How can you maximize on the value of your Pittsburgh home?

However, the cooling market does not mean you can not sell your home for the best price. I have seen the market shift several times over my real estate professional career. Homes will continue to sell even in a market shift.

As a Pittsburgh home seller, it is understandable that you want to sell your home for top dollar. Homes that are in good condition and priced correctly will sell in any market. Your real estate professional can help you prepare for the sale of your home.

Let’s look at five tips to help maximize your Pittsburgh home value:

1. Do your homework.

The local market conditions for your neighborhood are the first place to research. Depending on your area, there may be a better time to sell than others.  In a changing market, there is greater importance on the proper pricing of your home.

As the market is shifting, it is best to use the services of a full-time real estate agent who knows your local area. A real estate agent can expose your home to the largest pool of buyers, which may increase the demand for your home.

You need to find a real estate professional who can do the best job for you. Ask about their experience, familiarity with your area, designations, communication style, marketing strategy, and how they can help you prepare your home for sale. Finding the right agent to work with can alleviate some stress in the home-selling process.

2. Thoroughly clean and prepare your home.

To increase the value of your Pittsburgh home, you will need to do a top-to-bottom cleaning and decluttering of your home. Hire a cleaning service if possible.

You may need to paint walls (neutral colors are best) or remove dated wallpaper. If your flooring is worn or dated, consider replacing it. Check and repair damaged or unsightly caulking in tubs and showers. Finally, make sure there are no offensive odors in the house. Odor is the first thing buyers notice; this is almost always a permanent turnoff.

3. Make your home a potential buyer’s new home.

Removing your personal pictures and other items will help potential buyers visualize living in your home. The psychology behind staging is to make rooms feel larger and help the buyer feel like they are at home. This article from Better Homes & Gardens discusses staging.

4. The outside of your home also needs your attention.

A buyer’s first impression of your home may be a simple drive down your street. However, if the home’s exterior is neglected, the buyer’s impression may be that the inside of your home is also unkempt.

Winter is not conducive to planting flowers, but there are some things you can do. First, keep your snow shovels and ice melter tucked away and your porches inviting and welcoming. After a snowfall, clear sidewalks and the driveway.  Put away holiday decorations. Clean the landscaping where possible.

5. Make your home available for showings.

When you’re selling a home, you need to be flexible. If buyers cannot see your home when they are available, they will not see your Pittsburgh home’s value. Your hard work to prepare the home will be to no avail.  It’s often disruptive to have a house ready to show on the spur of the moment, but the more often someone can see your home, the sooner you’ll find a buyer.

Buyers don’t want to offend current owners, so they may be more hesitant to consider your home if you are present for a showing or open house. Also, they feel funny about opening cabinets and closet doors with you in the room.

Whether you are moving for a job transfer, upsizing, or downsizing, the experience can be overwhelming. This is because so many factors go into the sale of a home.

Remember, the best time to sell your Pittsburgh home is when you are ready. Even though the market may shift from time to time, you can still sell your home for the best possible price if it is in good condition and priced appropriately.

Working as a full-time Realtor® for over 19 years in the local Pittsburgh market, I have helped hundreds of sellers get the best possible price for their homes. I can help you do the same. Contact me by phone at 412-848-3907 or email at Kim.Esposito1@pittsburghmoves.com to schedule a free consultation to discuss your real estate needs.