The thrill of moving to a new town or city is undeniable—the chance to explore fresh surroundings, meet new people, and, of course, redecorate. But before you can dive into all that excitement, there’s a crucial hurdle to clear: selling your current home. In a perfect world, your property would be scooped up instantly by a buyer who falls head over heels for it. But let’s be real—that rarely happens. According to a recent study, 61.9% of homes on the market (as of June 2024) have been listed for at least 30 days without going under contract.
That’s a long time to wait when you’re itching to start the next chapter of your life. So, what can you do to make sure your house is one of the lucky ones that gets snapped up quickly? It turns out, there’s more to it than just slapping on a fresh coat of paint and praying for the best. Here are four tried-and-true strategies to help your home catch the eye of potential buyers and get it sold faster.
1. Boost Your Property’s Value by Making Strategic Upgrades
One surefire way to grab a buyer’s attention is by adding tangible value to your property. Think of it as giving your home a little “wow” factor that sets it apart from the competition. But not all upgrades are created equal. Focus on areas that buyers care most about—namely, the kitchen and bathrooms. These rooms are the heart of the home and often play a make-or-break role in whether someone decides to put in an offer.
You don’t have to go all out with a full remodel, either. Simple yet impactful changes, like updating your cabinets, swapping out old countertops for sleek granite or quartz, or installing energy-efficient appliances, can make a world of difference. These upgrades not only enhance the visual appeal but also signal to buyers that your home has been well cared for.
2. Don’t Neglect Your Outdoor Space
While it’s easy to get tunnel vision and focus solely on sprucing up your home’s interior, the exterior is equally important. In today’s market, outdoor living spaces are a huge draw, especially for buyers who see their backyard as an extension of their home.
Start by making sure your lawn is tidy and well-maintained. Simple touches like freshly mulched flower beds, trimmed bushes, and a neatly mowed lawn go a long way toward creating a welcoming first impression. But why stop there? If you live in a climate that allows for year-round outdoor activities, consider adding features that make your backyard stand out. Think along the lines of a cozy fire pit area, a stylish pergola for shade, or even outdoor alfresco kitchens for those summer barbecues.
It’s all about creating an inviting space where buyers can imagine themselves relaxing or entertaining guests. The key is to show that your outdoor area isn’t just an afterthought but an integral part of the home’s lifestyle appeal.
3. Clean Like Your Sale Depends on It—Because It Might
There’s a reason why deep cleaning your home is often the first piece of advice you’ll hear when preparing for a sale. No one wants to move into a house that feels grimy, cluttered, or neglected. A thorough clean can do wonders to make your space feel fresh, inviting, and well-maintained.
Go beyond the usual sweep-and-mop routine. We’re talking about getting into all the nooks and crannies, from baseboards and ceiling fans to grout lines and behind appliances. Don’t forget to freshen up carpets and upholstery, which can harbor lingering odors and stains that could turn buyers off.
And while you’re at it, use this as an opportunity to start packing up. Less clutter means more room for buyers to envision their belongings in the space. A neat and orderly home gives the impression of a well-loved and carefully maintained property—a message you definitely want to send.
4. Master the Art of Staging
Staging your home is all about striking the right balance between style and neutrality. On one hand, you want your space to feel warm and inviting, but on the other, it needs to be generic enough for buyers to picture themselves living there. Achieving that balance can be tricky, but the payoff is worth it.
Start by depersonalizing your home. This might mean putting away family photos, bold artwork, and other items that make it distinctly yours. It can feel strange at first—after all, this is your home we’re talking about—but the goal is to create a blank canvas that appeals to as many buyers as possible.
Next, focus on furniture placement and flow. Arrange your pieces in a way that highlights the best features of each room. For instance, pull sofas away from walls to create cozy conversation areas or add a few decorative touches like throw pillows and fresh flowers to give spaces a welcoming vibe. The idea is to make each room feel purposeful while still leaving enough room for buyers to visualize how they’d make the space their own.
The Bottom Line: Small Changes Can Lead to Big Results
Selling a home isn’t just about luck—it’s about strategy. By focusing on the areas that matter most to buyers, you can turn your property into a must-have listing that doesn’t sit stagnant on the market. Remember, today’s buyers are savvy. They know what they want, and they’re not afraid to keep looking until they find it. So, the more you can do to make your home stand out, the better your chances of getting that sold sign up sooner rather than later.
