5 tips to sell your home faster

(NC)—It's true that real estate sales are dependent on the right price, location and condition of a home, but there's a little more to it than that. Martin Rygiel, the sales director at the ComFree Network, Canada's largest commission-free real estate network, says simple strategies can reduce your days on market, without having a negative impact on your pocketbook. Consider the following tips from Rygiel:

1. De-personalize the rooms.

Buyers need to visualize themselves in your home. When staging it, go for a neutral look and put away family photos and personal artwork. If there are loud colours on the walls, use a fresh coat of paint in a neutral colour to make the space more welcoming.

2. Breathe new life into curb appeal.

Invest in quick, simple fixes in the front and back of the home. Mow the lawn, trim the hedges and plant flowers. Once this is finished, take quality photos to use in your listing and showcase your home at its best.

3. Get a pre-listing inspection and complete the to-do list.

Once the inspection is complete, either fix any issues found in the report, or reflect the repairs needed in the asking price. The smaller your to-do list, the smaller a homebuyer's will be, giving them less bargaining room.

4. Spread the word - go social.

In today's connected world, one of the best ways to get a message out is through social networks. Blogs, Facebook, Twitter and other sharing sites let your networks know that you're selling and help them relay the message for you.

5. Be accessible and get buyer feedback.

Check your e-mail and voicemail often and respond quickly and cordially. While receiving inquiries about your home, make sure to record the names and contact information of potential buyers. If you do happen to make a price reduction in the future or improve the property, you can refer to your list of potential buyers who viewed the house and did not make an offer, letting them know about the change.

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