Selling your home in this slower Southern Georgian Bay area real estate market can feel like an uphill battle, especially when sales are down and MLS® listings in the area are on the rise. But with the right preparation, you can make your property stand out and attract motivated Buyers, even in a competitive market. As a seasoned real estate Broker in the Southern Georgian Bay area for over 20 years I’ve helped countless Sellers successfully navigate market shifts. Here are key steps to take to ensure your home shines:
Price it Right from the Start
When MLS® inventory is high and sales are slow, overpricing your home is the quickest way to have it sit on the market. Today’s Buyers are savvy and along with information that is available online they will often bypass homes priced above market value. The most common question I receive when showing properties is; “how long has this house been listed?” Working with a local real estate expert who understands the current market trends in the Southern Georgian Bay area is crucial to setting the right price.
Enhance Curb Appeal
First impressions matter. With more listings on the MLS® System, your home needs to catch Buyers’ attention at first glance. Boost your curb appeal with simple improvements like:
- Freshly painting the front door, this is the focal point of your home, make it stand out
- Trimming hedges and cleaning up the garden ie: dead plants and the fall leaves
- Power washing driveways, walkways and decks.
- Removing any clutter outside the home that is visible especially from the street ie: garbage cans in front of or beside the garage
In a competitive market, these details and others can make your home more memorable.
Declutter and Depersonalize
Buyers need to visualize themselves living in your home. Start by decluttering and removing personal items such as family photos, collectibles, and excess furniture. This is not the time to show off items that are of special interest to you such as you tea cup, beer bottle or baseball cap collection. A clean, neutral space feels more inviting and spacious. It allows Buyers to view the home with their furniture and belongings not yours. This which can make a significant difference when Buyers are comparing properties online and especially in person.
Stage for Success
Not sure what to do? When interviewing REALTORS® to list your home ask for their opinion and ideas. Sometimes in our profession we have to be brutally honest. We don’t want to come across as being critical or offensive but at the same time we are being hired to do a job. Too often I have been in houses where the Sellers need to hear the reality about what can affect both the sale and price of their home. Consider hiring a professional home stager to prepare a home to it’s best advantage. Personally I have done this on occasion and once thw work was done the Sellers agreed “our house does look better.” Well-staged homes are known to sell faster and for a higher price. Staging highlights your home’s best features and helps Buyers imagine its potential and to vision it with their furnishings not yours. A slower real estate market such as today where Buyers may have more options, staging can give you a competitive edge. It’s all about making your home standout from the competition.
Professional Photos
With so many Buyers starting their search online, high-quality photos are non-negotiable, this is another reason for decluttering the house. Poor lighting, blurry images, kitchen counters and bathroom vanities covered with items can turn Buyers off before they even schedule a viewing. Make sure your home, condo or other property looks its best on the MLS® System, catching Buyers’ attention as they scroll through the competition.
Make Necessary Repairs
Before listing your home, tackle any small repairs that could detract from its value. Your listing REALTOR® can and should help you by making suggestions as to what needs to be addressed. Leaky faucets, cracked tiles, or peeling paint are red flags for both Buyers as well as home inspectors which Buyers typically hire before a sale becomes form. If they see things such as these they wonder what deficiencies and neglected maintenance might be lurking that they can’t see. Addressing these issues upfront not only helps your home show better but also prevents potential Buyers from using them as negotiation points to lower their offer.
Highlight Energy Efficiency
Many Buyers today are looking for homes that are energy-efficient. If your home has energy-saving features such as new windows, a smart thermostat, or updated insulation, be sure to highlight these with your listing agent. With rising utility costs, these upgrades can be a huge selling point, especially in a more competitive market.
Be Flexible with Showings
In a Buyer’s market, being flexible with showings is crucial. Buyers may want to view your home during evenings or weekends. Being accommodating and making it easy for Buyers to see your home will increase your chances of securing a sale faster. When possible always leave your home during showings. This is not always easy especially with elderly Sellers and especially in the winter months but Buyers are intimidated when Sellers are present for showings.
Work with a Local Real Estate Expert
Navigating a challenging market requires expertise including the knowing the key data of the current market such as pricing, the current level of inventory, days-on-market the time it takes to sell, the list-to-sale price ratio and more. Partnering with a real estate agent who understands these details of the Southern Georgian Bay market provides you with vital information to make decisions makes all the difference. From setting the right price to creating a strategic marketing plan, an experienced agent can help you get your home sold, even when inventory is high.
Final Thoughts
While selling a home in a slower market can seem daunting, following these steps will position your property to stand out among the competition. By pricing it correctly, enhancing its appeal, and working with a local real estate professional, you’ll improve your chances of attracting serious Buyers and closing the deal.
If you’re considering selling your home and want expert advice tailored to the current market in the Southern Georgian Bay area, feel free to reach out to me at 705-443-1037 or rcrouch@sothebysrealty.ca. Let’s work together to get your home sold!
Note: This blog post is not intended to solicit properties already listed for sale or to encourage sellers to break their current listing contract with any other real estate Brokerage.
The author is a Broker, Market Value Appraiser-Residential with Sotheby’s International Realty Canada and a Past President (2008) of the Lakeland’s Association of REALTORS®.