In a buyer's market, getting your property to stand out form the rest will take some creative know-how. A seller's market occurs when real estate listings outnumber the number of potential purchasers. Here's how you can help tip the scales in your favour and get that sale contract signed.
People tend to be pickier about the price they're willing to spend when the amount of real-estate inventory equals the number of buyers shopping the market. Concentrate on the listing price you're comfortable with - if you want to sell quickly, try selling it low.
Never underestimate the power of a well-kept lawn and attractive flower boxes to entice potential buyers. Make sure the front of your home is in good condition; you never have a second chance to make a good first impression. Buyers frequently drive about their favoured neighbourhoods window shopping, so provide them with attention-grabbing curb appeal they can't ignore.
Ask a home inspector to highlight what they think are the top five repairs needed on your property. Include the name of the inspection company and inspection date in the listing description. Before even listing your home, consider hiring a contractor to take care of these problem areas. In a balanced market, the prospect of even minor renovations could scare off buyers.
Go through each room and pack up 50 per cent of the "stuff" — then store, donate or trash it. Installing a wine fridge or new flat-screen TV may cost you $1,000-$2,000 upfront, but your house will sell faster than one without.
Incentives are a great way to make your property stand out from the crowd. Offering something more creative than just your regular financial incentives should do the trick. A year's worth of landscaping services or paying homeowners' association dues are just two examples of outside-the-box incentives.
