Are you thinking about selling your St. Louis home? Whether you’re looking to upgrade, need to change location, or have outgrown your starter home, you want to get top dollar when selling your current property. Here are some tips that will make your home stand out in this competitive market:

Curb Appeal

Making your potential buyer feel welcome is key to getting them in the door to view the rest of the home. Create a great first impression by sprucing up the yard. Trim tree branches that may block the view of the home. Make sure the grass is mowed, sweep off walkways, and remove any debris. Potted plants and garden beds are a nice touch if you’re selling in the warmer seasons. You may also want to consider exterior paint to brighten it up if your home is looking drab. All in all, you want your house to stand out and invite those driving by to stop and take notice.

Clear the Clutter

Once you get the potential buyers in the door, you want them to be able to imagine themselves living in the space. Remove all personal effects such as trophies, collectables, and figurines.  Clear off small appliances from the kitchen and bathroom counters to show off your counter space. Remove any unnecessary, bulky furniture that makes the space look smaller. Clean and organize your closets so they don’t appear crowded or like you hid all your extra things in there.  If a buyer is able to picture themselves living there, they are more likely to put in an offer.

Make your house sparkle

Buyers have discerning senses and will notice any amount of dust, dirt, or odor. Now is the time to spring clean everything from baseboards to ceiling fan blades. Any odors of smoke, pets, or mold is an instant turnoff. Some simple fixes are to shampoo your carpets and furniture, change out your shower curtains, bleach the grout in your kitchen and bathrooms, and repaint the walls. 

Find a good listing agent

While many are tentative about spending the money to get an agent, hiring a seasoned professional will not only increase your chances of selling your home but will also increase your odds of having multiple offers. Real estate agents have access to multiple tools to market your home, such as the MLS and broker caravans. These vastly increase the amount of viewings for your property. A listing agent will also act as your guide through the process, advising you on whether a potential buyer is qualified, what to do in a circumstance of renegotiation, as well as tips on how to be competitive with other comparable homes for sale in your area. Agents can help ease any fears or answer any questions that you might have during the selling process as well.

Price your home wisely

It’s important to price your home wisely so that it will attract buyers. Speak with your agent, look at the comparable prices in your neighborhood, and decide on a listing price that will get you the most traction. If your home has been on the market for a significant amount of time, buyers are more likely to under bid. You want an attractive price that will bring in offers within the first two months.

Selling your home in a competitive market can seem overwhelming. The key is to make your home stand out and attract potential buyers. The more people that view your home, the greater your odds are of not only selling it, but selling it for top dollar. What are you looking for in a home? We would love to hear from you.