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15 Proven Secrets for Selling Your Home Quickly

  • sasha540
  • Jun 2
  • 12 min read


Hey everyone, today we're diving deep into the intriguing world of home sales. Selling your home can be a thrilling though nerve-racking experience, whether in the heart of Toronto's urban sprawl, the beauty of British Columbia's landscapes, or anywhere in between. We'll look at some invaluable secrets to help you sell your home and do it at warp speed. So today we will explore these 15 secrets in detail, ensuring you're armed with the knowledge and strategies to conquer the real estate market.


1. Ensure a Quick Sale


Let's start with the basics. Ensuring a quick sale isn't just about luck, but also about strategy. You've got to be committed to the cause from day one. It's not a casual endeavour. You must set your sights on a swift sale and mentally and practically prepare for the journey ahead. That means planning your pricing, staging, marketing, and presentation with an eye to finding a buyer quickly. You'll need to set realistic expectations, position your home as an appealing prospect, and minimize barriers that could prevent offers from arriving.


2. Pick a Selling Strategy


Selling your home isn't a one-size-fits-all proposition. There's more than one way to skin a cat, as they say. The strategy you choose will significantly impact your selling journey. Are you considering a conventional sale, involving listing your property on the market and working with a real estate agent? Or are you considering something more unconventional, like for sale by owner? Each method has pros and cons.


Conventional Sale:


This is the most common approach, where you list your property on the market with the help of a real estate agent. It offers a broad reach and access to a network of potential buyers.

An agent will guide you through pricing, marketing, negotiation, paperwork and all the rest.


For Sale By Owner (FSBO):


For sale by owner, is a less common approach sellers will take when they want to save money by taking on more of the work by themselves. Also referred to as a mere listing, this is typically a situation where an agent simply lists a seller's home on the MLS for a small fee, and the owner handles all of the rest (i.e. staging, photos, description, appointments, negotiation, etc.). Agents will sometimes assist the owner with the paper work as well, but this typically just administrative rather than advising, negotiating and coordinating. The obvious advantage is reducing commission fees, but the downside is potentially leaving a lot of money on the table by not getting the most for your home. Some seller's will also pursue an in-between option, or a hybrid between conventional listing and FSBO. For example, they could do a mere listing, but pay a bit more for the agent to handle a few extra steps like the photos and the listing description.


3. Hire an Experienced Real Estate Agent


Selling a home isn't a DIY project; you usually don't want to navigate these treacherous waters alone. It would help if you had a seasoned real estate agent. These folks are like Jedi Masters in the world of real estate. They know the lay of the land, the market's quirks, and how to navigate the stormy waters of real estate. Let's delve into the role of an experienced real estate agent.


Why You Need an Agent:


Market Expertise: Agents know the local market inside and out, including recent sales, pricing trends, and the competition.


Pricing Guidance: They help you determine the right price for your property based on market conditions and your goals.


Marketing and Exposure: Agents can access marketing resources to get your property in front of potential buyers.


Negotiation Skills: They negotiate on your behalf to secure the best possible deal. While you get to make the final call on any big decisions, an agent can guide you on the best negotiating tactics and speak on your behalf while keeping emotions in check.


Risks, Paperwork and Legalities: Agents handle complex risks, paperwork, and legalities. They can guide you on the major risks and pitfalls, while recommending lawyers and other experts when necessary. This is a big one, while realtors aren't lawyers or accountants, they are a aware of the subtle tax, property, and legal risks that can negatively affect their clients. An agent can flag these risks as they come up, advise on ways to mitigate risk, and point their clients toward the appropriate professionals where necessary (i.e. lawyers, accountants, inspectors, surveyor's, local authorities, etc.)


4. Clean Everything


Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. When I say clean, I mean more sanitary than your grandma's silverware collection. Your home needs to sparkle from the ceiling to the floor. Here's a closer look at what this entails:


Deep Cleaning: Dusting, vacuuming, and mopping: Don't leave a speck of dust behind.


Kitchen and bathrooms: Pay special attention to these areas, as they tend to accumulate grime.


Windows and mirrors: Clean until they gleam.


Carpets and upholstery: Consider professional cleaning, if necessary, otherwise rent a carpet cleaning vacuum if your carpets are in decent shape.


Dealing with Odors: Eliminate any lingering odors, such as cooking smells, musty basement odors, or pet scents. These can be a major turn-off for potential buyers and are especially common in older homes.


An ozone machine can be really effective for pulling dust, pollen, and pet dander out of the air. And you can use air fresheners or diffusers to create a pleasant ambiance during showings. You can also use more natural lighter products if you are sensitive to strong smells. Fresh flowers or baked goods can also add a welcoming scent.


Decluttering: Get rid of excess stuff that's cluttering up your space. Tidy up countertops, shelves, and closets. The goal is to create an open, inviting atmosphere where buyers can envision their lives. This is probably one of the biggest misses I see for people listing their home. Sometimes it's difficult to address if you have a messy tenant. However, where possible it really behooves owners to make sure their home is as tidy and decluttered as possible. Clutter makes a home feel a lot smaller than it really is and buyers often have a hard time looking past cluttered counter tops, packed living rooms, and messy bedrooms.


5. Depersonalize Your Home


This one can be emotional for some folks. Your home reflects you, filled with memories and personal touches. But when selling, you must shift the focus from your life in the space to the potential buyer's life. Here's how to depersonalize effectively:


Pack Away Personal Items: Family photos, diplomas, and personal memorabilia should be packed up. Remove any items with strong political connotations to appeal to a broader range of buyers.


Neutralize Decor: Consider toning it down if your home is decorated in a specific style or theme. Opt for neutral decor, allowing buyers to project their tastes onto the space.


Minimize Personalization:


Remove personalized name signs, monograms, or custom artwork. The goal is to create a blank canvas that encourages buyers to imagine themselves living there.


6. Let the Light In


Natural light is your secret weapon. It can make your home feel more significant, inviting, and breathtaking. Let's explore how to maximize the effect of natural light:


Clean Windows and Glass: Ensure windows are spotless inside and out.


Clean light fixtures and lampshades to create additional lighting, especially during evenings and cloudy days.


Choose Light Window Coverings: Consider sheer curtains or blinds that allow sunlight to filter through rather than blocking it out completely. Avoid heavy drapes that block out natural light.


Use Mirrors Strategically: Place mirrors on walls opposite windows to reflect light and create the illusion of more space.


Consider Additional Lighting: Add floor or table lamps in darker areas to brighten the space. A well-lit room is more appealing and inviting.


7. Remove Excess Furniture and Clutter


Less is more. When buyers walk into your home, they want to see its potential rather than your extensive collection of furniture and knick-knacks. Here's how to declutter effectively:


Identify Non-Essential Items: Take a critical look at each room and identify items that aren't necessary. Consider moving some furniture to storage to create a more open feel.


Clear Countertops and Surfaces: Kitchen and bathroom counters should be clear of clutter. Keep only essential items like a coffee maker or toaster.


Organize Closets and Storage Spaces: Buyers will likely open closets and cabinets, so make sure they're tidy. Remove items you won't need while your home is on the market.

 

8. Consider Staging Your Home


Now, let's talk about staging, the art of creating an irresistible visual appeal for potential buyers. Here's why it matters:


Creating an Emotional Connection: Staging helps buyers imagine themselves living in your home. It highlights your home's best features and maximizes its potential.


Professional Expertise: A professional stager can arrange furniture, select decor, and create a cohesive look. They have an eye for design and can transform your home into a showpiece.


Profit Potential: Staging can often lead to a higher sale price, making it a worthwhile investment. It helps your home stand out in online listings and during showings.

 

9. Invest in a Professional Photographer


In today's digital age, your online presence is Everything when selling your home. A professional photographer can make your property shine in its online listings. Here's why it's worth the investment:


Showcasing Your Home's Best Features: A professional photographer can capture your home's best angles and features. They use high-quality equipment to ensure your photos stand out. They also know all the best techniques to make a space look bigger and better. This can get more shoes in the door giving you more chances at an offer.


Creating a Strong First Impression: Online listings are often the first impression buyers have of your home. High-quality photos grab their attention and encourage them to schedule a showing.


Highlighting Details: Overall, professional photos can showcase the fine details of your home, such as architectural features and finishes. They can make your home look its best, attracting more potential buyers.

 

10. Have a 3D Tour Done


Taking your online listings to the next level, consider having a 3D tour of your home created. This immersive experience allows potential buyers to virtually explore every nook and cranny of your property. Let's dive into the benefits:


Virtual Walkthrough: 3D tours provide an interactive, virtual walkthrough of your home. Buyers can explore the layout and flow of the property from the comfort of their computer or device. This is great if you know your home has excellent appeal, and you want people going through your online listing again and again. At the same time, it's less worthwhile if your home is more plain and could use a lot of updates.


Better Visualization: It helps buyers better visualize the space and how they would use it. They can take their time exploring and making a more informed decision.


Standing Out from the Competition: Offering a 3D tour sets your listing apart from others in a competitive market. It can attract tech-savvy buyers and those who may not be able to visit in person but are still motivated to make a purchase (i.e. out of town buyers).


11. Spruce Up the Exterior of Your Home


First impressions matter, and the exterior of your home is the first thing buyers see when they arrive for a showing. Give it a facelift to ensure it's inviting and appealing. Here's how:


Landscaping: Trim overgrown bushes and trees. Plant fresh flowers or shrubs to add colour and vibrancy. Ensure the lawn is well-maintained.


Exterior Maintenance: Power-wash the siding to remove dirt and grime. Repair any damaged siding, shingles, or gutters. Ensure the roof is in good condition.


Entryway: A new coat of paint on the front door can create a welcoming focal point. Add potted plants or seasonal decor to the entryway. Make sure the house numbers are visible and in good condition.

 

12. Perfect the Entryway


The entryway is the gateway to your home and sets the tone for the entire show. Make it welcoming and inviting. Here's how:


Front Door:  As mentioned, consider repainting the front door in an attractive, welcoming colour if your front door is worn, or the current colour is a bit bland. Upgrade the hardware, such as the doorknob and knocker.


Lighting: Ensure that outdoor lighting is functional and well-lit. Add pathway lighting to guide visitors to the front door.


Porch or Entry Area: Add a cozy welcome mat. Place a small table or bench if space allows a place to set down items.


13. Repaint in Neutral Colours


While that neon green accent wall might be your jam, it's essential to appeal to a broad range of potential buyers. Neutral colours create a blank canvas and make it easier for buyers to envision themselves in your home. Here's how to approach it:


Choosing Neutral Colours: Opt for shades of white, beige, gray, or soft pastels. While you can go a bit bolder with accents like exterior trim on your front door, you don’t want your whole house screaming electric blue, or watermelon red. Avoid bold or highly saturated colours on walls and ceilings.


Painting Techniques: Use consistent colours throughout your home for a cohesive look. Remember to touch up the trim and baseboards for a polished finish.


Consult a Professional: Consider hiring a professional painter if you need more clarification on colour choices or want a flawless finish. However, if you have a steady hand and you’re just painting everything polar bear white you can save some money by doing it yourself.

 

14. Make Necessary Updates


Buyers appreciate homes that are well-maintained and up to date. Addressing any necessary updates can make your home more appealing and help it sell faster. Here's a checklist:


Electrical and Plumbing: Ensure all electrical systems are in good working order. Fix any leaks or plumbing issues. Replace outdated fixtures and hardware. Don’t go over the top though. If your house has an old hot water tank you don’t have to splurge on a brand-new hot water on-demand system. Just make sure everything is working okay so your buyers aren’t expecting a big discount for having to fix things that are broken.


Flooring: Repair or replace damaged flooring. Consider refinishing hardwood floors to restore their lustre, or cover up a dated laminate floor with a modern floating vinyl plank floor.


Kitchen and Bathrooms: Update kitchen appliances if necessary. Upgrade countertops or backsplashes to a more modern style if the space is feeling really dated. However, don’t bother if the space already has a comfortable classic feel. Replace faucets and showerheads for a fresh look as necessary.


Energy Efficiency:


While buyers will appreciate energy-efficient windows and upgraded heating and cooling systems, don’t bother making these changes for a sale. These upgrades are so expensive they only pay off if you continue to own your home for a long-time. Although they are a boon for buyers, you won’t recoup the initial investment from an increased sale price. Instead, you’ll just be subsidizing your future buyer’s heating bill for years to come. Instead, emphasize the existing energy efficiencies in your listing. If there are small fixes you can address like sealing a drafty window with some caulking, go for it! Otherwise leave the expensive upgrades for your buyer to do.


15. Be Flexible with Showings


I get it; you've got a life to live. But when it comes to selling your home, flexibility is your friend. Here's why it matters:


Appealing to Buyers: Buyers have busy schedules and may want to see your home at various times. Some buyers like nurses and police work evening shifts and can’t always view homes at conventional times. Being flexible with showings makes it easier for them to view your property. This isn't always easy if you have tenants, sometimes there are strict limitations (i.e. your tenant has a strict nap schedule for their baby). That being said, it's valuable to work with your tenants to open your showing window as much as possible. I've had clients pass on a showing entirely because of a limited showing schedule. If your tenants only want to let buyers in during a 2 hour window on Saturday's and Sundays, then just think of all the potential buyers who are going to skip your home, and end up buying something else instead. Believe me, it's better to talk to your tenants, and even offer an incentive to be more flexible rather than list with an extremely tight showing schedule.


Maximizing Exposure: The more showings you accommodate, the greater the exposure for your home. It increases the likelihood of finding the right buyer sooner.


Streamlining the Process: Being responsive and cooperative during showings helps the process move smoothly. Buyers feel more comfortable asking questions and exploring your home.

 

16. Bonus Secret: Set the Right Price


Alright, I know I promised you 15 secrets, but here's a bonus one, just for you. Setting the right price is crucial. Your real estate agent can help you find that sweet spot between getting the most for your home and making it an irresistible deal. Let's delve deeper into the art of pricing your home correctly:


Market Analysis: Your agent will conduct a comparative market analysis (CMA) to assess your home's value. This analysis considers recent sales, market conditions, and the features of your property.


Competitive Pricing: Pricing your home competitively from the start can attract more buyers. An overpriced home may linger on the market, while an underpriced one may leave money on the table.


Pricing Strategies: You can choose to price slightly below, at, or just above market value, depending on market conditions. Discuss pricing strategies with your agent to align with your goals and the current market.

 

Conclusion


In conclusion, selling your home involves a combination of strategy, presentation, and a touch of welcomeness. Armed with these secrets, you can embark on your real estate market journey. Remember, it's about creating a space that resonates with potential buyers, allowing them to envision their future in your home. So go out there, and may your sale be smooth sailing!



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I am a Victoria-based local realtor with eXp Realty. My commitment to honesty, integrity, loyalty, and hard work have been essential pillars for me because they drive a high standard of excellent service for my clients. Helping you realize your dream is my goal!


I service Vancouver Island, but my focus is on Victoria, Sooke, Saanich, Malahat, Shawnigan Lake, Cobble Hill, Duncan, and the rest of the Cowichan Valley.



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