It’s definitely a Seller’s Market now in Omaha … so why isn’t your house selling?
According to real estate experts, Omaha is a seller’s market this summer. Meaning there is a low inventory of homes for sale, and that if your home is valued at less than $300,000, there’s a good chance you may get multiple offers and a good price for it. But, what if that’s not your experience … yet?
Take heart! Don’t let discouragement set in. Here are a few ideas that may help you sell your Omaha home sooner rather than later.
6 Tips for Anyone Trying to Sell a Home
1) Get good help.
Reach out to friends and family to inquire if they can recommend a good real estate agent or investor who they know and have appreciated working with in the past. Ask about their experience working with that particular professional, the time it took for the home to sell, and what the closing process was like. There are nuances when it comes to financing, deal structure, and evaluation. Your home may be your biggest financial investment – so do some good work to find a trustworthy agent or investor to work alongside you on this undertaking.
2) Don’t make too many improvements that don’t add value to the sales price.
Too often we see over-improved properties – those where the homeowners have gone too far to fix it up and put in too much money they won’t get back out of it. Even with the best of intentions, exceptional craftsmanship, and true artistic talent, it’s incredibly challenging to exceed what the market is paying. Plus, most buyers want to add their own custom touches. Just remember that one important action you can take is to clear out all the clutter you can, and in terms of paint colors … think “neutral”!
3) Do make necessary improvements.
Unfixed but necessary repairs can frighten off potential buyers. Show that you’ve been a responsible property owner and get all the little details repaired that you possibly can before selling the home.
For example, don’t leave gaps in the trim or faceplates off of electrical switches. It can be beneficial to have the home inspected by a professional home inspector, make all the repairs you can, and then show off a hopefully healthy home report. This will go a long way towards establishing confidence that your buyer is making a good purchase.
4) Style and design matter.
You want to do what you can to make your home appealing to potential buyers. So it’s important to consider both the exterior and interior of your home. Remember – curb appeal is important – almost as important as the inside of your home – so please don’t neglect it! Trim bushes, plant a few attractive flowers, and keep your lawn mowed during the selling cycle. This will help give buyers a cohesive impression of great style, as they walk from the outside into your entrance. You may want to paint the walls a neutral color and replace worn flooring. If you are a little intimidated about “staging” your own home for sale, you might want to consider hiring a professional designer to help you stage the property. Lastly, do everything you can to keep your home immaculately clean.
5) A reasonable, fair price matters when it’s time to sell.
If you’re getting a lot of showings but not many offers, you might be okay on your asking price, but potential buyers once they come to see the home, might leave having concerns about the condition of the property. If your best efforts to advertise your property aren’t generating the showings or the offers, you’re probably overpriced and you may want to consider your asking price.
6) Every property will sell – sometime!
Remember there’s a good price for every property, regardless of its condition. Work closely with your agents or investor buyers and do what you can to determine that price. And don’t lose heart – you just need one person who sees and understands the home’s value and potential to make the purchase.
