If you’ve been planning on moving, the pandemic has probably affected your decision in one way or another. The good news is that you can still list your home for sale. However, the process will probably be a lot different than what you’re used to. By taking precautions and adapting to the changes brought on by the pandemic, you can still find success in selling your home. Below, learn what you need to know to get your home ready and provide safe showings that will appeal to buyers.
Understand the Housing Market
Before you think about putting your home up for sale, it’s important to look at the current state of the housing market. It’s hard for anyone to say what long-term effects the pandemic may have. So far, the median asking price for some homes has come down in certain areas. In addition, new construction has slowed as well. However, it remains to be seen what will happen to the market in the next six months, as it all depends on how long the pandemic goes on. In some areas, home prices are rising. Talk to your realtor about inventory. Areas with a housing shortage are seeing multiple offers and sales that far exceed original asking price.
What to Do Before Listing Your Home
Despite the pandemic, many homeowners find that now is still a good time to list their homes for sale. However, you will need to take a few additional things into consideration before putting your home on the market. Most importantly, you will need to think about the fact that house hunters may rely solely on your listing to make up their minds. Due to the pandemic, buyers may not ever step foot inside your house before deciding to move ahead with a purchase.
For that reason, it’s more important than ever that your home looks its absolute best before you list it. There are a variety of easy projects you can do to help your home look fresh. For example, a kitchen cabinet makeover can revamp your kitchen without breaking your budget. Revitalizing your landscaping or repainting a room may also boost your home’s appeal.
When choosing projects, it’s a good idea to focus on ones that you can do without putting yourself or contractors at risk. Sticking to small-scale DIY projects will allow you to minimize unnecessary contact with others.
How to Make Your Listing Stand Out
Even though pandemic restrictions are loosening up in some areas, buyers and real estate agents are still being more cautious than usual. As a seller, you will have to adapt. For example, most real estate companies temporarily suspended in-person tours in favor of virtual tours. Some buyers may still feel safer taking a video tour even if they’re not required to do so.
By taking quality photos, you can give buyers a true feel for your home. Offering video tours or opting for a 3D tour will help your listing stand out even more. However, before you spend the time and money on photos, be sure your home is staged to impress. It might be worth it to hire a professional stager if you don’t have the expertise yourself.
How to Show Your Home Safely
While some buyers will get everything they need from a virtual tour, others may still want to take a look at your home in person. By following precautionary measures, it’s possible to have in-person tours without putting anyone’s health at risk. For example, everyone should wear masks indoors, especially in confined spaces.
You may also want to provide basic amenities like hand wipes. Wiping down high-touch areas before every showing is also important. If you’re having trouble finding cleaning supplies in stores, it’s possible to make your own disinfectant spray that works just as well. Make sure your family also has a plan in place so you can tidy up messes before any showings take place.
The process of buying and selling a home might never be the same, even after the threat of the pandemic has passed. Regardless of how long the pandemic affects the housing market, you’ll find more success by anticipating buyers’ needs and being flexible.
