In a buyer's market, it can be real struggle to sell your house at the asking price. If you need to sell quickly, you may have to spend a little bit of time and money on the property. Here are five tips that will improve your chances of a fast sale without compromising too much on the price:
1. Do some research and be realistic. Make sure you're selling the house at the right price. This may be less than what you paid for it, or even less than what you owe. It's painful to admit that you're in negative equity, but there's no point in asking more than what the market can bear.
2. Finish all of those DIY jobs that you've started. Does the living room need repainting? Does the hallway carpet need to be cleaned? These are all things that will affect how buyers view your home. Small things can make a house a lot less attractive. Many buyers are put off the idea of buying a property that requires work.
3. De-clutter your house. You may love all of those knick-knacks, but the buyers won't. Remove as much of the clutter as you can. Clear all surfaces (desks, tables, counter tops). Put things in storage, if you have to. It will make the house look bigger.
4.Depersonalize your home. Remove family photos from the mantelpiece. Take the kids' drawings off the fridge. You want the buyer to picture his own family in that house.
5. Improve your home's curb appeal. Some buyers won't even bother getting out of the car if they don't like the way the house looks from the street. Mow the law, trim the hedges, get a new doormat, paint the front door. Make sure your house looks welcoming to potential buyers.