You are giving away your home if you don’t do at least 3 of the following!
When it comes time to sell your home, every dollar counts. Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or relocating, you want to get the best possible return on your investment. Here’s a detailed guide on the top 10 ways to sell your house for more—smart, practical steps that can make a real difference in your final sale price.
1. Boost Curb Appeal
Curb appeal is your home’s first impression, and it can make or break a buyer’s interest. A well-kept exterior sets the expectation that the rest of the home is also cared for.
What to do:
- Power wash siding, walkways, and driveways
- Repaint or replace the front door
- Plant seasonal flowers or shrubs
- Mow the lawn and edge the garden beds
- Install new house numbers or outdoor lighting
Small investments here can yield major results—according to real estate pros, curb appeal alone can increase your home’s value by up to 7-10%.
2. Stage Your Home Professionally
Staging is about making your home appeal to the broadest audience possible. It helps buyers envision the potential of the space and highlights your home’s best features.
Staging tips:
- Rearrange furniture to open up spaces and create flow
- Use neutral color palettes to appeal to more buyers
- Add tasteful, minimal décor and fresh flowers
- Remove excess furniture to make rooms feel larger
- Use mirrors to reflect light and create a sense of openness
This can be a breeze by calling Manly Moving and have us quickly rearrange things and we can take your items to storage. We can make this step quick and stress-free. Homes that are staged spend less time on the market and typically sell for 5-10% more than unstaged homes.
3. Make Smart Upgrades
Not all renovations are created equal. Focus on improvements that offer a high return on investment (ROI), especially in key areas like the kitchen and bathrooms.
High-ROI upgrades:
- Replacing outdated countertops with quartz or granite
- Installing a new backsplash
- Updating light fixtures and cabinet hardware
- Repainting walls with modern, neutral colors
- Installing a new vanity or mirror in bathrooms
Avoid overly personal or trendy upgrades that may not appeal to all buyers. Stick with timeless improvements that add functionality and style.
4. Hire a Skilled Real Estate Agent
Your real estate agent is your partner in maximizing your home sale. A top-performing agent brings market insight, negotiation expertise, and a wide network of potential buyers.
What a great agent provides:
- A detailed market analysis to price your home competitively
- A professional marketing strategy (including MLS, social media, and virtual tours)
- Access to high-quality photographers and stagers
- Skilled negotiation to get you the best terms and price
Don’t choose your agent based solely on friendship or fees—look for someone with a strong local track record and excellent reviews.
5. Deep Clean Everything
A clean home tells buyers you’ve maintained it well. A dirty or messy space can cause buyers to worry about hidden issues.
Cleaning checklist:
- Wash windows inside and out
- Scrub grout and deep clean tiles
- Shampoo carpets or replace if stained
- Dust baseboards, ceiling fans, and light fixtures
- Clean out closets, drawers, and cabinets
Consider hiring a professional cleaning crew for a thorough top-to-bottom clean. It’s a relatively small expense with a major payoff.
6. Use High-Quality Listing Photos
With over 90% of buyers starting their home search online, your listing photos are your home’s first real showing.
Tips for great photos:
- Hire a professional photographer who specializes in real estate
- Shoot in natural daylight to enhance brightness
- Take wide-angle shots to capture room dimensions
- Include key selling points like fireplaces, views, or updates
- Use drone photography for large properties or to show off the neighborhood
Listings with professional photography sell faster and for more money—don’t settle for smartphone pictures.
7. Depersonalize the Space
Buyers need to imagine themselves living in your home—not you. Depersonalizing helps create a clean slate.
What to remove:
- Family photos and kids’ artwork
- Religious or political items
- Bold colors or décor themes
- Personalized name signs or monograms
Aim for a model-home feel—neutral, inviting, and stylish. It helps buyers mentally “move in” and feel emotionally connected.
8. Price It Right from the Start
Pricing your home correctly from day one is crucial. Overpricing can lead to stale listings, while underpricing may leave money on the table.
How to price smart:
- Use a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to assess nearby sales
- Factor in current market trends and inventory levels
- Avoid emotional pricing—buyers won’t pay for your memories
- Consider psychological pricing (e.g., $499,000 instead of $500,000)
Homes that are accurately priced generate more interest and can even spark bidding wars.
9. Be Flexible with Showings
You want to make it as easy as possible for buyers to view your home. The more people who see it, the more likely you are to get multiple offers.
Flexibility strategies:
- Allow showings on short notice, including evenings and weekends
- Use a lockbox system for agent access
- Plan to be out of the house during showings
- Consider hosting open houses the first weekend on the market
Limiting showing times could mean missing the perfect buyer. Convenience for buyers = faster, better offers for you.
10. Highlight Energy Efficiency and Smart Features
Modern buyers care about energy efficiency, smart tech, and long-term savings. If your home has upgrades, make sure they’re front and center in your marketing.
What to showcase:
- Smart thermostats (Nest, Ecobee)
- Solar panels
- Energy-efficient windows or appliances
- Insulation and HVAC improvements
- Smart lighting, locks, or security systems
Create a “features list” that highlights these benefits. Not only do they add appeal—they can justify a higher asking price.
Final Thoughts
Selling your home for top dollar doesn’t have to involve major renovations or risky market timing. With the right preparation and strategies, you can significantly increase your home’s value and attract serious buyers.
Take the time to invest in presentation, partner with a skilled agent, and position your home in the best possible light. Your future buyer is out there—let’s make sure they fall in love the moment they walk through the door.
We hope you found these tips useful and we at Manly Moving are here not just to help you move from A to B, but also to have the whole process of moving go easier for you and to save you money! Call us for a free moving estimate 855-997-1881.
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