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12 Simple Tips to Sell Your Home in a Slow Market

With the real estate market in a slump, it’s no secret that now is not the best time to be trying to sell a house. But what if circumstances leave you with no other option but to reluctantly join the thousands of others desperately trying to attract buyers for their homes? Educating yourself on simple ways to make your house stand out above the competition can give you the needed edge to increase your chances of making the sell. Try these low-cost tips to make your house a home that buyers can’t refuse.

1. Make a good first impression. Curb appeal is crucial. If buyers are turned off by the outer appearance of the property, they won't waste time for an inside tour and will quickly move on to the next house on their real estate listing. Giving the front door a fresh coat of paint, keeping grass neatly mowed, shrubs trimmed, and trees pruned, and planting a few brightly colored flowers will create a cheerful exterior that will beckon buyers to come inside.
2. Get rid of clutter. Make spaces look larger by moving excess furniture, knick-knacks, and clutter into a rented storage unit. Clean out and organize closets and cabinets, and don't forget to free up the attic and basement.
3. Neutralize the house. Pack away personal items such as photographs and hierlooms so buyers can visualize themselves living in the home. Paint walls in neutral colors to better appeal to people's tastes.
4. Clean, clean, clean! Sounds simple, but in the busyness of day to day life, it’s easy to overlook the accumulating dust and cobwebs. If there was ever a time for spring-cleaning, it is now. You want your home to sparkle.
5. Make minor repairs and home improvements. Now is the time to fix those leaky faucets and cracked tiles and replace burned out light bulbs. You will be amazed at the difference a little attention to detail will make.
6. Bathrooms sell homes. Hang a fresh new shower curtain and add matching rugs. Place your best towels on the rack.
7. Update kitchen fixtures. Even if you can't afford a kitchen makeover, updating simple things such as cabinet knobs and hardware will project a more modern appearance.
8. Create a cozy bedroom. Redecorate with a new bedspread and comfy pillows. Add lamps for soft lighting and play relaxing music.
9. Remove items not for sale. Before placing your home on the market, remove and store anything such as appliances and light fixtures that aren’t selling with the home so these do not become points of contention during negotiations.
10. Light up your home. Open blinds and drapes to allow natural daylight to cheer your home. For showings after dark, turn on lights in each room for a warm, inviting atmosphere. Install security lighting outdoors so that your home is well-lit at night.
11. Add ambience. Fresh flowers, flickering candles, and the aroma of freshly baked cookies create that homey environment that can make the difference between a pass or a sale.
12. Allow your realtor to do his or her job. If using a professional realtor, plan to be away or stay in the background while prospects look at the house. The realtor knows the potential buyer’s needs and can best present your home to them.