10 Home Selling Tips for Retirees

The average person spends 20 years of their life looking for a home. The same number of years after that are spent trying to sell it once they have found one. If you’re in your early retirement, and you’ve been thinking about selling your house or condo, now is the time to get started! You can still enjoy your home while making some money on the side. Here’s how: 

1) Don’t Wait Until It Falls Apart 

Even if you love the neighborhood and think it’s perfect for your needs, don’t wait until it falls apart before selling. If you wait too long, the price will drop significantly. A quick fix could be all it takes to save thousands of dollars off the sale price. 

2) Hire a Real Estate Agent 

If you want to sell your house fast, you’ll need an agent who knows how to market your property effectively. Agents know what buyers are looking for, and they have access to tools and resources that help them find those buyers quickly. They also have the contacts necessary to handle any repairs or upgrades needed before the sale closes. 

3) Update Your Listing With New Photos And Info 

In addition to updating your listing with information about recent improvements, you should also take new photos. This will show prospective buyers that you care enough about the condition of your home to do something about it. It may not seem like much, but this little bit of extra effort can make a big difference in the amount you receive when you sell. 

4) Price It Right 

One of the biggest mistakes first-time sellers make is pricing their homes too low. Buyers will always pay more than you expect for a property. Instead, focus on getting top dollar for your home by being sure to consider the following factors: 

• Location – Make sure you choose a location that meets your needs. 
• Condition – Does the property look good? Is it in good shape? Are there any issues you need to address? 
• Features – What makes your home unique? Do you have a pool or hot tub? Do you have a garage or carport? How many bedrooms does it have? 

5) Work On The Curb Appeal 

Your home’s exterior is just as important as its interior. When people see your house from the street, they’ll form opinions about whether they’d like to live there or not. While the inside of your home is critical, the outside is equally important. Consider the following things when working on the curb appeal: 

• Landscaping – Make sure it’s neat and tidy. Flower beds are especially popular, but shrubs and trees are also great options. 
• Driveway – A well-maintained driveway will make buyers feel welcome. 
• Roofing – Repairs are fine, but if you can afford to replace your roof, you should do so. If you don’t, you might end up spending thousands of dollars on repairs down the road. 

6) Put Off Major Upgrades 

While it’s tempting to upgrade your appliances, furnace, or even add a swimming pool, put these projects off for as long as possible. Buying a new refrigerator, washing machine, or pool table will cost you hundreds of dollars in installation fees. These costs will be better off saved for another day. 

7) Take Care of Small Issues 

Fixing small problems can go a long way towards improving the overall value of your home. Fix leaking faucets, unclog drains, paint walls, or repair squeaky doors. Even the smallest improvements will make your home look more inviting. 

8) Offer Open House Nights 

You may not think twice about showing your home to friends and family, but prospective buyers won’t. Offer open house nights at least once a month, and schedule them for times when most buyers will be available. 

9) Have an Advertised Auction 

Have an auction where you list your home for sale. This will give you the opportunity to set a reserve price for your home, which is the price you want sold. If you don’t set a reserve price, you’ll be stuck accepting whatever offer the buyer comes back with. Having an auction gives you a chance to control the sale process and determine the final price. 

10) Follow Up 

Once you’ve listed your home, follow up with every potential buyer. This includes both online and phone calls. As soon as you get a counteroffer, contact the seller and tell them to accept it. If you’re not sure what to say, ask someone who’s already done this for you. 

Final Words 

When you retire, you have the freedom to spend your time doing the things you want to do. Sell your house and move into a smaller place, or stay put and rent out your property. Whatever you decide, you’ll be able to enjoy the fruits of your labour for years to come.