Patience is a virtue for just about any circumstance including selling your home. Yet sometimes you must sell quickly when a job opportunity arises or you face an abrupt lifestyle change. Assuming your home is in good condition and free of liens, here are several tips to help expedite a sale:
Ask for a Comparable Market Analysis (CMA): Your Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices agent can prepare an informal estimate of your home’s value based on comparable sales in the neighborhood. This includes detailed comparisons of the home’s size, age, location and features to determine a reasonable price range for your property. You can then adjust the price based on variables in home and lot size, upgrades, condition and location. The amount may not be what you had envisioned, yet when priced slightly below comparable sales you should attract serious buyers.
Ask about our Progressive Value Range Marketing (PVRM): Many Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices agents use PVRM as an additional pricing resource. Instead of setting a specific price, a value range is selected enabling sellers to entertain offers in a defined range.
Be flexible: Know your bottom price and don’t be offended by offers within those parameters. Consider negotiating housewares and fixtures that may appeal to prospective buyers—such as those expensive new drapes you just installed, the dining-room chandelier or that new washer-dryer combo. Determine what you can and can’t live without.
Remove the clutter: This must be done regardless of time frame. Throw away anything you won’t be taking with you and pack storage items that you won’t miss during the selling process. Rent a storage pod that can be picked up and eventually moved to your new home.
Offer incentives: One popular incentive for a fast closing is to share or pay for your buyer’s closing costs. You may also offer higher commissions for a fast sale, which may lead to even more showings.
Rent to buy: If there’s interest but no one is willing to meet your timeline, offer the chance to rent with the right to buy it in six months or a year. Both parties win, as buyers can experience the home and neighborhood firsthand while you transition with cash flow to cover expenses.
Indeed, selling a home requires time and patience yet there are several things you can do to help expedite the process. With flexibility and creativity, you can increase your chances of a quick sale.
