How to Prepare to Sell a House in Philadelphia
As a real estate agent, it’s your job to ensure sellers are ready for a sale. Selling a property comes with many jobs, many of which should be done before the house is even listed on the market.
If you’re a seller or a real estate agent, there are certain things you should do to prepare for a sale. With the right preparation and tweaks to a property, the resale value can increase along with the number of interested buyers. Both of which can lead to a faster sale.
Keep reading to learn how to prepare to sell a house in Philadelphia (and how to prepare sellers for a sale as a realtor!).
1. Remember to be Patient
Firstly, it’s important to remind yourself that patience is a virtue when selling a property. Even if you want to sell a house fast in Philly, there’s no need to rush. Realtors should encourage sellers to take their time, especially when the first offer is received.
As a seller, you can reject a house offer if a better price is expected. Plus, if a property has just been listed, it can afford to be on the market for another weekend or two before you accept an offer.
That being said, don’t decline a good offer just because the property hasn’t been online for long. If a good offer comes along (and your realtor agrees it’s a good offer), accept it if you think it’s right.
2. Be Prepared to Move Quickly
Before putting the “For Sale” sign in the yard, make sure you are prepared to move out in case a quick offer from a no-chain buyer comes in.
As sellers, this means decluttering the property, starting to pack non-essential items, and having a plan in place for moving (like how you’re going to move items).
As a realtor, ensure your sellers are prepared to move by checking their finances are in order. If the sellers are buying a new property, check they are pre-approved for their next home loan.
3. Add Instant Curb Appeal
First impressions are everything, and you can increase a home’s resale value by improving curb appeal. Small changes can make a big difference to Philadelphia buyers.
For example, a lush green lawn bordered by plants and flowers makes the house look fresh and attractive. Giving a lawn a splash of fertilizer and a good watering to boost its greenery makes a yard look more vibrant and attractive to buyers. Additionally, native Philadelphia flowers (like Mountain Mints or Black-Eyed Susans) make a yard look authentic and low maintenance.
Don’t forget to spruce up the exterior, too. For example, giving outdoor surfaces a good power washing to get rid of any dirt and grime makes a big difference.
4. Make Necessary Repairs
While many buyers are skipping home inspections these days in an effort to entice sellers to accept their bids, sellers shouldn’t skimp on the repairs. Make sure you complete all necessary repairs, especially visible issues, if you want a quick sale.
For example, make sure the plumbing and electrical wiring in the home is in good working order. Drains should be free and clear, broken shower tiles replaced, and showerheads fully operational. Holes and dents in the walls should also be repaired, and dirty carpet cleaned.
Additionally, water, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems should be in good working order. Make sure you have records of the last maintenance report on the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. The electrical panel and circuit breakers should also be up to code.
5. Stage the Home
While sellers don’t have to fork over cash for expensive remodels or renovations in a hot housing market, staging the home is still a good idea. The search for a home starts online for most people. So, the house needs to look its best in the listing photos.
As a seller, you should:
- Remove all personal photos to give the buyer a blank canvas
- Make sure clothes are stored out of sight
- Clear bathroom and kitchen counters of all personal items
- Remove magnets and pictures from the refrigerator
- Get rid of clutter and maximize the space
- Make sure the house is squeaky clean on the day of showings
- Open up the curtains and blinds to allow for light to flood the rooms
- On the day of the open house, light a candle or plug in a diffuser to give the home a light, pleasant scent
Read more about how to stage a property for an open house to get more offers.
6. Round Up Documents
Finally, it’s important to ensure all paperwork is in order. Get a home inspection so the up-to-date report can be included in disclosure forms. This gives the buyer a clear picture of any potential issues.
Plus, if the buyer chooses to waive a home inspection, they’ll have a degree of confidence in knowing an inspection was done by the seller prior. This can attract more buyers and lead to a faster sale.
Summary
Philadelphia’s real estate market has been in a good position in recent years, so selling a house fast shouldn’t be an issue. However, a little preparation goes a long way.
As a realtor, it’s important to ensure your sellers are ready by checking these six things. As a seller, completing this checklist can help you prepare to sell a house in Philadelphia, leading to more offers, better offers, and a quicker sale.
Are you selling a property in Philadelphia? Brotherly Love Real Estate are your local property experts. Get in touch with our friendly team today at (215) 769-9875 or contact us online for an instant offer. We can help you sell a house fast.
Author: Zach Edwards is a home stager and lifestyle, landscape, and home design writer. He has refurbished a number of older homes with a focus on spaces for entertaining.