If you’ve made the decision to put your Atlanta property up for sale, you most likely want to know how to sell your home fast. One thing to pay close attention to is your home showing strategy, as first impressions matter.
It’s important to make the right preparations before opening your home to buyers. You have to make sure your property is as appealing and attractive as possible so you can sell it at par with or even better than average Atlanta home values. At the same time, you have to consider other factors that can affect salability, such as timing and scheduling.
Here are some of the most effective ways to make home viewings work for you.
- Make your home available for showings as often as possible
Many sellers require an advanced notice for showings. Unfortunately, this can mean missed opportunities, as not all buyers have the luxury of planning their schedules in advance. Many might just decide to go at a moment’s notice, and within the limited time that they have, they’ll try to see as many homes as possible. Chances are, they’ll find a property they like out of those they’ve seen for the day. If yours is not one of them, you lose the chance at a sale. To avoid this, it’s best to minimize restrictions on showings.
- Consider deferred showings
A strategy that’s highly effective in a seller’s market, or one where there’s a high demand for homes, is deferred showings. This means waiting for some time after listing your home before opening its doors for showings. The most common timeframe is listing the property at the beginning of the week and starting showings on the weekend.
This tactic allows your listing and your property to be seen by as many buyers as possible. With the right number of people liking your home, a bidding war may even ensue.
- Stay away from showings
It’s best for you and your agent to not be present during showings. Give buyers and their agent all the time and privacy they need to look at your home and discuss its pros and cons. Your and your agent’s presence can make the buyer feel uncomfortable and less free to talk about the home. Trust that no amount of sales talk can convince buyers to like your property – they will decide that on their own.
- Create a great first impression
Exterior home staging can give your home that “wow” factor and make it easier for buyers to picture themselves living in it. The most effective staging starts from the outside. Impress buyers even before they set foot inside your home, getting them excited to see the rest of the property. Invest in a few landscaping improvements, but don’t overdo it. Trim your lawn, remove dead leaves and debris, and replant bare spots. Add shrubs or potted flowering plants, update the gate and mailbox, wash your exterior walls or give it a fresh coat of paint – simple touch-ups and adornments like these can give your exterior a fresh, inviting look.
- Make buyers feel welcome
You want buyers to feel that your home is their home. Give them a warm welcome with a few personal touches, such as leaving a bowl of treats, lighting a fire on the fireplace, or adding blooms from your garden.
A big no-no is asking buyers to leave their shoes at the door, unless it’s for religious or cultural reasons. Some will find this insulting and uncomfortable.
Be careful with scents. If they’re too overpowering, buyers might think you’re trying to mask a bad odor. Some may even be allergic to them. Keep the windows open to let fresh air in, unless there’s too much noise or unpleasant smell coming from the outside.
- Ensure comfort and the best lighting
Home showings are not the time to scrimp on your utilities. Keep your home at comfortable temperatures during showings. If it’s too hot, leave the air conditioner running; if it’s too cold, turn on the heater to a warm, toasty level.
You also want to show your home in the best light – literally. If needed, invest in lighting fixtures that will give your home a cozy glow or brighten up dark areas. Open your drapes or shades to let natural light in. The right lighting can do wonders in improving the mood in your home.
If you need expert help to sell your home in Atlanta with the best results, call me, Natalie Gregory, at 404.550.5113 or email Natalie(dotted)Gregory(at)Compass(dotted)com today.