Have you decided to put your property on the market? Selling a home can be an exciting but stressful experience, especially when you are hoping for a quick transaction and a generous final sale price. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to ensure a successful home sale.
In this article, we will explore some tips and strategies to help you sell your home in Phoenixville. In the process, we will highlight how a real estate agent can be an invaluable partner in the process. Selling a home on your own can be overwhelming, but with the right agent by your side, the process can be smoother and even enjoyable. Let us dive in.
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PHOENIXVILLE, PA REAL ESTATE
As of February 2023, homes for sale in Phoenixville, PA have a median listing price of $460,000. This indicates a 21.3% year-on-year increase. The market is currently balanced, with 100% of properties selling for approximately their asking price. This trend suggests that it is an ideal time to put your own home up for sale.
To provide a clearer picture of the current housing stock, a mid-range home within the $440,000 to $460,000 bracket typically has four to five bedrooms and 2,800 to 5,000 square feet. Meanwhile, higher-end properties stand at $900,000 to $1.3 million, offering four to five bedrooms and around 3,000 to 6,000 square feet of total livable space.
With a better understanding of the current housing market in Phoenixville, it is important to consider the potential risks of overpricing your home when selling.
Pricing too high vs. pricing too low
One of the worst mistakes you could make as a seller is pricing your home incorrectly. While we all want to sell our property for the most money, overpricing (and underpricing) may spell disaster for your home sale. Here are several reasons why you should ask a reasonable price for your property.
Overpriced homes become stale
Buyers are most interested in homes for sale in Phoenixville, PA as soon as they hit the market. But when they remain unsold for too long, buyers will start to question the value of the property. In many cases, homes that linger on the market will sell for a much lower price – often significantly lower than what is reasonable. Plus, when a buyer decides a home is not for them, they rarely reconsider.
On the other hand, homes priced within or under market value are snatched up more quickly. Even if you price your home too low, there is a possibility of multiple offers driving up its market price especially if buyer demand is high. One caveat with underpricing, however, is that there is a possibility that your property will not trigger a multiple-offer event. In such a scenario, you may end up selling your home for less.
An overpriced home may not show up in search results
Price range is one of the most important parameters in a buyer’s home search. If you price your home too high, other homes for sale in Phoenixville, PA might appear instead of yours. The same can be true for an underpriced home, but many buyers are more likely to include lower-priced properties within their searches.
An overpriced home can cost you more in the long run
Finally, a home that remains unsold for longer than expected can incur expenses that could have been avoided with a reasonable listing price. Every month that your house is not sold, you spend money on utilities, mortgage payments, and other housing costs that you will never get back.
Why ask a Realtor to price your home
100 Loramar Lane, a 5-bedroom, 3.5-bedroom home sold for $1.7 million in July 2022
With so much on the line and buyers becoming more prudent with home costs, it is crucial to consult with a real estate professional in pricing your home. An online home price calculator, such as the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s, will give you a decent jump-off point, but a Realtor’s local market knowledge is irreplaceable.
Agents use pricing bands based on location, size, age, and market temperature to establish a baseline price. In general, a property’s asking price should not exceed 10 percent of a neighborhood’s average sold price within the last three months.
Square footage is also a solid indication of price – many agents will look at homes within 10% of the square footage of your home. Other important factors include age, number of bedrooms and baths, size of the lot, and location.
PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR SALE
Cleaning
The first thing you need to do is deep clean your home. Not only will this increase your property’s visibility among other homes for sale in Phoenixville, PA, but it will also have a positive effect on your asking price, according to Consumer Reports data. The research suggests that having a near-spotless home can increase your asking price by 3-5%.
Spend extra time on rooms with heavier traffic and opportunity for mess— such as kitchens and bathrooms— as buyers often look deeper into these areas. Deep-clean your appliances so they look new, or upgrade them if your budget allows for it.
Make sure to neutralize any strong odors in and around your property. Using harsh, chemical-laden cleaning products is fine during the early stages of your deep clean, but switch to milder natural scents closer to your showing date. For flooring that is particularly difficult to clean— such as natural stone, tiles, or long-pile carpet— consider hiring the services of a professional.
Decluttering
A tidy and organized home is not only pleasant to look at; cleanliness also gives the impression of a larger space. There are tried-and-tested tips you can follow in order to enhance the appearance of your property, such as:
- Reducing the number of personal items on display, such as family photos, tchotchkes, or art pieces
- Putting away stray cords into storage boxes
- Organizing your kitchen tools
- Stashing assorted personal items, knick-knacks, or toys into bins that you can hide in a closet
Enhancing curb appeal
When it comes to staging a home for a showing, the outside is almost as crucial as the inside. Curb appeal is one of the many ways to increase your property’s perceived value and generate interest from potential customers.
Certain upgrades can be done on your own with a little bit of elbow grease – washing down your roof, gutters, siding, and fascia; re-painting your shutters; cleaning up the mailbox; and getting a new welcome mat, to name a few.
You can go the extra mile and fill up your empty flower beds with easy-to-maintain shrubs or replenish them with fresh mulch. Seasonal, native flowers are always a good idea. If you are staging your home during winter, you may opt for cold-hardy plants that thrive in lower temperatures.
STAGING YOUR HOME
Home staging is an additional real estate marketing step that should not be overlooked or underestimated. The advantages are clear:
- It enables the buyer to imagine themselves living in your home
- It depersonalizes your space, appealing to a wider pool of potential customers
- It can make your home appear organized, clean, and ready to live in
- It may make your living area, kitchen, dining room, or bedroom look bigger
- It can make your home look and feel more inviting
- It adds functionality by utilizing every square inch and space
- It improves the flow of your house
At DeZarate Real Estate, we offer a variety of tailor-fit real estate services for sellers, including:
- Home Valuation
- Open Public Houses
- Staging
- Professional Photography
- Broker Open Houses
- Print & Direct Mail Marketing
- Email Marketing
- Social Network Marketing
- Negotiation
- Full Transaction Management
Features to highlight
- Accessible location. A central location is perhaps the most desirable trait a property can have, as the majority of buyers are looking for homes close to corporate offices, shops, schools, and parks. If this is not the case with your property, highlight other location benefits, such as quiet surroundings or gorgeous views.
- Well-equipped kitchen. Parents who love cooking for the whole family or younger buyers who work from home are guaranteed to enjoy a modern, spacious kitchen with upgraded appliances.
- Upgraded security system. Security is key for homeowners, so do not neglect to mention if you have a smart security system or CCTV cameras in place.
- Smart technology. A tech-savvy buyer will want a home with smart features. Additionally, fiber-optic internet is a must in the age of remote working and is especially helpful for young professionals and online entrepreneurs.
- Elegant guest areas. Buyers who are engaged in the social scene often look for a home with a spacious and sophisticated entertainment area. A roomy living space with a good flow can attract families who often have visitors during the weekends and holidays. Luxury amenities like private pools, dedicated guest accommodations, and lounges are great additions.
- Gorgeous outdoor space. A beautiful garden provides space for the busy homeowner to unwind in nature. Setting up garden chairs can make your outdoor sanctuary even more warm and inviting to potential buyers. Those interested in cultivating their own plants will appreciate large grounds to tinker with.
- Ample storage space. Be it large walk-in closets or an oversized garage with room to spare, most buyers want a home with plenty of storage space due to their functionality and ability to hide clutter, especially during the early stages of moving in.
- Eco-friendly fixtures can appeal to younger, more environmentally-conscious buyers, or families who are looking to save a few dollars on their monthly bills.
SECRETS TO A SUCCESSFUL OPEN HOUSE
Beyond decorating, home staging is about orchestrating an experience and creating a warm, inviting space for potential buyers. Emotions play a part in a buyer’s final decision; a well-staged home can create the connection during an open house.
- Adorn your front steps with fresh flowers and shrubs Create a positive impression even before buyers enter your home by adding vibrant, well-placed planters along your front porch. A mix of bright flowers and mellow greens can go a long way in breathing life into your space.
- Infuse subtle yet pleasant natural scents
Scent plays a vital role in the creation of impression and experience. A mild aroma that is not too overpowering can help elevate the experience of touring your home. Scented diffusers are a wonderful option as they also create an inviting atmosphere.
In general, strong floral and fruity scents are not advised. However, some buyers believe that homes with citrusy scents are worth more. A 2016 experiment by Realestate.com.au revealed that the smell of citrus – as compared to other scents like brewed coffee or freshly baked bread – increases a potential buyer’s perceived value of the home by $100,000.
- Decorate with quality linens and cozy textured throws High-quality linens and towels can help make your home feel more luxurious and comfortable. Consider investing in some plush towels and soft sheets to add a touch of elegance to your space, or adding textured blankets in colors that accentuate or match the surrounding area. If you hire a professional stager, there may be no need to purchase— staging companies typically keep a stock of quality linens for their projects.
- Hang statement artwork Hanging a statement art piece can help create a focal point in your home and add some visual interest to the space. Choose an artwork that’s appropriate for the style and size of your home, and make sure it is hung at eye level. Take care not to overwhelm your space with too much personal art – a statement piece should only elevate the area, not overpower it.
- Make use of natural light Natural light can help make your home feel bright and airy; make sure to pull any blinds or curtains during your home showing. Bring attention to large windows with gorgeous views of the outdoors. On the other hand, if your house does not get much natural light, consider investing in some artificial lighting such as floor lamps or table lamps to help brighten up the space.
- Play soft background music Soft background tunes such as jazz or lounge music can help put your buyers at ease during a showing. Plus, music allows the buyer to create a meaningful emotional experience with your home. Natural sounds such as wind chimes and water features will likewise make your home more inviting.
- Provide snacks and beverages House hunting can be physically demanding, especially for buyers who try to fit as many open houses as they can in a day. They will appreciate a host who takes the time to provide snacks and refreshments. A fresh batch of cookies or to-go bags with trail mix or assorted chips are perfect for your buyers to enjoy while they explore your home.
MLS vs. OFF-MARKET LISTING
Selling your house through an MLS board has several benefits, especially for those looking to maximize their exposure to potential buyers. That is because agents brokers also have access to MLS boards— they can immediately recommend your property to their clients. This increased exposure can lead to more offers and potentially higher sale prices.
Private listings, on the other hand, are ideal for sellers who prefer to maintain greater control over the selling process. Homeowners who opt for a private or word-of-mouth listing often want to avoid the stress of an open house or simply do not want too much public attention. A private listing allows them to test the market and see if their ideal asking price is viable for buyers.
Why work with a real estate professional when selling your home
There is no one-size-fits-all method for selling your home. Ultimately, the choice between a public listing and a private listing boils down to you, your personal goals, and how much support you need.
However, there is a common denominator in every successful home sale, and that is the help of a real estate agent. A professional and experienced Realtor can offer guidance and support throughout the entire selling process, from setting a competitive price to negotiating with potential buyers.
Not only do real estate agents have access to a vast network of potential buyers and valuable market data, but they can also handle many of the logistical details of selling a home. With less work on your shoulders, the home selling experience becomes much smoother and less stressful for you.
At DeZarate Real Estate, we offer a variety of tailor-fit real estate services for sellers, including:
- Home Valuation
- Open Public Houses
- Professional Photography
- Broker Open Houses
- Email Marketing
- Social Network Marketing
GET IN TOUCH WITH MARIE DEZARATE
Experience reliable and personalized real estate services when you work with the DeZarate Real Estate Group.
My name is Marie DeZarate, and I am the proud CEO and team leader of DeZarate Real Estate. Since 2007, I have helped sell countless homes for sale in Phoenixville, PA. My team and I provide clients with expert advice and top-notch marketing services to help sell them their homes for the highest amount with the least trouble.
If you are thinking of putting your Phoenixville, PA home for sale, I am more than willing to assist you. Contact me at 484.881.2397 or send me an email to find out more.