How to quickly sell your home

Even though home inventory levels are dropping, today's buyers are looking for turn-key homes. That is, they want to move right in without having to do a lot of work. Buyers pay a premium for homes that are in prime condition.

TIP #1: STAGE IT
Staging can make the difference between whether or not the home sells, the time it takes to sell, and the selling price.

Sellers who are financially strapped often have a hard time accepting the need to invest in preparing a house for sale.  It's important to keep your goal in mind: sell your house.

Recently, at a home at Henry Walker Homes, came on the market in a popular location and city, with other big homes nearby built in recent years.  This home was eventually completed without a buyer, and although other Henry Walker Homes priced similarly were selling, this home located didn't--even in a highly  desirable area.

Instead of dropping the price, Henry Walker Homes decided to stage the home.  In this case, staging isn't exactly the same as it is with an existing home, but the results can be. Within a week of putting furniture in an empty home, the home sold.

TIP #2: DECLUTTER IT
Although homes staged by a good decorator show well and often sell quickly, you don't need to spend a lot to put your home into shape for marketing. Most homeowners have too many personal possessions in their home from a sales standpoint. Decluttering is something most sellers need to do.

Not that everyone is a pack rat, but decluttering can be somewhat difficult considering the emotional ties people have to many of their things.  However, you'll be packing everything up after your home sells anyway, so decluttering is simply boxing up your items before the official move.  If needed, consider getting someone to help you sort, pack, donate and recycle items that you no longer want.

You may need to put away collections of art, personal photos, etc.  You don't want prospective buyers focusing in on your personal property; you want them to focus on the house. Keep in mind that how you live in your home and how it should look when it goes on the market are not necessarily the same.  Also, less personal property usually gives homes a more spacious feel. When buyers are looking for the most for their money, bigger is usually better.

TIP #3: DETACH FROM IT
Similar to decluttering your home, becoming unattached to your home is highly effective.  Getting personal possessions out of your house helps you to detach yourself emotionally from the property.

Bring in new house plants to put in strategic locations; add more lighting in dark spots; add a coat of paint to an otherwise dull room. If you can't pull this together yourself get some help from a friend or family member, or even hire a good stager for a consultation.

Being detached and looking at your home from an outsiders perspective will help you discover free or inexpensive things that can really make your home stand out - ultimately helping you sell your home faster and for more money.

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See full article featured in Inman News, "3 tips for staging your home to sell"