If you live in Buckhead, you know the housing market here is always hot. Its convenience to downtown, its proximity to great public and private schools, the variety of fine homes with top notch construction, and the lushness of the landscape with its mature hardwood trees, prolific flowering shrubs and expertly designed perennial and annual gardens all combine to make Buckhead the place to live in Atlanta. Buckhead is the epitome of location, location, location. But when the time comes to sell your Buckhead home, location alone will not guarantee a quick offer on your house. Whether you live in Collier Hills or Tuxedo Park, you have to compete with the other homes for sale in the neighborhood. If you want your home to have its best chance and attracting offers, we want to let you in on some industry secrets for selling your home in a market like Buckhead.
1. You May Need To Spend A Little Money
If you list your house as is, you may find that it takes a while to sell. Why? Well, that house up the street had some new landscaping added to the yard, while the house on the cul-de-sac splurged on a new countertop that makes the kitchen look brighter. That house across the street has new lighting, while the one just behind you added a new coat of paint to all of the bedrooms. Buckhead homes abound in luxury. Many homeowners in Buckhead employ interior designers and landscape architects to expertly design and appoint their interior and exterior spaces making the Buckhead real estate market a competitive one. Don’t lose a sale to those homes because you didn’t spend a little money making your place more spectacular.
2. Get It Online
It seems like everyone does everything online these days and that includes browsing for houses. People enjoy searching Buckhead properties and neighborhoods from the comfort of their current homes or, if their current home isn’t so comfortable, from the nearest cozy coffee shop, so make sure your listing is online with quality pictures and detailed information. Professional photographers know how to make your home shine online, so it’s extremely helpful to have your home photographed professionally for its online presence. The better the photos, the more interest you’ll invite, so you may not want to just snap pictures with your smartphone
3. Clean Up The Outside
When selling a home, most people try to keep the inside clean, but what about the outside? The exterior of your home is the first impression people will have, so you will want to beef up the curb appeal of your house as much as possible. Keep the yard trimmed and green, keep the gutters clean, and keep walkways and driveways swept and free of debris. Make sure your front door and windows shine — even the mailbox should look nice. Turn the outside of your home into someone’s dream.
4. Price It Right
It is difficult to set a price for your home. You don’t want to go too low and cheat yourself, but if you go too high, no one wants to buy it. The best way to determine a price is to look at comparables, recently sold homes that are similar to yours and in your neighborhood, to see what people are willing to pay for the location, the size, and the amenities. Another consideration is that the real estate market fluctuates seasonally. Real estate professionals have their finger on the pulse of the market and can most wisely assist you in determining the right price for your home. Working with a real estate agent can help you avoid under or over-pricing.
5. Market, Market, Market
Another great reason to work with a seasoned agent is that he or she knows every marketing trick in the book. An expert real estate agent has connections that are going to get your home viewed by every possible buyer. Get your house out there with fliers, open houses, and quality signage. Be open to your agent’s suggestions.
6. Get Rid Of Clutter
Staging homes for sale is a proven way to sell homes more quickly. When a potential buyer enters a home, she needs to be able to imagine herself living there. You may think that your Depression Glass collection looks gorgeous displayed throughout the kitchen, but a potential buyer may just see a room with too much of your stuff in it, and her visualization of herself in the space will be blocked. Consider putting at least half of your belongings in storage while your home is on the market. Virtual staging is another great, affordable way to digitally furnish your listings to help them appeal more to buyers. Allow your agent to connect you with a professional home stager who can put your home in its best light for buyers.
7. Let There Be Light
Speaking of light… A dark room with the curtains drawn may be great for family movie night, but it is a killer for selling your home. Are your rooms painted dark colors; do you have heavy blinds and curtains on the windows; do you have rooms with no overhead lighting? If you answered yes to any of these questions, consider making some changes. You want your home to look light and airy with as much natural light as possible. Light walls and natural lighting give a house a sense of space. Lighten your walls, remove or replace heavy or dated window treatments, and purchase some lamps or install new overhead lights. Potential buyers will enter your home, see the light, and they will say that it is very good.
The team of experts at Beacham & Company, Realtors are ready to help you sell your home. If you are looking for an agent to help you sell your home with the highest level of service, professional photography and the most effective marketing for your home, call us today at 404.261.6300.
