CHANTILLY, VA, Mar 29, 2024—Maybe you need to relocate for work. Maybe you have a new babe on the way, or are looking for a speedy downsize. Whatever the reason, if you're looking to sell your home fast, there are a few things you can do, according to Scott MacDonald, President of RE/MAX Gateway.
Price it right. "One of the most important things to consider is price," says MacDonald. You may want to reduce the price of your home or, at the very beginning, set it at a low price that will generate more buyer interest.
Offer an incentive. Cash is often a selling incentive, both for the buyer as well as the agent. "You could offer the buyer a $1,000 - $2,000 decorating rebate upon closing the deal," says MacDonald. It is also not uncommon to offer the selling agent a $500 bonus. However, some brokers – who supervise agents and run real estate offices – may prohibit such incentives, as do some Realtor boards. Check to find out. "Other common incentives: paying for the property inspection and warranty policy and getting your home preliminarily approved for FHA and VA loans, thereby making it more attractive to a larger number of buyers," says MacDonald. Contact a lender who writes FHA-insured and VA-guaranteed loans.
Make it turn-key. "If you want to sell your home faster, make sure it's in tip-top shape," says MacDonald. Fresh paint, energy efficient features, and a landscaped yard all go a long way toward enticing buyers looking for a speedy sale.
Timing. "Timing is everything," says MacDonald. Most agents agree the best time to sell is in the spring. This is when the largest number of potential buyers hit the market. Your home is likely to sell faster and at a higher price, although sales begin to pick up as early as February and start to slack off in July, the slowest month for real estate transactions.
For information on real estate, please contact RE/MAX Gateway at scottmacdonald@remax.net, 703-652-5777, or RE/MAX Gateway.
RE/MAX Gateway is an award-winning real estate company serving Northern Virginia and the DC Metro area with four office locations. Agents are licensed in Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland.