Do you own a beautiful home in a less-than-beautiful neighborhood? You may be worried about the prospect of selling the home. Specifically, you might be concerned that it will take you months to sell or that you won't get nearly the price that you're hoping for. It would be lovely if you could just put your home on the back of a truck and move it across town to a nicer setting, but that's not very realistic. What you can do is follow these three tips to help you sell your house more promptly and at a higher price -- in spite of its surroundings.
Map out the most attractive route to your home.
Prospective buyers start deciding whether a home is right or not before they even arrive. If they drive down a "bad" street on the way there, they may immediately decide the home's not for them. On the other hand, if the route they drive to the home is decent, they're more likely to keep the home in consideration. There are probably several routes you can take to your home from the "main road." Drive each of these routes, and make note of which one is the most attractive. Note which route includes the nicest streets with the best kept houses and which one goes by the more desirable neighborhood components like playgrounds and stores (only if they're decently kept.)
Once you've decided on the best route to your home, write the directions for that route out sequentially. Your realtor can include these directions in your home's listings and on any advertising flyers. This way, prospective buyers will see the neighborhood in the best possible light as they drive to see your home.
Make sure your home's curb appeal is impeccable.
When trying to sell a home in a declining neighborhood, you'll have an easier time if your home looks to be the "nicest" home on the street. This will attract buyers who want to own the prettiest or best home on the block. So, take steps to enhance your home's curb appeal. You want it to really stand out when compared to neighbors' homes. You want buyers to think, "well, maybe some of the homes around here are unkempt, but this one is awesome!"
Some simple ways to enhance your curb appeal in a short period of time include:
- Adding a fresh coat of paint to the front door, and then polishing its handle and hinges.
- Installing new light fixtures and a new mailbox.
- Placing some potted plants along the front walkway and next to the front door to create an instant garden.
If neighbors' yards are a problem, offer to help them with landscaping.
A nice home surrounded by several other nicely kept yards is a lot more appealing than one nice home in the middle of some overgrown, unkempt yards. If your immediate neighbors' yards are not mowed regularly or kept as nicely as you'd like, offer to help care for these yards until your home sells. It will be a bit of work, but you'll benefit in the long run when your home fetches a higher price.
Make sure you approach this tactfully. Wait until you see the neighbors in person, and then say something like, "I'm going to be putting my house on the market, and I've heard that the landscaping of neighboring properties is important if I want to make a prompt sale. If you don't mind, I'd be happy to take over your lawn and garden maintenance until my home sells. That way, I can plan the maintenance around appointments with potential buyers." If the neighbor says "no," there's not much you can do -- but at least you tried.
In addition to following the tips above, it's important to work with a realtor who has experience in your immediate neighborhood. Such a person will know your neighborhood's pros and cons and will be able to present it in the most positive light to possible buyers. For more information about working with realty services in your area, check out the sites of local real estate companies.
