With so many uncertainties surrounding the novel coronavirus outbreak, you might be wary of listing your home on the MLS. However, the market remains stable in many parts of the country, and there are ways you can sell without putting your family in harm’s way unnecessarily. Keep reading for a few modern-day tips to streamline the process while staying safe and getting the job done.
Conventional wisdom
When it comes to listing your home on the market, price and appearance are everything. As far as pricing, your local market will dictate that. Your home may be worth a bit less than it was three months ago, but most experts believe that the market won’t fall into the same state as it did in 2008. For the most part, conventional selling wisdom stands. Real Estate Insider Magazine notes that this means prioritizing first impressions. Curb appeal, cleanliness, and neutrality are key when it comes to photos and video walkthroughs – more on this in a moment.
Something else to consider is that there are many minor home projects you can do while in quarantine to make your property more appealing. You might, for example, stage a spare bedroom as a home office or redecorate your master bedroom with neutral colors and inviting bedding.
Tech Today
Technology is absolutely your best friend when it comes to showing your home during a global pandemic. Talk to your real estate agent about tools they have available in their office. They will likely have a variety of tricks up their sleeve from virtual walk-throughs to full-scale 3-D images that potential buyers can view and manipulate remotely.
If you’ve already moved out of your home or have cleared out several rooms in anticipation of the move, virtual staging is another option. This is essentially the process of overlaying furniture, window dressings, and accessories onto professional images. Spotless Agency, a company that provides virtual staging, notes that your rooms don’t have to be completely empty, and partially furnished rooms can also benefit from adding a few visual elements.
In-Person Showings Are Still Happening
Even with technology, many buyers quite simply feel better about stepping into a property before they make what might be the largest investment of their entire adult lives. Because of this, you’ll still have to pay close attention to the state of your home. Prioritize cleaning, especially if you have kids at home and have transitioned to a remote work schedule. Because clutter can be a problem, try to keep your family’s individual messes contained. If your kids are older, it might be a good idea to invest in fun and entertaining PS4 games or a new tablet if you’ve put toys, books, and other distractions away. New games can also keep them busy when you’re busy cleaning before a virtual or in-person showing.
How Long Will It Take?
One of your most pressing questions is likely how long, exactly, it will take to sell your home. That’s a tough question to answer, particularly given that none of us have ever lived through a pandemic of this scale before. The good news is, however, at least according to Local 10, is that the housing market remains fairly strong, with the exception being luxury properties. Talk to your realtor about any concerns, and don’t be shy about asking if there are ways you may be able to speed up the process if it’s necessary to move.
All in all, the novel coronavirus is changing the way we live. That’s a fact that won’t flounder anytime soon. But real estate is a resilient market – after all, people have to have somewhere to live. And if you are in a position where you need or want to sell, interest rates are at historic lows, which means buyers have more incentive than ever to become homeowners.
Guest authored by:
Shirley Martin
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www.tidylifetoday.com
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