How to Help Your House Succeed in a Slow Market

A slow market might be good for buyers since it allows for prices to drop, and more homes are typically available, but it’s not necessarily good for sellers. It’s especially bad for sellers if they’re looking to sell an older home that might not have the same amenities and appeal as a newer home with more upgrades or space. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t increase your chances of selling in a slow market if you follow these simple tips.

Choose the Correct Language 

According to Zillow, something as simple as using a different adjective might make it easier for you to sell your home. Instead of calling your home nice, use the word captivating instead. Instead of telling buyers that the house comes with a pretty yard, refer to it as a landscaped yard. These seem like silly phrases, but can actually be very profitable.

Price It Right

You might know your house is worth $300,000 when it comes to your sales price, but realtors recommend you do not list it for this. Instead, list it at $299,900. It’s only $100 less than the price you want, but appeals to more buyers because it’s priced up $300,000. When you lower the price like this, you open up the door to many additional prospective buyers.

Get Ahead of the Crowd

When the market is slow, take the time to check out other homes in your price range that are comparable to your own. What do you have that you don’t? Do you have a slightly older home that has a pool, whereas none of the others have a pool? Do you have real hardwood floors rather than faux hardwood? Perhaps you can have a plumber install custom faucets that take your master bath over the edge. Find what sets you apart and makes your home just a little more special than the others and really play up that feature when it comes to selling.

Throw in A Little Something Extra

A down market means buyers are looking for the most for their money. They want to buy the house that gets them a little extra. Why not advertise that your house comes with a full year of Homeowner’s Association Fees paid on your behalf? Does your landscaper work on the cheap? Why not pay him 6 months in advance and mention to buyers that your home comes with six months of free landscaping when they make a purchase?

Sometimes it is the littlest touches, the smallest tweaks, and the most seemingly insignificant details that make the biggest difference when it comes to selling your home. Do what you can to get your house sold faster in a down market, and you might be surprised by your own success.

 

About the author: Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking, biking and gardening. For tips and advice on installing your own faucets or bathroom accessories visit Rakeman Plumbing or contact Brooke via Twitter.