spur of the moment tour, and you want your property to look, feel, and smell spotless. Keep your kitchen and bathrooms shiny clean. Avoid using any sort of “odor masking” techniques, like scented candles or deodorizers, as the strong scent may backfire and turn off a buyer.

9. Make your home cozy

A major factor in how people make home buying decisions is their gut-feel response to the visit. Staging your home so potential buyers feel good about the tour will stay with them. Do simple things like making sure the temperature is comfortable. Have a few, simple tasty treats out with a note welcoming them in for the tour. Bake some bread or sweets so pleasing aromas of the season fill the air.

Following these home selling tips from Lakeshore Realty will help you sell your home faster and put more money in your pocket. We are passionate about our community and have participated in more sales in Lake Junaluska than any other realtor in our area. Contact us to discuss market trends and create a marketing plan for your home at (828) 456-4070 or visit us online.

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Home Selling Checklist: 12 Things to Do Before Selling Your House