In an era where whispers of a nationwide price slump are unsettling homeowners, the wisdom of seasoned real estate professionals has never been more crucial. With analysts warning of a potential major housing correction in the US, timing and strategy are paramount for those looking to protect their biggest investment. The Daily Mail has consulted a team of veteran agents, each boasting decades of experience, to unveil the tactics they swear by when markets turn volatile.
The Critical Importance of Pricing Correctly
Nancy Kowalik, with over 20 years in the business, emphasises that making your home a stress-free option for buyers is key to clinching a deal. 'The trade secret to selling your home right now is to make sure it's project free,' she advises, urging vendors to complete all repairs before listing. 'Everybody wants a home that they can move into with their toothbrush in hand.' She highlights that small projects, like a fresh coat of interior paint and clean, shiny floors, can make a significant difference.
When it comes to pricing, Kowalik stresses the need for accuracy. 'Talk to your listing agent. Take their advice. They know what buyers are looking for in your price range and most importantly, they know how to price it right,' she says from Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty. 'Do not price it at the top of the market, price it where it can appraise and let the market drive it up.' This is especially vital given buyers' concerns over high mortgage rates, rising home prices, and inflation.
Avoiding the Pitfall of Overpricing
Brett Johnson, a Colorado-based real estate agent with more than 100 transactions in his 20-plus year career, agrees that pricing is the most critical factor. 'The worst mistake sellers make is overpricing. Buyers are gun-shy, and stale listings result in price reductions that eat away at your profit,' he warns. He recommends pricing your home 'a bit' below market value to generate urgency and stimulate competition, as starting high and then lowering the price can lead buyers to assume something is wrong with the property.
McKinze Casey, a top realtor at Sotheby’s in Denver, adds that sellers must do their research and understand the numbers. 'Have clear expectations of what a sales timeline looks like today. Know the number of showings you should anticipate before you get an offer or how long you should be on the market before you consider a rebrand and relaunch,' she says. Judy Zeder of The Jills Zeder Group notes the distinction between a 'wish price' and the 'right price' that will actually sell the house, summarising that 'pricing is everything.'
Choosing the Right Agent for Success
'Who you work with matters,' Casey asserts. 'Working with a full-service career agent has immeasurable benefits when selling an asset.' She advises selecting a professional with experience in every market environment and a strong industry reputation. 'Ask your agent how many transactions they are involved in each year. Select an agent with experience in your micro-market and work with an agent who comes to the table with strategies in place.' Kowalik reinforces this, stating that a great agent will know how to price your home correctly and handle tasks like creating compelling descriptions and holding open houses.
Staging and Presentation: Making a Lasting Impression
Investing in professional staging can transform a property's appeal. 'Presentation is everything,' Casey says. 'Only perfectly presented properties are getting great traction now. If the home is poorly prepared the buyer immediately swipes to the next house.' This includes professional-grade photos, designer interiors, and subtle updates like fresh paint and new hardware. Kowalik recommends removing family photos and pet bowls to help buyers imagine themselves living there, while addressing all necessary repairs shows the home has been well cared for.
Jennifer Beeston, a housing market expert, emphasises the importance of cleanliness and neutral tones. 'It is impossible for people to imagine themselves in your home if your home is filled with stuff,' she says. 'If you made some bold painting choices, I would definitely chat with your real estate agent about if you should paint the home more neutral tones before you list the house.' She also warns about aromas, advising against cooking strong-smelling foods before an open house.
Enhancing Curb Appeal and Marketing Effectively
Curb appeal is non-negotiable, according to Beeston. 'Yes curb appeal matters,' she states. All experts agree on tasks like cleaning up garbage, mowing the lawn, planting flowers, and fixing walkway cracks. Painting the front door a calming colour can work wonders. Once the home is prepared, effective marketing is essential. Johnson notes, 'Spending on premium marketing is important. Social media, focused advertising, and open houses with inducements attract serious buyers.'
Kowalik adds, 'Social media has allowed us to target areas and buyers like never before. If your agent is not using social media to break through the clutter of what’s on market, shame on them.' Beeston cautions that photos should match reality to avoid disappointing buyers. Offering multiple open houses with refreshments can also boost visibility, and sellers should disappear during these events to let buyers envision the home as their own.
Timing Your Sale for Maximum Impact
Casey highlights that timing is critical. 'Randomly picking a launch date which could in fact be an inopportune time can have a significant impact to your overall exit timeline and your net proceeds,' she explains. For the Denver market, she advises avoiding certain holidays and capitalising on specific seasons. Johnson concurs, noting that spring and summer are best, but premium marketing can help during slower months. Kowalik suggests checking competition to ensure strategic pricing.
Ensuring a 'Project Free' Experience
Ultimately, making the home 'project free' is a game-changer. Kowalik urges, 'Please take the time to make any necessary repairs before you put your house on the market. A project free home is the difference between an offer today and sitting on the market for months.' Most buyers seek a turnkey experience, and by following these expert steps—finding a great realtor, pricing correctly, enhancing appeal, and timing wisely—homeowners can navigate a shaky market and achieve a successful sale.
