By Tammy Pitts 

When selling a house, speed often becomes a top priority. However, the process can easily drag on and leave you waiting impatiently. Read on for must-do tips to sell your DC-area home as quickly as possible.

Consider a Cash Offer

Cash offers are the express lane in the home-selling process. While they may not always maximize profit, they ensure a streamlined sale due to the absence of lender protocols. Something else to consider: Once you factor in maintenance costs and agent fees, a cash deal might closely match what you’d net from a traditional sale.

Price Your Home Right

Home prices in Washington, D.C., are on a downward trend these days, providing advantages to homebuyers as the market adjusts in response to rising mortgage rates and reduced demand. And you can accelerate the sales timeline by pricing your home competitively. Understand its market value and consider marking it 15-20% below to potentially incite a bidding war among buyers.

Boost Curb Appeal

First impressions are crucial, so make sure the exterior of your home is in pristine condition. 

• Power wash or put a fresh coat of paint on your house to make it stand out.
• Repair any screen doors or window screens that may have holes or are unable to close properly.
• Take a close look at your front door. Does it stand out from the street? Front doors command the most attention when people pull up to your property, so if your door is old or dull, replace or paint it.  
• Remove any debris from your yard. A yard containing dead plants and tired mulch won’t have great curb appeal.
• Mowing the lawn and freshening up your landscaping can improve the value of your home and help you sell it faster. 

Declutter, Clean, and Depersonalize

When potential buyers walk into your home, they need to imagine themselves living there, so clean it up! Toss out the stacks of magazines you have sitting on the floor and any clutter scattered across countertops. Take down personal items like family photos, awards, or personalized art. Keep it simple and neutral.

Buyers should feel the spaciousness of each room, so even if it feels too minimal for you, it will show better this way. Get out your cleaning supplies and scrub every corner of the house (or save yourself the hassle, and hire a cleaning crew). A spotless and clean home can significantly influence a buyer’s decision. 

The Smell Can Make the Sale

The aroma inside your home is a small detail some people overlook. After all, a pleasant smell can enhance a home’s attractiveness. Use subtle scents like essential oils or fresh flowers to create a welcoming atmosphere. 

Tackle Minor Repairs and Updates and Make Your Home Energy-Efficient

• Fix any issues related to water damage, plumbing, or electrical work that could cause you to fail a home inspection.
• Refresh carpets and flooring. While you may not have the funds to replace the carpets entirely, a clean carpet can certainly transform a room, so have the carpets cleaned professionally and polish the hardwood floors.
• Other simple updates including fresh paint and new caulking can make a big difference.
• Consider updating the cabinet handles and kitchen appliances for a modern touch and a fast sale. After all, the kitchen is the most important room potential buyers are looking at because it’s the most used room in a house, and buyers these days are demanding a modern kitchen. Granite countertops, a nice backsplash, bright lighting, and custom cabinets are all important for this space.
• With a growing demand for eco-friendly homes, those with renewable energy options and sustainable materials are selling much faster. Upgrade your appliances, thermostat, lighting, and alarm system with more energy-efficient options.

Stage the House

Staging can significantly elevate the perception of your home. A well-staged home appeals to a wide demographic, ensuring it’s seen as welcoming and ready to move in. Red House Staging can expertly handle the staging of your home to help you sell faster and for more money. Contact us for a free quote!

Professional Photography is Key

Once you’ve done all the hard work prepping and staging your home, ensure it’s captured perfectly for marketing purposes. High-quality photos can significantly influence a buyer’s decision to view or purchase a property.

List Your House and Leverage Social Media

Ensure your agent includes a 3-D virtual tour of your home as well as a captivating description of the house. You shouldn’t have a hard time selling your home here in the DC area, especially in popular neighborhoods and areas such as Georgetown, Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, and of course, Capitol Hill, Bethesda, and Alexandria. Maximize your reach by posting your home’s professional images on social media platforms and urge your network to share.

Selling your home can be a smooth experience with the right preparation. These tips not only ease the process but also position your home attractively and competitively in the market.

Tammy has an extensive background in journalism, media relations, social media strategy, marketing, and brand management. She resides in Michigan with her family which includes her two sons and their Goldendoodle, Max. In her free time, she loves to read and travel.