With a global pandemic ongoing and the ensuing economic fallout, selling your home right now can be pretty scary. The full effects on the real estate market are unknown despite many different predictions, but the fact remains that you can still sell your home for a good price even if the market takes a downward turn. You just need to make sure your home really stands out from the competition, and these selling tips can help you do that.

Set the Right Price for Your Home

Getting top dollar for a home is always a priority for sellers. In a down market, however, you may need to be more realistic with your expectations when it comes to turning a profit. You can still take steps to help your home stand out and attract good offers (more on that later), but it can help to research average selling prices for similar homes in your local real estate market. Pay special attention to whether homes have been selling above, below, or right at their asking price because this will clue you into as to how competitive the market is right now.

When local homes start selling substantially below their listing prices, your market has likely shifted into a buyer’s market, and that means that shoppers may be less willing to pay higher prices. So look into local market trends and also consider consulting a real estate agent before setting a price.

Deep-Clean and Stage Your Home for Showings

Properly preparing your home for listing photos and showings can also help you get the most out of your home sale. Your first step in this process should be to deep-clean your home both inside and out, even if you only plan on hosting virtual showings and tours. Dirt, dust, and clutter can really stand out in these showings and can end up turning a buyer off from making a top-dollar offer on your home.

Once you have your home clean and organized, you will also want to work on a few staging steps, like boosting curb appeal to ensure that it makes a good first impression. You can also give your listing a boost by using virtual staging tools to show buyers what your home could look like with various types of decor and furniture. Virtual staging is a great way to showcase the potential and space in your home, and buyers will be able to really picture themselves living in your home, which is always a goal when showing your home.

Complete Any Repairs on Your Home Pre-Inspection

When a buyer makes an offer on your home, they will typically do so with the condition that the offer can be withdrawn if any issues pop up during the home inspection. With this in mind, it is absolutely crucial that you take care of any needed repairs or maintenance before you ever show your home to shoppers so that you won’t have any unpleasant surprises pop up and derail your transaction.

Now keep in mind that hiring a contractor to complete repairs during the current COVID-19 pandemic can be a little trickier than usual, so give yourself plenty of time to find a reliable contractor, and also take added precautions to protect yourself from any potential hazards. This can include asking workers to wear protective gear and ensuring you are able to keep a safe distance when you are in the home together.

Selling a home for top dollar in a slow real estate market is challenging, but it’s also completely possible. So long as your home is prepped, staged, and priced well, you should be able to attract offers, and you should be able to help your home sell faster.

Linda Walker / www.neighborhoodsprout.org