6 Tips to Sell Your Home Faster

The number of residential property transactions has decreased by 14.3% over the past seven years. During the same period, average house prices fell by 14.1%. The number of homes available for sale was 48% higher than the number of actual annual transactions. (Woningmarktcijfers.nl, 2014)

In other words, the housing market has changed. Due to the imbalance between supply and demand, the average amount of time it takes to sell a home has increased to almost two years.

As a homeowner, you naturally want to sell your property as quickly as possible. How can you achieve this? It is simple: make sure your home is more appealing than other properties in the same market segment. These six steps will help you sell your home faster and potentially achieve a higher selling price.

1. Turn Your Home into a Showroom

A prospective buyer views your interior from their own perspective. They are looking for a space they can decorate and personalise according to their own preferences. They are usually not looking for a room-filling loft bed, a cuckoo clock or grandma’s large storage chest.

These kinds of items can make your home appear smaller than it actually is. Apart from essential furniture, such as a sofa and beds, it is advisable to clear out as much as possible. Choose a neutral interior and remove large or eye-catching pieces of furniture.

You will notice that your home suddenly appears much larger than similar properties listed on Funda. Do you temporarily need somewhere to store your belongings? Consider renting a storage unit at ALLSAFE Mini Storage. During viewings, remember to open the curtains and blinds to let in plenty of natural daylight.

2. Remove Personal Belongings

Research has shown that one in eighteen house hunters finds it difficult to look past a highly personal interior. They may feel as though they are intruding on the homeowner’s privacy, which can create an uncomfortable feeling.

Therefore, remove family photographs, personal collections and paintings or posters of your favourite celebrity. When interested buyers cannot picture themselves living in the property, they are less likely to make an offer.

3. Create a Tidy Garden and Entrance

Potential buyers often base their purchasing decision on the impression they form during the first few minutes. A poor first impression can significantly reduce the chances of a successful sale.

An entrance filled with shoe racks, boxes and other clutter is a major turn-off. Your front garden also contributes to that important first impression. Remove any clutter from the garden and make sure the hallway is clean, tidy and welcoming.

4. Make Sure Your Home Looks Finished

Most house hunters are looking for a property that does not require a great deal of additional work. Issues that may discourage potential buyers include crooked kitchen cabinet doors, peeling paint, damaged flooring and cracked plasterwork.

Make sure these small repairs are completed before viewings begin. Minor maintenance is usually relatively inexpensive and can contribute to a higher selling price.

5. Provide a Clear and Complete Series of Property Photos

There is nothing more frustrating than seeing a home listed on Funda as having four rooms while only two of them are shown in the photographs.

Many people are visually oriented and mainly look at the pictures when browsing property listings. Make sure that clear and attractive photographs are taken of every room and uploaded online. A floor plan can also help prospective buyers understand the size, layout and possibilities of your home.

6. Write Inspiring and Error-Free Property Descriptions

Spelling mistakes can make a property listing appear unprofessional, while dull descriptions are unlikely to hold a reader’s attention.

Ask a friend or family member with a strong command of the language to check the description of your home. You could also ask an estate agent or sales coach to help you write an engaging and persuasive text.

A well-structured and accurate property description can make a major difference and increase the credibility of your listing.

By following these six steps, you can sell your home more quickly and potentially achieve a higher selling price.

Discover more home-staging inspiration on ALLSAFE Pinterest.