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Hello there, ServyInfo followers! I’m a former real estate agent in the US turned nationwide property guru (or so I’d like to think). After decades of closing deals from coast to coast, I’ve got stories, insider secrets, and clever tricks up my sleeve. Consider this a friendly chat over coffee with that one friend who always has the best real estate advice.
Now, I’m about to spill some rare insights and sneaky strategies that most folks – and even many agents – never talk about openly. There will be a total of 4 articles showing you the need tricks stages of a Buckle up, because whether you’re buying or selling a home, these tips might just give you an edge you didn’t know you needed.
Stage 1: Pre-Listing (Sellers) & Home Search (Buyers)
Let’s start at the very beginning of the journey. Sellers are sprucing up their homes, and buyers are scouring listings like they’re on a treasure hunt. This stage is all about preparation and smart searching. Here are some little-known strategies for both sides:
For Sellers: Pre-Listing Prep Like a Pro
- Interview Your Agents: Don’t just settle for the first real estate agent that comes along. You’re hiring someone to sell your beloved home, so interview a few candidates. Ask about their recent sales and even request references – yes, you can do that! A top agent won’t mind proving their worth. (Think of it like America’s Got Talent, but the talent is selling houses.)
- Price it Right (and Watch for Flattery): Be wary of an agent who swoops in and suggests a sky-high asking price that tickles your ego. Some agents overprice your home just to win your business . Later, they might pressure you to drop the price when it languishes on the market. Instead, insist on seeing the comparable sales (comps) and set a realistic price together. A good agent will give you an honest number, not just a sweet lie to get the listing.
- First Impressions Matter: You know that saying about not getting a second chance to make a first impression? In real estate, it’s gospel. Buyers form an opinion within seconds of seeing your home – about 10 seconds, in fact . So, amp up your curb appeal: mow the lawn, trim the jungle you call a garden, and maybe slap a fresh coat of paint on that front door. Make them fall in love before they’ve even removed their shoes.
- Stage (Even if it’s DIY): Ever notice how model homes look like nobody actually lives there? There’s a reason. A clean, decluttered, nicely staged home helps buyers imagine themselves living in it. Remove those quirky family photos and that huge jar of seashells from 1995. If your place is empty, consider adding some furniture or decor. An empty house can actually feel smaller and make it hard for buyers to picture living there . You don’t need to hire HGTV stars – even a DIY attempt at staging (think fluffy towels, fresh flowers, neutral decor) can work wonders.
- Smart Timing for Listing: Here’s a sneaky tip: timing matters when you list your home. Listing mid-week (around Thursday) often creates more buzz, since buyers plan weekend tours based on fresh listings . Some studies say homes listed on Thursday sell faster or even for a bit more – apparently, Thursdays are the new black in real estate. So don’t let that shiny new listing debut on a sleepy Sunday when everyone’s watching football.
For Buyers: Smart House-Hunting Hacks
- Search Beyond the Obvious: Your agent will set you up with MLS alerts, but let’s go further off the beaten path. Tell your agent you’re open to off-market deals or old listings. Sometimes a home that was listed six months ago (and didn’t sell) might still have an owner quietly willing to make a deal. Ask your agent to look up expired or withdrawn listings. These hidden gems can mean less competition and a better price . It’s like finding the chocolate stash nobody else knows about.
- Google Is Your BFF: Don’t just rely on Zillow pictures – become a digital detective. Google the address of any house you like. You might uncover an old listing with extra photos, or a news article about that street (hopefully not about an alligator in the sewer, but hey, good to know!). Use Street View to virtually stroll the block and check for things the listing photos might’ve “accidentally” cropped out (like the neighbor’s collection of rusty cars). Also try googling the neighborhood or checking community Facebook/Nextdoor groups to scoop up any local intel.
- Ask Odd Questions: When touring a home, don’t be shy about asking your agent uncommon questions. For example: “Why are the sellers moving?” – A friendly agent might drop hints if it’s a job relocation (meaning they might be in a hurry) or something spookier like “they just want a change” (could be code for nosy neighbors or a 5 a.m. rooster next door). Or try, “How long has it been on the market, and have they had any offers fall through?” If a prior buyer backed out, you want to know why. Maybe the inspection turned up something (we’ll get to that later) or financing fell through. Every answer is a clue in your house-hunting mystery.
- Widen Your Horizons: I know, I know – you must have a Victorian with a red door on Maple Street and nowhere else. But if you’re striking out, take a page from my experience: be ready to compromise a bit. Maybe broaden your search radius by a few miles or consider homes that need a little cosmetic TLC. You might find a rough diamond where others see coal. As one clever colleague of mine likes to say, “You’re buying the neighborhood as much as the house.” So if the dream house is elusive, look in a similar neighborhood with better prices. A slightly longer commute might beat paying through the nose in a trendy ZIP code.
- Scout the ’Hood at Odd Hours: You’ve seen the house at 2 PM on a Tuesday when even the squirrels are taking a siesta. But what about Friday night or Monday at 7 AM? Ask your agent if you can do a second visit at a different time, or just drive by yourself. Neighborhoods can transform after dark or during rush hour. Make sure the quiet street isn’t a cacophony of barking dogs and leaf blowers at 7 AM, and that you feel safe on that midnight ice cream run. It’s a pro move to double-check the vibe. In fact, a neighborhood can feel like a different world after sunset . You might discover the neighbor’s garage band practice or, on the flip side, realize the community is delightfully serene. Better to find out before you sign 30 years of your life away.