7 Tips For Selling In A Crowded Market

Getting ready to sell your home? Sometimes it seems like all your neighbors had to do was stake down a 'for sale' sign and watch the offers roll in. But for most us, selling a house isn't nearly that easy. That's especially true in an increasingly crowded market.

Many of today's sellers find themselves facing much more competition than just a few years ago. Chances are, your house isn't the only one for sale in your neighborhood or even on your block. Luckily, there are several great strategies that can help you get ahead when you're selling your home in a crowded market. 

1. Price it right
   When you're competing with many other homes for sale in your general area, price becomes crucial. Although you surely want to get top dollar for your house, there's a major advantage to pricing your home slightly lower — roughly 2 percent lower — than similar homes in your neighborhood. Even a slightly lower price point can make a big difference.
2. Always be show-ready
   When competition is fierce, it pays to be prepared to show your home at any time. Before listing your house for sale, give it a thorough cleaning and de-cluttering; then keep it tidy in case you need to show it off at the drop of a hat.
3. Look through the buyer's eyes
   It's easy to become blind to how your home really looks after you've lived there for years. So it's important to try to detach from your preconceptions about your house. See it instead from a buyer's point of view. What might a buyer object to? Those are things you should fix. What might a buyer be excited about? Those are things to put extra emphasis on.
4. Take professional photographs
   Two identical homes can look very different depending on how they are presented. Pictures matter, especially since most home searches are carried out online these days. Hire a professional photographer to stage and photograph our home to give you an edge over competing houses for sale in your neighborhood.
5. Team up with your neighbors
   If you live in a neighborhood where there are a lot of homes for sale, it's easy to see them as competition. In a way, they are, but it can be more beneficial to work with your neighbors than against them. Plan a joint open house together, and work toward selling your overall neighborhood as a great place to live. If a neighbor sells before you do, don't sweat it. Celebrate with them, and remember that just means that now there's one less house you have to compete with.
6. Show off your best assets
   If you've made significant upgrades to your home or have features that make it uniquely desirable, show them off. Make sure that your remodeled bathroom, beautiful modern kitchen, ample backyard, or extended patio are prominently featured in your listing.
7. Work with a great agent
   Having the right real estate agent in your corner gives you a major leg up on the competition. Look for an experienced seller's agent who has inside knowledge about your specific neighborhood and can help you analyze real estate trends in your area and determine how best to sell your property.

Selling your home will happen faster than you think — you just need to take the right steps and work with an experienced real estate agent. Talk with an agent today to start your selling journey.

• Storage Solutions for Homes Without Large Closets
• Planning a Backyard Space for Entertaining
• Easy Ways to Reduce Household Noise Between Rooms
• How to Create a Functional Mudroom in Any Home
• Simple Upgrades That Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
• Smart Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality at Home
• Spring Décor Updates to Brighten Your Home
• Simple Daily Habits to Maintain a Cleaner Home
• Don't Let Winter Win: How to Freeze-Proof Your Garage
• How to Extend the Life of Your Water Heater

• Winterproofing Windows and Doors: A Guide to Keeping the Cold Out
• How to Future-Proof Your Home for Changing Needs

• What Happens Between Offer Acceptance and Closing
• What First-Time Buyers Should Know About Property Surveys
• How to Spot Renovations Done Without Permits
• What to Know About Homeowners Associations Before You Buy
• Touring Homes With a Critical Eye: What Buyers Often Miss
• How to Evaluate a Neighborhood During Different Times of Day
• The Best Home Styles for Enjoying Spring Weather
• What to Do the First Week in Your New Home
• What to Know About Using Gifted Funds for a Down Payment
• What to Know About Using Gifted Funds for a Down Payment

• How to Research Crime and Safety
• What Buyers Need to Know About Home Warranties

• How to Prepare Your Home for Last-Minute Showings
• When a Price Reduction Can Help Restart Buyer Interest
• How Professional Photography Impacts Online Listing Views
• The Hidden Costs Sellers Should Plan For
• What Sellers Should Know About Appraisal Gaps
• How to Prepare Your Home for a Competitive Offer Situation
• Packing Tips for Sellers: Preparing for a Spring Move
• What to Store, Donate, or Toss Before Listing
• What Buyers Notice First in Listing Photos
• How Spring Sellers Can Enter The Market With Confidence

• Tax Considerations Home Sellers Should Know About
• The One-Room-at-a-Time Spring Prep Strategy