Don't Try to Make the Hard Sell

Leaving your home during showings is the best way to help it sell.
The Home's Exterior Matters Most

Why Curb Appeal Matters: 10 Curb Appeal Tips From the Pros

First impressions are everything -- at least when it comes to selling your home. According to the National Association of Realtors, 63 percent of homebuyers will drop by after viewing a home they like online. What will they see? The home's exterior -- including the front entry, yard, driveway and sidewalk -- should serve as a snapshot of what's to come when potential buyers enter your home, says Caroline Wilkes, owner of Caroline Wilkes Interiors on Long Island. Read on to learn 10 ways you can wow homebuyers from the curb.

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No one knows your home better than you, but that doesn't mean you should stick around to show it to buyers. Most experienced real estate agents advise sellers to leave their home when it's being shown to prospective buyers and during open houses.

Buyers need to critically examine a property before they can decide to buy it or not. It's difficult for most buyers to talk frankly with their agent about a listing if the seller is home. Showing off your "flea market find" cabinets probably won't get the house sold, and it could keep the buyers from looking at the qualities of the home that are particular to their need. An agent knows what their client is looking for and will highlight those features, so leave the showing to them.

There will be times when leaving the house is out of the question. In such cases, make yourself scarce. Walk your dog around the neighborhood, swing on the porch swing or work in your home office.

Even though you may enjoy entertaining, try to keep home life simple while your house is on the market. Don't plan big events and children's sleepovers at your home. Taking the family out for dinner can provide a nice break, especially if buyers want to see your house after work.

Next Up

5 Types of Neighbors and How to Handle Them

You may love your house, but getting stuck with bad neighbors may have you thinking about putting up a for-sale sign. Here are some tips on dealing with rude, sloppy or nosy neighbors, and even those mean ones with spite houses.

To Sell or Not to Sell

It may seem like a good idea to sell your house, but often renting is a more lucrative option. Read these tips before deciding to sell and choosing an agent.

Using Technology to Sell Your Home

Some sellers are giving away cars and vacations to entice buyers. Here are more affordable technological tactics to modernize your home.

Adapt Your Home to Its Selling Season

Play up your home's amenities for the season in which you choose to sell.

Top Tips to Ease Stressful Holiday Home Selling

Plan ahead, keep your cool and the process will go smoothly.

How to Make Homeownership Affordable

Worried about how to make the mortgage payments? These ideas can help.

Don't Forget the Hidden Costs

Factor these expenses in before you take on a mortgage.

Buying a Home: Don't Forget These Expenses

When deciding how large a down payment you can afford, remember to leave yourself some padding.

Don't Fall for Love at First Sight

Shop around to avoid missing red flags or regretting your decision.

Don't Let an Imperfect Home Inspection Scare You Away

Unless it's new construction, no home will be in perfect condition. So don't panic when an inspection yields less than stellar results.

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