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6 Secrets to Selling Your Home That People Often Forget

07/20/23  |  Jenna Leggette

Keep these key factors in mind.


There are plenty of things you will know to do instinctively when getting your Wallingford, PA, real estate ready to sell. After all, you have been on the other side as a buyer, and you know what you were looking for in a home. However, with all that there is to do when selling a home, it is easy to overlook the details. Here are a few important aspects of selling a home that no seller should ever overlook.

#1. The first impression is everything



It should not be a secret, but something that too many sellers undervalue is the impression buyers take before they even enter a home, especially people looking at Real Estate in Wallingford, PA. The exterior of your home is the first thing prospective buyers will see, and it should be well-kept and inviting. This goes beyond simply making sure the yard is neat and free of debris or that the paint job has no visible signs of damage.

Whether your home's entrance is a well-appointed porch or a few steps up to the front door of a townhome, buyers should be drawn to imagine how they would feel coming home, and they should enjoy that thought. Even something as simple as some potted greenery can add to the sense of home and invoke positive feelings in potential buyers.

#2. Maximize the light



The impact of lighting can be easily overlooked, but the right lighting approaches will significantly affect how potential buyers perceive your home. Natural lighting is particularly important, as it can make a room feel larger and more inviting. Large windows, skylights, and glass doors can all be used to bring natural light into a space. However, lighting is all about finding a balance, so consider window treatments that can be adjusted to control the amount of light entering a room.

Artificial lighting can be used to create different moods and highlight specific features of a room. Recessed lighting, track lighting, and table lamps are all examples of artificial lighting that can be used to enhance a room. At the same time, be mindful not to have too many different types of lights or too bright of lights. You do not want to overwhelm buyers or make the room feel smaller. Instead, choose a few key fixtures and use dimmer switches to adjust the lighting to suit the time of day and the mood you want to create.

#3. Do not over-upgrade



It can be tempting to make as many upgrades as possible to your home in an effort to increase its value. However, it is important to remember that overdoing improvements can actually have the opposite effect. Potential buyers may be turned off by a home that has been overly renovated and may not be able to envision themselves living there. Instead, focus on making small, strategic upgrades that will have the greatest impact. This may include updating the kitchen and bathrooms, painting the walls a neutral color, or replacing outdated light fixtures.

It's also important to keep in mind that not all upgrades will provide a return on investment. For example, installing a pool or adding a luxurious master suite may not be appealing to all potential buyers and may not increase the overall value of the home. Instead, focus on making practical upgrades such as increasing energy efficiency or improving the home's curb appeal. This will make the home more attractive to a wider range of buyers and will increase the chances of selling the home quickly and for the asking price.

#4. Always be ready to show


One of the most important things to remember when selling a home is that you never know when a potential buyer may want to see it. If you keep your home as close as possible to showing-ready, not only will you avoid missing something before an unexpected showing, but you will also save yourself a lot of stress. When a potential buyer wants to see your home, you want them to be able to walk through it and see themselves living there. Even a small detail missed because you were rushing your preparations can be the thing that distracts a buyer and lowers their offer.

Additionally, no matter how ready you are, showings and open houses can still be very stressful as a seller, especially if you are living in the home while it is listed. As with anything in life, preparation saves on perspiration. When selling a home, you have plenty of other things to worry about already without adding re-setting your home completely before every showing or open house. And, of course, the more you are living in a home, the harder it is to actually have it perpetually ready to show. However, the point is not perfection but rather simply saving yourself from having to start from scratch before every showing.

#5. Have a professional inspection



Home inspections are something buyers get done, right? Yes, but there are a lot of advantages to going ahead with an inspection before you even list the home. A professional home inspection will identify any potential issues with your home before they become a problem during the selling process, such as when something you did not expect is found by a buyer's inspector. By addressing these issues ahead of time, you can avoid delays, last-minute repairs, or even having a buyer significantly drop their offer or pull out altogether.

Additionally, having a professional home inspection will increase the feelings of transparency and trust between you and the potential buyer. When you provide a home inspection report to a potential buyer, it shows that you have nothing to hide and that you are confident in the condition of your home. This can increase the buyer's confidence in their decision to purchase your home and can ultimately lead to a smoother and faster transaction.

#6. Make sure your home is accessible


Ensuring accessibility can make a home feel more welcoming and comfortable for all potential buyers. For example, making sure that there is ample lighting in all rooms and that there are no tripping hazards, such as loose rugs, can make a home feel safer and more inviting. Keep in mind some buyers may even bring someone, such as an older relative, to an open house or showing, even if they will not be living there. The easier it is for them to get around, the more welcome the buyer will feel in your home as well.

When potential buyers feel more at ease and at home when viewing your property, it will increase the chances of them making an offer. Ultimately, making sure that a home is accessible can help you attract a wider range of buyers and increase the chances of selling your home quickly and at the best price.

Find an agent you trust


Whether you want to stand out among other homes for sale in Media, Pennsylvania, or simply present your Wallingford, Pennsylvania real estate in the best possible light, an experienced real estate agent such as Jenna Leggette is the key. The right agent will help to keep you on track and focused on the important details that buyers are looking for. Even more importantly, a knowledgeable agent will have the data, tools, and insights to know what you need to succeed.