How to Sell Your Home for More Money

Key takeaways

• Presentation matters: Declutter, clean, repair, and stage your home to make it visually appealing.
• Price strategically: Research comparable sales to set a competitive price that attracts buyers.
• Invest in marketing: High-quality photos and a compelling listing description are essential for online visibility.
• Negotiate wisely: Consider all terms of an offer, not just the price, and work with your agent to achieve the best outcome. 

Every seller wants to know how to sell their home for more money. Given that selling your home is a major financial decision, it’s natural to want to maximize your return on investment. 

While market conditions play a big role, there are many steps you can take to increase your home’s value and attract top offers. As you look to sell your home in Miami or Boulder, this Redfin real estate guide will walk you through key strategies and teach you how to sell your home for more money.

Make sure you can afford to sell

It only makes sense to sell your house if you’re going to make money, so it’s important to figure out the cost of selling a house in your area before putting your home on the market. However, figuring out how much you’ll make from selling your home isn’t as easy as subtracting your outstanding mortgage from the price you hope to get. Keep in mind that you’ll have to pay several fees when selling your home, including agent commissions, excise tax, title insurance, and other closing costs, which vary by region. Using an online sale calculator that estimates these variables is a good place to start. However, working with an agent will give you a better understanding of how much you can hope to get in proceeds since they’ll know the current market conditions and the amount your home can sell for.

Presenting your home at its best

First impressions are everything when it comes to real estate. Before listing your home, focus on making it as appealing as possible to potential buyers.

• Declutter and depersonalize: A cluttered home can feel smaller and prevent buyers from envisioning themselves in the space. Remove personal items, excess furniture, and anything that distracts from the home’s features. 
• Clean thoroughly: A clean home signals care and attention to detail. Pay extra attention to kitchens and bathrooms. Consider hiring professional cleaners for a deep clean.
• Make repairs: Address any small issues that might deter buyers. Leaky faucets, chipped paint, or loose doorknobs are easy fixes that can make a big difference in a buyer’s perception of the home’s condition.
• Boost curb appeal: The exterior of your home is the first thing buyers see. Trim bushes, mow the lawn, plant flowers, and ensure the entrance is welcoming. A fresh coat of paint on the front door can also work wonders.
• Stage your home: Professional staging can highlight your home’s best features and create an inviting atmosphere. If professional staging isn’t an option, arrange your existing furniture to create a sense of spaciousness and flow.

How to sell your home for more? Time it right.

Listing your home for sale at the right time can help maximize the sale price, so it’s important to consider which month may be the best time to list your home. Spring is widely considered to be the best time to sell a house, and for a good reason. According to Redfin data, homes listed in March and April not only sell the fastest, but they also sell for the most money. The average home listed in April will sell 14 days faster and for $2,750 more than if the same home were listed in November. However, if your timing is flexible, March and May are excellent options to help you sell your home for more money. 

You’ll also want to consider which day of the week you list your home as well. The best day to list your home is on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday since homes listed for sale midweek sell for an average of $1,700 more than homes listed on the weekend. 

Strategic pricing and marketing

To answer the question “How to sell your home for more money,” it’s important to understand the importance of pricing and marketing. Setting the right price and marketing your home will help you attract multiple offers and drive up the sale price.

• Research comparable sales: Work with your Redfin real estate agent to analyze recent sales of similar homes in your neighborhood. This will help you determine a competitive and realistic asking price. Pricing your home correctly from the start can generate more interest and lead to a faster sale.
• Consider a pre-inspection: A pre-listing inspection can identify potential issues early on, allowing you to address them before buyers discover them. This transparency can build trust and prevent deal-breaking surprises.
• High-quality photography: In today’s digital age, professional photos are non-negotiable. Most buyers start their home search online, and high-quality images can make your listing stand out. Consider drone photography for larger properties or unique locations.
• Write a compelling listing description: Highlight your home’s best features and unique selling points. Use descriptive language that evokes emotion and helps buyers imagine living in the home.
• Leverage online platforms: Ensure your listing is on major real estate websites. Your agent will typically handle this, but it’s good to know your home is getting online exposure.

Navigating offers and negotiations

Receiving offers is an exciting part of the selling process. Knowing how to evaluate and negotiate can significantly impact your final sale price.

• Evaluate all aspects of an offer: It’s not just about the highest price. Consider the buyer’s financing, contingencies (like home inspection or appraisal), and desired closing date. A lower offer with fewer contingencies might be more favorable than a higher one with many unknowns.
• Negotiate strategically: Your agent will be your guide here, helping you sell your home for more money and smoothly. They can help you counter offers effectively, focusing on terms that are most important to you. Be prepared to compromise on some points while standing firm on others.
• Be patient but responsive: While you want to get the best deal, being too rigid can deter buyers. Respond to offers promptly and keep communication lines open.

Putting it all together

By strategically preparing, pricing, and marketing your home, you significantly increase your chances of attracting strong offers and ultimately selling for more money. Remember, every detail, from a clean kitchen to online photos, contributes to your home’s appeal. Partnering with a Redfin real estate agent will help you navigate the process confidently and achieve your financial goals.