Selling your house in Walnut can be a big task, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you need more space, are moving for a job, or just want a change, there are steps you can take to make your home more attractive to buyers. This article will give you some simple and effective tips to help you sell your house quickly and for a good price.
Key Takeaways
- Work with a trustworthy real estate agent to make the selling process smoother and more successful.
- Make upgrades to your home to add value and appeal to potential buyers.
- Research the housing market data in Walnut to set a competitive price for your home.
- Choose an agent who has a strong marketing plan to reach more buyers.
- Ensure your home looks great from the outside to make a strong first impression.
1. Find a Reliable Agent
Finding a reliable real estate agent is the first step to selling your house in Walnut. Reputation is something that can’t be understated, so check your references and work with an agent who has a great reputation in the community. Sometimes it takes one or two interviews with an agent to make sure you understand their marketing plan and verify they have a good reputation, so don’t hesitate to interview multiple agents to make sure you find one you trust.
Steps to Find a Reliable Agent
- Invite an agent in for a listing presentation and home value estimate.
- Ask questions about the training and tools they have at their disposal.
- Ask what their marketing strategy will be for your home.
- Trust your gut. Does their style fit your needs?
Once you hire an agent, listen to their advice. You hired them, so let them work for you.
2. Add Value with Upgrades
When selling your house, it’s important to invest in upgrades that offer a good return on investment (ROI). A new garage door is one of the best investments you can make. Minor kitchen repairs, like updating lighting and replacing hardware on doors and cabinets, can also be beneficial.
Consider these upgrades to add value to your home:
- Paint or re-stain kitchen cabinets. If the cabinet boxes are in good shape, re-facing them is a good option.
- Replace old kitchen drawer pulls and cabinet knobs with brushed nickel or stainless steel.
- Install new stainless steel appliances.
- Update worn countertops.
Making these upgrades can make your home more appealing to buyers and help you sell it faster and for a better price.
3. Check Housing Market Data
To sell your house for the best price, you need to understand the local market trends. Information is power when selling homes. Knowing the average home value in Walnut, CA, which is $1,194,188, up 10.2% over the past year, can help you set a competitive price.
Here’s what you should do:
- Look at recent home sales in your area.
- Compare your home to similar properties.
- Check how quickly homes are selling.
- Note any price changes over the past year.
By keeping an eye on the market, you can make informed decisions and increase your chances of a successful sale.
4. Choose an Agent Based on Marketing Plan
When selling your house, it’s crucial to pick an agent who has a solid marketing plan. Reputation is something that can’t be understated, so check your references and work with an agent who has a great reputation in the community. Sometimes it takes one or two interviews with an agent to make sure you understand their marketing plan and verify they have a good reputation, so don’t hesitate to interview multiple agents to make sure you find one you trust.
Steps to Choose the Right Agent
- Invite an agent in for a listing presentation and home value estimate.
- Ask questions about the training and tools they have at their disposal.
- Ask what their marketing strategy will be for your home.
- Trust your gut. Does their style fit your needs?
Once you hire an agent, listen to their advice. You hired them to work for you, so let them do their job. Keller Williams is the #1 training real estate agency and provides their agents with every resource available.
Talk with your agent about their strategy to sell your home. In this fast-paced real estate environment, having the right real estate agent sell your home is extremely important. In most urban areas, inventory is low, so you don’t want to underprice nor over-price your home for today’s market. Selling is a combination of pricing right, strategic marketing, staging, and bringing in the right buyer at the right time.
5. Give Your Home Curb Appeal
First impressions matter, especially when selling your house. Curb appeal is the first thing potential buyers notice. Here are some tips to make your home look inviting from the outside:
- Maintain the Lawn: Keep the grass trimmed and bushes neatly pruned.
- Freshen Up the Mailbox: Ensure your mailbox is rust-free and in good condition. A quick coat of spray paint can do wonders.
- Tidy Up Sidewalks: Clear any debris or weeds from the sidewalk and consider adding decorative gravel or a flowerbed.
- Add Seasonal Plants: Brighten up your yard with colorful flowers.
- Enhance the Entrance: Make your front door and entrance area welcoming with a fresh coat of paint and some potted plants.
Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression. Make it count by ensuring your home looks its best from the street.
6. Declutter
Clearing clutter is crucial when selling your home. You need to remove as much clutter as possible to create inviting rooms where buyers can see themselves living. Since you’ll be moving once your home sells, this is a great time to start packing belongings you can live without while your home is on the market.
Pack rarely used household items, knick-knacks, and off-season clothing in containers and store them neatly in your garage or in public storage until your home sells. Make sure closets aren’t overstuffed.
Remove valuables such as jewelry and small electronics from the home before placing it on the market. Make sure all beds are made, bedrooms are neat and organized, and that laundry is clean, folded, and neatly put away where it belongs.
Too much clutter can make a buyer feel stressed and negative while walking through your home. Simplified spaces evoke positive emotions and help buyers envision themselves living in your home.
7. De-personalize
When selling your home, it’s important to make it feel like a blank canvas for potential buyers. Buyers need to imagine themselves living there. To help them do this, you should remove personal items and family photos. This way, they can picture their own memories in the space.
Here are some steps to de-personalize your home:
- Pack away all family photos from walls, tables, and shelves.
- Remove magnets, photos, and artwork from the refrigerator.
- Store memorabilia, religious items, and collectibles.
- Cover bright accent walls with neutral paint.
By depersonalizing your home, you allow buyers to see the potential of the space without distractions. This can make a big difference in how they feel about your home.
Remember, the goal is to create a space where buyers can see themselves living and making their own memories.
8. Clean Thoroughly
You want buyers to see your home as move-in ready. To achieve this, every room must look spotless. If you thoroughly clean your home before putting it on the market, you can minimize the daily upkeep needed to keep it looking as though a professional cleaning service just left.
- Make sure appliances that are staying with your home are working properly.
- Clean your sinks, including the drains and sink strainers.
- Ensure your kitchen floor is clean and polished.
- Check for crumbs under the table, on chairs, and near the baseboards.
- Remove clutter from built-ins to show them off.
Remember, your home must be ready to show at ALL times.
Consider hiring a professional cleaning service to perform a thorough cleaning before listing your home. Clean unfinished spaces like utility rooms, laundry rooms, garages, and storage closets. Adding a dehumidifier can help remove excess moisture from these areas. Continue with ongoing, regularly-scheduled cleanings to maintain a polished look.
9. Complete Any Unfinished Projects
When you’re getting ready to sell your house, it’s important to complete any unfinished projects. Buyers are more likely to make an offer if they see a home that’s well-maintained and move-in ready. Here are some steps to help you finish those lingering tasks:
- Fix any leaking faucets or noisy toilets.
- Organize your medicine cabinets and remove unnecessary items.
- Replace older fixtures like towel bars and bath tissue holders.
- Clean stubborn soap scum from shower doors using dryer sheets.
A well-maintained home not only attracts more buyers but can also increase your home’s value. Make sure everything is in working order before listing your home for sale.
10. Stage Your Home for Sale
Staging your home is a crucial step to make it appealing to potential buyers. First impressions are everything when selling your home. You want buyers to be excited to get out of the car and come into the home.
- Arrange furniture to create a welcoming atmosphere.
- Use neutral colors to appeal to a broader audience.
- Add some plants to bring life into the rooms.
- Make sure each room has a clear purpose.
A well-staged home can help buyers imagine themselves living there, making it easier to sell your house quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find a good real estate agent in Walnut?
Interview several agents and ask about their experience in Walnut. Look for someone who knows the area well and has a good track record.
What upgrades add the most value to my home?
Simple upgrades like a fresh coat of paint, updated kitchen fixtures, and modern lighting can add significant value to your home.
Why is checking the housing market data important?
Knowing the market trends helps you price your home right and understand how quickly homes are selling in your area.
What should I look for in an agent’s marketing plan?
A good marketing plan should include online listings, professional photos, and open houses to attract more buyers.
How can I improve my home’s curb appeal?
Simple things like mowing the lawn, planting flowers, and painting the front door can make a big difference.
Why is it important to declutter and depersonalize my home?
Removing personal items and clutter helps buyers imagine themselves living in the space, making it easier for them to picture your home as their own.