When it comes to purchasing a home, today’s buyers have very different expectations than they did a decade or two ago. Since buyers now have the ability to do the vast majority of their research from the comfort of their own homes, sellers need to get a little creative in making their properties stand out from the pack. Here are some ways to get your house under contract quickly.

#1 Hire a Realtor

While you may think you’d save money by selling your home yourself, think again. According to the National Association of Realtors 2016 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, the average for-sale-by-owner sales price was $185,000, while the average price for a home represented by an agent was $245,000. Aside from getting a better price, real estate agents also help homes get more exposure, advise sellers on anything that’s worth improving before putting the property up for sale, coordinate showings, and prepare all the paperwork when the home does sell.

#2 Set a Realistic Price

You may have an emotional attachment to your home and feel proud at the way your residence and your neighborhood have improved over the years. However, buyers are objectively comparing your house to others in their desired area to determine just how much they’re willing to pay. With access to home sale information through websites like Trulia and Zillow, buyers can spot an overpriced home from a mile away — and if the price is off the mark, they’ll keep looking.

#3 Prepare Your Property for Sale

Tidying up around the house like you would for guests is often not enough to “wow” a picky buyer during a showing. Buyers like to see clean slates so they can envision their own furniture and style in that space. It helps to put away personal items like family photos and knick-knacks, declutter your closets and storage spaces, and check to make sure that every inch of your house is functional, including the windows, electrical outlets, faucets, and anything else the buyer might test out while walking through.

#4 Take Great Photos

When it comes to online listings, quality photos are the number one way to attract more clicks and, ultimately, more prospective buyers to your property. The easiest way to capture your house in the best light is to hire a professional to do the work. If you decide to do it yourself, be sure to declutter, let in lots of natural light, and focus on displaying the most desirable parts of your home. Did you just redo your kitchen? Show the world those sparkling new appliances. Do your friends and family love your pool area? Take a wide-angle snapshot and set it as your featured photo.

#5 Accommodate Buyers’ Needs

While it may be an inconvenience to show your home during the workday or late in the evening, this might be your future buyer’s only shot at seeing your place. Buyers might also have a number of questions about the property before making an offer — be sure to answer them as honestly and quickly as you’re able to do so. Making yourself available and receptive to buyers can mean the difference between selling right away and having your house sit on the market for months.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT REAL ESTATE IN TALLAHASSEE, PLEASE CONTACT fincher@finchtally.com