After years of a red-hot seller’s market, we’re starting to see things slow down a bit. As a result of rising interest rates pricing some buyers out of the market, homes are sitting on the market longer. The long wait is causing some sellers to lower their list price – something we haven’t seen in the last two years.

If you have a house to sell, it’s still a good time, it’s just not the same free-for-all it has been. Selling a home in a shifting market requires a little extra work, as well as a solid pricing and marketing strategy. Let’s look at some of the must-dos for selling a home in today’s shifting real estate market.   

Price It Right From The Start

Pricing your house right is crucial in any type of market, but as the market shifts, pricing matters more than ever. Your home will get the most attention in the first week it’s on the market, so pricing it incorrectly can mean you lose out on time and money.

You need to check out what the other homes in your area are listed for and price competitively. In an appreciating market, it’s okay to price your home a little bit above the comps. However, if the market is on a downward trend, you’ll want to price a little bit below your competition. You’ll need to work with a Realtor who is ahead of the trends to price your home aggressively without leaving money on the table. 

Clean It Up

Getting your home in tip-top shape before it hits the market is a must. Many homebuyers in today’s market are being pushed to the edges of their budget. Anything that looks like it will cost them more out of pocket is a huge turn-off.  

Hiring a professional cleaning service to ensure your house is free of dust and dirt may be worth your time. You should make minor repairs, like taking care of that leaky faucet you’ve been ignoring. You’ll also want to spend time decluttering and depersonalizing the home so it will appeal to more buyers. 

Stage Your Home

Hiring a staging company is a great way to make your home stand out from the crowd. Homes show better when they are properly furnished, and a staging company will find furniture that fits in your space while highlighting the best features.  

Don’t Skimp On The Listing Photos       

 Including professional listing photos is a must-have in a more competitive market. Many sellers have been skipping this step since homes were selling so quickly, regardless of the marketing they did. Now, as the market shifts, photos that highlight the best parts of your home are a must-have.

Almost all buyers start their home search online, and the photos included on your listing page are what will generate the most interest. Effective photography will make buyers love your home before they step foot in it.

There’s no magic number of how many pictures you include, but there should be multiple photos of each room and the front and backyards. 

Want To Learn More About Selling Your Home?

If you’d like more information on selling your home in today’s market, give me a call. Together we will put a plan in place to get your home sold quickly and for top dollar. Contact me to get the process started.