Homeowners who are considering selling their properties in Golden Valley this year are picking a solid time to do so. Many buyers seek properties in this Minnesota town for the area’s beauty, charm, and proximity to Minneapolis. If you’re hoping to add your home to the list in the coming months, make sure you do what you can to have a successful sale. Before you start snapping pictures and spreading the word with friends and family, take a look through these top home selling tips.
Know what to expect
Exploring the Golden Valley real estate market allows homeowners to get a sense of the current demand, home pricing strategies, and available inventory. This makes it much easier to know what to expect when selling their property. Whether they’re wondering how long their home might stay on the market or what they could sell it for, taking a look at the local market in Golden Valley is a great first step. Your agent is a vital resource for assessing and understanding the state of the local market.
Houses for sale in Golden Valley have
appreciated in the past year, with demand staying strong. The market in Golden Valley is considered very competitive, with homes often selling for more than the listing price. Sellers in the Golden Valley market can expect a quick sale, with offers coming in before the two-week mark, and sellers should plan accordingly to prepare their homes to draw in the most buyers.
Hire a professional real estate agent
Photo courtesy of Laura Tiffany Group
The best way to prepare a home is by hiring a professional real estate agent. Agents have detailed insight into the Golden Valley real estate market and can help homeowners strategize about their specific sale tactics. No two homes are exactly alike, and expert real estate agents know how to evaluate, appraise, and market homes no matter their style, size, or features.
Some homeowners think it’s easier and more worthwhile to list their property themselves, especially when demand is high. However, real estate agents know how to handle all the details around promoting your home to the most buyers, drawing up contracts, and negotiating contingencies. When they work with top agents like
John Brekken, sellers in Golden Valley can be sure they will have a quick, seamless sale.
Determine the best month to sell
In places like Golden Valley, where winter can stretch into March, it’s ideal to list homes in the spring or summer, when the warmer weather invites more individuals and families to get out and visit available properties. Homes listed in May tend to perform well, but sellers should consider their overall goals before they choose a time to list. Are they looking to earn the most significant return on their home possible? Or would they prefer to have a fast transaction?
When demand is high and inventory is low in a seller’s market, high prices and quick sales can go hand-in-hand. If you’re hoping to list your property but aren’t sure when to do it, discuss your goals with your real estate agent and determine the best time of year for you.
Determine a pricing strategy
Photo courtesy of Laura Tiffany Group
By using comparative market analysis, the seller’s agent can estimate the market value of their client’s home. It all comes down to what buyers are looking for in the area. Real estate agents will analyze similar properties that have sold nearby and compare their features to that of their client’s home.
From there, agents will look at how much those homes sold for and draw up a price point for their clients. Sellers could also hire independent appraisers if they want to confirm those numbers with interested buyers down the line. If sellers plan on completing any renovations or repairs before listing, those should also be taken into account in the final price of the home.
Develop a selling timeline
With a sense of the local market, an idea of how much to sell for, and a sense of which upgrades or repairs will be made to their home before listing, sellers can work with their agents to develop a realistic timeline. Again, the seller’s goals matter here, especially if they want to sell quickly. Sellers who are considering renovations or repairs should work backward from their potential listing date to determine when they need to start those projects and have them completed.
Renovations and repairs
Photo courtesy of Laura Tiffany Group
Many sellers choose to perform renovations and repairs before selling their house, as these projects can help increase property value. According to Redfin, buyers in and around Minneapolis place a high value on backyard space, large kitchens, and new boilers. Tile backsplashes and hardwood floors are also growing in popularity. Homeowners who want to boost their home equity before selling could consider incorporating those features into their renovation plan. Top rooms to focus on otherwise are the kitchen and master bathroom, where upgrades and repairs can contribute to high selling prices and faster sales.
Staging and photography
Photo courtesy of Laura Tiffany Group
Once the repairs and modifications are complete, sellers should consider home staging and professional real estate photography. Both can improve the sales price and time on the market, especially when compared to properties that didn’t take these essential steps.
Home staging allows buyers to imagine themselves living in the space, thinking through where they might put their belongings or how they might use the spare bedroom. This typically helps them decide more quickly whether they want to make an offer. Photography acts as a first point of contact for buyers who search online and can draw them into viewing the listing and making an appointment for a tour. Both services are worth investing in for any homeowner who wants to get the most out of their sale.
Selling a home takes time, energy, and finesse, so it’s important to work with a local Golden Valley Realtor® who’s been through the process with countless clients.
John Brekken helps clients determine their top priorities when selling their homes to ensure he delivers the results they’re looking for. Once you’re ready to sell your home in Golden Valley, give
John Brekken a call to get started.
*Header photo courtesy of Laura Tiffany Group
