Finding the right buyer should never be left to chance. Although getting your Waterloo Region home spotted among a sea of listings is mostly accomplished with exceptional property exposure and the help of a fantastic Realtor, sometimes it’s up to you to ensure that your home is as sale-worthy as possible by making it attractive.
There are lots of things your Realtor can do for you, but a handful that we really can’t, so it has to be a team effort. Here are five saleability factors, in your control, that will help get your home sold at the right price.
1. The Property’s Condition
A home may meet all the criteria on a buyer’s wish list (and look great on paper) but if it’s in poor condition when a buyer comes knocking, he or she will likely walk right out the door. Your job is to make sure your home is in tip-top shape to secure a sale at the best price possible.That’s why ensuring your home is well-maintained is crucial.
Begin by decluttering your home and making sure everything is orderly and well-serviced. A home that’s been showered with TLC and which requires minimal maintenance is very attractive.
2. The Terms
If you’ve met with a keen buyer, do yourself a favour and make the purchase an easy decision and a smooth process. So many interested buyers opt out of a potential purchase simply because the terms are just too complicated or inconvenient. So be proactive.
If you suspect foundation issues, spot a leak or realize that your electrical may not be up to code, invest in a home inspection report and deal with the issues before your home hits the market. Doing so will help you seal the deal and enable you to reach a larger market.
Another factor to keep top of mind is your move-out date. Showing potential buyers that you are prepared to leave your home quickly works to your advantage.
3. Availability
Your home could be the best-looking property on the market but what good is attracting buyers if you’re never available to meet with them, or unwilling to let your Realtor show without it? It’s crucial to determine a schedule that meets the buyer’s needs and to be accommodating when last-minute requests pop up – even if they disrupt your family dinner.
It’s in your best interest to be flexible. A buyer’s sense of urgency could be a positive indication that they want to move fast. Denying requests to see your home could mean losing out on a sale.
This has all been complicated of course by COVID-19. Most Realtors however - certainly including Team Pinto - have become experts at both conducting COVID safe home tours and at presenting homes virtually. They will be more than happy to help you adjsut too, and with a minimum of fuss.
4. Upgrades and Extras
When it comes to saleability, upgrades and extras are often a big factor in buyer decisions and range anywhere from kitchen renos, installing a new heating system, and window upgrades to patching up holes in the walls, fixing leaky faucets, and applying a fresh coat of (neutral) paint.
Although some renovations will appeal to all home buyers, don’t fall into the trap of thinking that all of them will add value to your home. Many involving décor tweaks are subject to taste. That’s why sticking to practical renovations is your best bet.
5. Price
Setting the right price for your home gives you a much better chance of selling your property quickly. When pricing your home, set your emotions aside to ensure that your price is fair and justifiable.
To gain a better understanding of your home’s value, review the comparables. This means researching homes that have recently sold in your market and which possess the same characteristics as yours. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for unsold homes that are similar to yours.
Your Realtor can help you here, in terms of pointing you to the right information, but we can’t set the price for you. Do understand though that any advice we give you is in your best interests and based on our experience, so it is often worth taking into serious consideration.
Planning to buy or sell a home in the Waterloo Region but have questions? Why not speak with an expert? Contact the award-winning Team Pinto here, or book a free Zoom consultation to discuss your unique Waterloo Region real estate needs here.