The COVID-19 pandemic has turned the world upside down, but you can still sell your home. Check out our tips for finding the right agent to get your house sold.
1. Clean Your Home
It should go without saying that before you put your house on the market, you’ll want to make sure everything is spic and span. With stay-at-home orders in place, this is the perfect time to scrub the cabinets, make sure the grout is free from mold and dirt, and the cobwebs have been whisked away. You can even use this time to go through some of the excess clutter in your closet, basement, and attic!
2. Embrace virtual staging.
Although many real estate agents use actual staging when selling a home, virtual staging is a key element to selling in the middle of a pandemic. Potential buyers can envision themselves living in the home using their furniture (or furniture similar to what they own). Sellers can hire a graphic designer to take photos of empty rooms in the home and create spaces that are cozy and welcoming. By virtually staging the home, you can save money because you’re not hiring a staging company. Virtual staging also allows agents to target a specific market, thus increasing the likelihood of making a sale. And, if the design doesn’t appeal to buyers, you can easily redecorate the space and remarket the home.
3. Make sure repairs and upgrades are completed.
Do you have any home improvement projects that kept falling to the wayside? Now’s the perfect time to break out your DIY hat and get it done! Give your home a fresh coat of paint. Replace old fixtures and spruce up the backyard. With more people staying at home, buyers are looking for an area out back to call their new playground – whether it be for adults or kids. Oh, and if you have a power washer (you definitely should!), give the exterior a proper power washing. If you don’t have the supplies on hand, you can order them online or venture to your favorite home improvement store. Just remember to follow social distancing guidelines when you’re out!
4. Boost your curb appeal
Buyers are looking for homes that are conducive to their new way of living with COVID-19. Even with current guidelines and restrictions, gardeners and landscaping companies are able to get your front yard in tip top shape in no time. Not to mention, curb appeal is extremely important for those working from home with kids needing a place to escape during homeschooling. Let’s face it no one wants an outdated front yard. So, remember, first impressions make all the difference, and with drive-bys on the uprise a buyer’s first look can determine it all!
5. Familiarize yourself with teleconferencing services.
A lot of people who are working from home are using conferencing services like Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, and the like to hold virtual meetings. Don’t be surprised if your agent asks you to do the same. We recommend familiarizing yourself with these programs (most folks use Zoom) so that when it comes time to use the programs, you can do so without any difficulty. After all, selling a home during a pandemic is stressful enough; there’s no need to add the stress, not knowing how to join an online meeting!
It’s understandable to be concerned about selling your home during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is doable — especially when you’re working with a skilled agent. Your agent will be able to keep you up to date on the latest developments regarding stay-at-home orders, safety protocols, and what to do to minimize in-person contact.
It’s nice to know that you have someone to lean on and who will do their best to get your house sold fast in San Francisco at a time like this.
