COVID-19 Cramping Your Style? How to Sell Your House and Upsize ASAP

Image via Pexels

Does your house feel cramped now that the whole family is working and learning from home? Getting clutter under control can help you make the most of your square footage, but sometimes, the problem isn't a lack of organization ‑ it's a lack of space.

If you need a bigger home to accommodate your family, don't wait to sell. Between low inventory and even lower interest rates, home prices have reached record highs during the pandemic, making right now a great time to list a home. Of course, COVID-19 safety remains a top priority for buyers and sellers, which is why Jaime Osborn of Weichert Realtors Benchmark invites you to check out this guide to selling your home safely (and quickly!) during the pandemic.

How to get your house on the market ASAP

Odds are, your house is looking a bit lived in after months of staying home. However, preparing it to sell doesn't have to be an uphill battle.

[if !supportLists]● [endif]No time to rehab your home? You can still spruce it up quickly with new

carpets, fresh paint, and curb appeal updates courtesy of a local

landscaping company.

[if !supportLists]● [endif]You'll also need to keep it clean while selling, which means banishing

junk from the kitchen, bathrooms, and other clutter magnets. Adopt

minimal living while your house is on the market to prevent clutter from

creeping back in.

[if !supportLists]● [endif]Rather than over-stuffing closets, which gives the impression of

inadequate storage, pre-pack belongings into boxes and totes and

neatly store them on metal racks in the garage.

[if !supportLists]● [endif]Once your home is thoroughly decluttered, stage it. If your furniture is

bulky or outdated, rent furniture to give your house the showroom-

ready look buyers crave.

Tips for a show-stopping online listing

A well-crafted online listing is key to selling during the time of social distancing when buyers can't easily walk through homes.

[if !supportLists]● [endif]Listing photos determine the first impression your house leaves on

buyers. Make sure it's a positive one by investing in professional

photography and curating a selection of images that show off your

home's best features.

[if !supportLists]● [endif]Give buyers the full picture of your home and limit in-person showings

by including a virtual tour in the listing. If your agent doesn't already

work with a videographer, hire a freelancer with experience in real

estate.

[if !supportLists]● [endif]A picture is worth a thousand words, but that doesn't mean the listing

description is overrated. The listing description is your chance to speak

to buyers' emotions and add pertinent details about the home's

features, amenities, and neighborhood.

How to host a safe showing during COVID-19

Even during the pandemic, buyers prefer not to purchase property sight unseen. That means sellers have to find ways to show their house without putting people at risk.

[if !supportLists]● [endif]Ditch the open house and limit showings to serious buyers by

appointment only. Serious buyers should have an agent, a timeline,

and a mortgage pre-approval in hand.

[if !supportLists]● [endif]Agents should also ask sellers and buyers to self-verify their COVID-19

status before scheduling showings. Since self-reporting is unreliable,

pair screening with basic precautions like social distancing, limiting the

number of visitors, and wearing masks.

[if !supportLists]● [endif]Keep showings contactless by turning on lights and opening doors and

cabinets before buyers arrive. After showings, sanitize the lockbox and

other high-touch surfaces.

[if !supportLists]● [endif]If you get multiple offers for your home, pay attention to differences in

contingencies, financing, and closing period to choose the contract

most likely to end in a speedy sale.

The early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic were difficult for sellers as closings were delayed and deals fell through. However, as everyone adjusts to the new normal, sellers no longer need to be hesitant about putting their home on the market. If you need help selling your house quickly, reach out to Jaime Osborn with Weichert Realtors Benchmark to learn how you can move your home and get the best price.

Ready to sell or buy? Turn to real estate expert Jaime Osborn of Weichert Realtors Benchmark to find your dream home or get the price price in a sale. Call today for an appointment! 901-490-3542