Not all homes are created equal, nor are the techniques for selling them. When you are preparing to list your luxury home on the market, there are a few things to consider beforehand. Here are seven steps to preparing your luxury home for sale.
- Find the Right Agent
First, hire a real estate agent that specializes in luxury homes, and in the area you’re house is located. Selling luxury homes is different from selling standard houses, and your real estate agent should know the difference. Not only should your agent be an expert in selling luxury houses in your area, but should also be an excellent communicator, available when you need to get in touch. Consider, first, the agent who sold you your luxury house. But if that agent isn’t available, ask associates and friends for their recommendations, and thoroughly research reviews.
- Marketing
What is the marketing plan for selling your luxury house? In order to protect your privacy, you may not want a “for sale” sign stuck in your front yard where anybody can drive by out of curiosity, whether or not they’re a qualified buyer. Additionally, your luxury home may be in a gated community where an escort is required. Talk at length with your real estate agent to determine the best course of action for marketing your property.
- Pictures and Videos
Invest in a professional photographer, videographer to take high quality pictures and videos of your property. Many potential buyers may rule a property out, sight unseen, because of the pictures and videos they’ve seen online. The opposite is true as well. Some potential buyers fall head-over-heels in-love with a property based solely on the pictures and videos on the Internet. Photographs should be taken early in the morning or at sunset to capture the best light and the most flattering visuals of your luxury property, inside and out.
- Sell the Lifestyle, Choose the Season
If yours is a waterfront property, selling in summer makes sense. If yours is a winter chalet, then snow-capped views will speak volumes. With luxury homes, it’s often about lifestyle and location moreover than layout and amenities. Maximize the lifestyle your luxury home offers by selling during the peak season for your property.
- Price Efficiently
Know what your home is worth, and know what buyers are paying for property in your area. Your real estate agent will provide you with a Comprehensive Market Analysis so you can realize what houses, similar to yours in size and features, are selling for in your neighborhood. Don’t price yourself out of the market with an unrealistic price tag, and don’t sell yourself short by pricing too low. Leave room for negotiations.
- Staging
Staging means having everything about your property, inside and out, in its best condition for showing. From floor to ceiling, the property should be deeply cleaned. Personal items should be removed, with the exception of neutral pieces of furniture and art décor. Walls and floors should be neutral in color. Lawns should be landscaped, and anything that is in a state of disarray or disrepair should be resolved prior to listing your house on the market. Your goal is for potential buyers to be able to envision themselves living in that space. Be security conscious. Remove any valuables and weapons. If you have pets, you may also want to find a safe place for them to be during your showings. Many potential buyers may be allergic to animals, or may be bothered by them while they’re trying to look at your property. Make sure you maximize views by opening curtains, which also allows in natural light.
- Closing the Sale
Once you’ve properly prepared, be patient. It’s possible it could take a while to get an offer, or to receive multiple offers you’ll need to consider. Your real estate agent can assist in reviewing, negotiating, and selecting the best offer for your property. Your house will undergo appraisals and inspections, but you should experience no real delays if you’ve prepared in advance.
Hire the right agent, consider the marketing plan, use professional imagery, sell at the right time and the right price, stage your property, then choose the best offer for your needs. Congratulations on your decision to sell your luxury property.
You don’t have to walk this road alone! Contact us at 951-515-8931 to discuss how we can help sell your luxury home.
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