How to Get a Competitive Edge in A Buyer’s Market

When you decide to sell your home, you first need to find out whether it’s a buyer’s market or a seller’s market. A seller’s market is a real estate market in which the demand is higher than the homes available in an area. The seller has their pick of buyers in a seller’s market. On the other hand, a buyer’s market occurs when there are more homes on the market than buyer’s searching for homes in the area, thus giving buyers their pick.

It’s easy to sell your home in a seller’s market, but how do you make your home stand out in a buyer’s market? It’s important, especially if you have a limited time in which to sell, to grab the buyer’s attention and really hook them on your home.

See What The Competition is Doing

Before you list your home, look at what current listings are doing right. Look at the pictures they post on their listings, and the way they stage their home. Did you notice that their appliances seem new? Did they take down personal touches to their home before taking pictures of the interior, and what effect did that have on the home? Look at the competitive prices so you have a reasonable idea of what to expect.

Then think about what your house has that those listings don’t. Do you have a larger yard? Is your home three stories instead of two? Are you within walking distance of a grocery store or popular restaurant? Take out a notebook and write down what stands out to you.

Staging is Everything

We’ve talked before about the importance of staging your home. If you want a competitive edge in the housing market, staging is the best way to do it. Take pictures that show the best aspects of your home for the home listing, but work on the house itself, too, for home tours. Remove personal effects — family photos, pet beds or children’s toys — so that buyers can see themselves in your home. Make sure everything is clean and well-lit and that any updates have been made.

You also need to stage the curb appeal of your home as many buyers have already formed their opinion of the home before they go inside. You may need to get the lawn in shape and throw a fresh coat of paint on the house.

Work With a Real Estate Professional

Expertise is essential when you want to sell your home quickly and effectively. A real estate agent can help to optimize your online listings as well as offer advice for staging your home. They can show you your home’s best assets and have your back to ensure that the best price for your home is negotiated. Real estate agents have a knowledge of the market that the rest of the world doesn’t, as well as with the way it can change. While you might be tempted to do your home sale all on your own, the way to get the best results is definitely with a real estate agent.

In a buyer’s market, you want to play to your home’s strengths as much as possible. Accepting the help of an expert to enhance those qualities is never a bad decision. When looking for a real estate agent, don’t just choose anyone. Find a realtor with years of experience in your community, someone who loves the community and knows it inside out.