New year, new endeavors! If one on your list includes selling a home, you’re in the right place. Selling a property is no walk in the park but you can get the most out of the sale with strategic planning. Before you put the For Sale sign out, here are some tips to help you maximize your return on selling a property in San Diego, California.
Understand the Market
Research the current real estate market in San Diego. Understand trends, property values, and the demand for homes in your area. According to the California Association of Realtors® in their 2023 Annual Housing Survey, most buyers consist of millennials, married couples and most are repeat buyers.
Image from California Association of Realtors®
Work with a Real Estate Pro
The average period of homes listed in the market is about 21 days. Hiring a local real estate agent who is an expert in the San Diego market can help you not only make the selling process easier for you, but they can also provide valuable insights, set an appropriate asking price, and market your property effectively. Here’s how you can benefit from hiring a selling agent.
Enhance Curb Appeal
One Zillow study reveals that curb appeal is the top factor affecting the amount of time a home is on the market. First impressions does matter. You can do this by maintaining the landscaping, painting the exterior, clearing the driveway of clutter. The goal is to make potential buyers feel welcome and safe as they approach the house.
Make Necessary Repairs
Buyers usually want a turn-key home. Addressing repairs before listing your home can enhance its marketability and sell it for top dollar. Some of the things to look at are the roofing, electrical, plumbing, foundation, floorings and more. Here’s a full list of things to inspect.
If you choose to not do a pre-inspection, provide the buyer full and accurate disclosure of the property’s condition. Transparency builds trust with buyers and can prevent issues during the closing process.
Price it Right
Price your property competitively. If you price too low, you might get ripped off and can paint a negative image in buyers’ minds. Price too high, you get fewer offers. Great pricing comes down to finding the sweet spot and truly understanding the real estate dynamics in your neighborhood and market status. Research comparable properties in your neighborhood and work with your agent to set a realistic and attractive price.
Consider Home Staging
Staging your home can help potential buyers visualize the space. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, eighty-two percent of buyers’ agents said staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home. Staging the living room was found to be very important for buyers (46%), followed by staging the master bedroom (43%), and staging the kitchen (35%).
Decluttering your home and making it as neutral as possible make a home more desirable to potential buyers. Neutral colors make it easier for possible buyers to see what they want to do to their future homes.
We can refer you to a high-quality home stager in San Diego County, feel free to contact us.
Negotiate Wisely
Negotiating the sale of your home requires a strategic approach and a willingness to adapt to changing conditions. Your real estate agent can be an essential partner in this process, helping you make informed decisions to achieve the best possible outcome. Here are some tried and tested methods we use when negotiating.
Timing Matters
While the real estate market can fluctuate, timing can impact your sale. Spring to summer is usually a high time for sellers because the weather is pleasant, and families often prefer to move during the summer when children are on vacation. Another factor is the current economic conditions in the country as a whole. It is important to stay updated with current events and to work closely with a local real estate agent who can give you sound advice.
Ready to hit “GO” on your home sale? Let’s work together!
