Blog > 8 WAYS TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF OFFERS ON YOUR AUSTIN HOME
8 Ways To Increase The Number Of Offers On Your Home For Sale In Austin
There are lots of ways to increase the number of offers on your Austin home and get it sold faster, but which ones should you focus on? The following list will help you make the right decisions when trying to sell your home in this competitive market.
1. YOUR HOME IS READY TO LIST
If you're selling your home, you want to make sure it is ready to hit the market. After all, first impressions matter. Here are a few ways to make sure your home is in the best shape before selling:
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Get a professional home inspection. This will help you identify any potential problems that could turn buyers away.
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Make any necessary repairs. Once you know what needs to be fixed, take care of it before putting your home on the market. You don't want to have people walk through and see something that needs work. Of course, if there's an easy fix (like fresh paint), go ahead and do it. It'll only improve your chances of getting an offer. And even if you don't get an offer right away, a quick fix like painting can help boost your listing price. If you do find yourself repainting a room, consider what will appeal to a majority of buyers (neutral colors versus vibrant).
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Consider curb appeal. Will brightening the color of your door make your home’s exterior pop? Could the garden or landscaping use an update? The exterior of the home can make a large impression on a buyer and discourage them even before they step inside. If a buyer sees the exterior needs work, they will assume the interior does as well. Buyers are more comfortable with homes that are move-in ready, and fewer repairs can speed up the closing process in the long run.
2. DO SOME CLEANING
While this step goes hand in hand with #1, it is just as important. One way to make sure your home is in top-selling condition is to do a deep cleaning. This means getting rid of any clutter, washing all the windows, and scrubbing all the floors. You want potential buyers to be able to see themselves living in your home, so make sure it’s clean and presentable. Make sure to declutter your space. It's time to get rid of the excess furniture and knick-knacks taking up space in your home. De-cluttering will help make your home feel more spacious and inviting to potential buyers. Plus, it will be one less thing for you to worry about when it's time to move.
3. STAGE YOUR HOME FOR MORE SHOWINGS
After cleaning and touching up your home, decorate! Buyers want to walk in and imagine themselves cooking in the kitchen or relaxing in the living room. Forbes reported that 23% of agents said well-staged homes can increase the selling price by one to five percent. So, it's important that your home makes a good first impression! Take your time to decorate and consider the placement of furniture to make the rooms look spacious instead of crowded. You can even hire a professional who is current on trends to make your home look more appealing. Prospect Real Estate works with agencies around Austin to perfectly stage your home when you are ready to sell.
4. SET A REASONABLE PRICE
Let’s talk selling price. To increase the number of offers on your home for sale in Austin, you'll need to start by setting a reasonable price. Pricing your home too high could discourage potential buyers, while pricing too low could have you losing money. There is a perfect sweet spot when it comes to the price! Find the right price by discussing with a real estate agent familiar with the Austin market who can advise you accordingly. Prospect Real Estate has experts in the Austin area, including agents knowledgeable in downtown Austin real estate, east Austin condos, west Austin homes, and more. Make sure you connect with your agent since they will be communicating with you during the entire process and will prioritize your needs.
5. NEGOTIATE THE BEST OFFER
Remain flexible with the price. While you may not consider offers significantly below the asking price, flexibility can help with selling. Pricing a little lower than you want can generate even higher offers, while pricing too low can discourage buyers. Discuss with your real estate agent who knows the median price of homes for sale in the area. Decide on a price that allows for flexibility you are comfortable with.
6. FLEXIBILITY WITH SHOWINGS
Have flexibility with showings. If you know you won’t be home in the evenings, offer this time for showings. Talk to your agent about an open house that allows multiple buyers to see your home at once. This not only lets buyers see the amount of competition for buying but encourages the speed of their offer if they love your home. They’ll want you to accept their offer first. Make it easy for your agent to gain access to your home for showings. This can be done with something as simple as a lockbox with the key.
7. MARKET YOUR HOME
While marketing is largely the agent’s responsibility, it doesn’t hurt to spread the word on your own. Post your home for sale in Austin on social media. Maybe there is a family friend who is looking to buy their first home. Hire a professional to take pictures of your home and make sure they are top-quality images. Buyers will initially see your home online, and a picture can speak a thousand words.
8. CONSIDER THE TIME OF YEAR
Research suggests the best time of year to sell your home is in the spring. Sellers see higher offers during this time of year and can sell 18.5 days faster at a 5.9 percent higher price than any other season of the year. The weather encourages buyers to go outside and look at homes for sale. Summer offers families flexibility with moving, so they want to have a home locked down beforehand. The curb appeal of your home can improve with trees and flowers in full bloom after winter.
Selling your home can be a stressful time, but it certainly doesn’t need to be! Consider touch-ups that don’t put in more money than you’ll get out of it but will also make your home stand out. Trusting your agent to discuss the right price, market your home efficiently, and negotiate with your interests in mind can make the process easy. Looking to sell your home in Austin? Contact Prospect Real Estate and connect with an expert to help you get started!
