Preparing Your Home to Sell in a Hot Market
The real estate market in Orange County is thriving right now. Homes are flying off the market as fast as they are coming on. With some listings going into escrow in less than seven days. But the key to finding success in this current market lies in some crucial before market preparation. If you’re thinking about selling, now is the time to start prepping your home to come on the market. Keep reading for some tips on how you can prepare your home to sell fast and for top dollar in this hot Orange County market.
4 Ways to Prepare Your Home to Sell in a Hot Market
Price Your Home Properly
One of the biggest factors that determines success in the current market is pricing at Fair Market Value. When pricing at Fair Market Value, it’s imperative to look at the sales price to last list price ratio. This refers to the final list price prior to opening escrow. In Orange County, 76% of all closed sales in August did not reduce the asking price at all and the sales price to last list price ratio for these homes was 99.6 percent. Meaning on average a home sold within 0.4 percent of the asking price.
This data tells a very honest truth, that homes that are priced properly sell faster and at the original listing price. Even in a Hot Market, sellers can’t risk overpricing, wasting valuable market time and obtaining a smaller net proceeds check at the close of escrow.
Offer Virtual & 3D Tours
During this pandemic, the real estate industry has had to adapt to the times. People still need to buy and sell their homes. Instead of open houses, realtors, like Rosemary, are offering virtual tours of their properties. These tours provide buyers with an in-depth look at the property, with multiple angles of each room and yard. While it may not quite be the same as physically being in the home, these virtual tours capture the essence of the space, giving buyers the ability to take a self-guided tour of the home at their own pace.
Take a virtual tour of one of Rosemary’s Ladera Ranch properties here and see how your home could be showcased to potential buyers.
Focus on Curb Appeal
Buyers in Orange County expect to see homes with curb appeal. Simple things like changing out your old mailbox, adding a touch of color to your flower beds or pathways and keeping your lawn and hedges in good condition are going to increase your chances of selling your home. And there are several real estate studies that suggest that homes with landscaping and curb appeal not only sell faster but increase perceived home value by five to 11 percent.
Clean and Declutter
To prepare your home for listing photos, virtual tours or in-person showings you need to ensure that your home looks tidy. Rooms need to be cleaned and any excess items should be out of sight. Sellers often rent storage units during their transition to get their homes ready to sell. Leave some furniture in your home so buyers can see the potential of each room, but make sure it doesn’t look cluttered or messy. If you really want to make an impact, you can stage your home. Buyers respond very well to homes that are staged and that’s one more way you can up your home’s perceived value in this hot market.
Sell Your Ladera Ranch Home in this Hot Market
The best way to set yourself up for success in these times is to work with an experienced professional. Rosemary Hieber is that realtor. With more than $280 million sold both locally and personally, this leader in the Orange County real estate market has been helping clients sell their homes for years. She has seen tremendous success, even during this pandemic, and is ready to help you with your real estate needs. Contact her today to start the listing process.