Selling your home is a completely different journey than buying one. Many first-time sellers aren’t aware of what it really takes to successfully sell their property in today’s market. Getting the price you want while finding the right buyer requires strategy and know-how.
At iBuyLehigh, we’ve compiled our…
4 best tips for first time home SELLERS!
Price It Right from the Start
Everyone wants to maximize their home’s selling price. However, one of the biggest mistakes sellers make is setting an unrealistically high price from the beginning. Your home should be priced correctly the moment it hits the market! Avoid the trap of pricing high with hopes of negotiating down. When overpriced, your listing gradually loses visibility as newer, properly-priced homes take center stage. Remember, potential buyers can see every price reduction you make. Repeatedly lowering your price signals desperation or inexperience. Worse, buyers might suspect something’s wrong with the property since you can’t get your asking price. Do your research and work with local experts to price your property competitively from day one.
Declutter and Pack Before Listing
Selling and moving are interconnected processes. Do yourself a favor and start packing before your home hits the market. Box up non-essential items and store them in your basement, garage, or a storage unit. Removing personal belongings makes potential buyers feel more comfortable during viewings, as they can envision themselves in the space rather than feeling like intruders. Additionally, your listing photos should be completely clutter-free. Online listings filled with personal items often get scrolled past quickly. Taking care of this task early serves a dual purpose: it creates a more appealing presentation for buyers and gives you a head start on the inevitable moving process, making your transition much smoother.
Accommodate Every Showing Request
Having strangers tour your home at various hours might seem inconvenient, but making your property easily accessible to potential buyers is crucial for a successful sale. If an agent has an interested buyer who wants to see your house at 9 pm, try to accommodate them. With your home already decluttered and organized, short-notice showings shouldn’t be too disruptive. Do everything possible to maximize visibility for your property. Avoid limiting showings to specific timeframes or creating barriers for interested buyers. Don’t rely solely on Open Houses—the vast majority of homes sell through private showings. Being flexible and accommodating sets a positive tone for the entire transaction and demonstrates your seriousness about selling.
Invest in Professional Photography
We cannot emphasize this enough: quality photography is absolutely essential when selling your home. Listings with poor images, cluttered spaces, or overly personalized rooms are typically overlooked. In today’s digital marketplace, you have mere seconds to capture a buyer’s interest as they scroll through dozens of listings. Your property needs to stand out and entice people to click for more information. Consider professional photography an investment, not an expense. If your listing agent hasn’t already arranged this, hire a professional photographer who specializes in real estate. For maximum impact, you might also want to include a virtual tour or drone footage, especially for larger properties or those with unique outdoor features.
Selling your house doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated. Working with experienced professionals who understand the local market can help ensure you get the best price in a timeframe that works for your situation. At iBuyLehigh, we provide solutions for every type of seller—whether you’re listing traditionally or need a faster, more direct approach.