Selling Outer Banks Real Estate

When you’re going to put your home on the market, there are some aspects you should consider. Here are some tips and helpful suggestions so that, when it comes to selling your Outer Banks home, you’re fully prepared.

Begin with a CMA

A CMA, or Comparative Market Analysis, looks at the characteristics of your home and your overall property to determine what your home is worth. Pricing is based on a number of factors, including:

• Real estate market fluctuations
• The cost-value analysis of completing a renovation and how much it actually adds to your home’s price (in some cases, the cost of the renovation outweighs the renovation value)
• Setting a realistic price to sell the home quickly
• Getting higher proceeds by pricing the house correctly from the very beginning

Staging Your House

First impressions are crucial. They’re essential for people, but they are just as vital when you’re selling your house. It only takes about ten seconds for a potential buyer to create a lasting impression of your property and, believe it or not, they may have already decided on your house in that short amount of time.

To make an excellent first impression, stage your house to impress. You may want to hire a professional to help you with this, but it’s worth it! Here are some other things to consider when you’re about to put your house on the market.

Exteriors

Walk the perimeter of your property and remove all unnecessary garbage cans, garbage, discarded wood, branches, or anything else that might detract from your home’s overall appearance. Remember, the exterior of your house is the first thing a potential buyer sees, so it’s crucial it’s looking its best.

Trim and Doorways

Along with the general exterior of your house, your buyers are also going to be checking out your paint job. If they’re entering the property through the front door (as opposed to a side or patio door), spruce up the front walk and door, so it will really wow them.

You don’t have to go so far as to repaint your front door but adorn it with a wreath of seashells if you’re close to the beach, or pots of seagrass and other local plants.

Interior

The exterior paint and landscaping make an impression when the potential buyer is walking up your front walk; the interior of your home shines if you make an effort to declutter.

Remove all unnecessary items from surfaces and wipe them down. Invest in double-use furniture like an ottoman with a storage compartment in it to store blankets and toys, or use large bins to keep items underneath furniture or in closets. Storing items in bins gives a more organized impression than a jumble of things piled on the floor of your hall closet.

Bathrooms

In the real estate business, bathrooms are the place to dazzle. Nothing turns off a potential buyer more than a grimy, outdated bathroom. Scrub your grout to remove any mildew stains, which can become a problem over time with the sea air in the Outer Banks.

Replace shower curtains that have seen better days with new, inexpensive versions that are relatively plain. A busy shower curtain can make an already small bathroom look even tinier, so stick with plain patterns or solid colors.

Finally, store all cosmetics and toiletries either in the cabinets or in a storage unit in the closet.

Master Bedroom

Since master bedrooms generally must appeal to two people, ensure your master bedroom has an all-round appeal. Don’t make your bedroom too gendered with loads of florals and sequined throw pillows. Keep it simple with a neutral color scheme and minimal adornments.

Decks

Coastal living centers around the ocean. If your house has a lovely deck with an excellent view, this is a huge selling point.

However, if your deck is outdated and looks like it, this could be a huge turn-off for potential buyers. No one wants a deck that is rickety or downright dangerous. If your deck is older and looks it, consider getting it updated before you list your property.

Everything Else

Try and experience your house as if you’re seeing it for the first time. Take a break from staging and go for a walk. When you come back, pretend that you’re the buyer. Walk up with a discerning eye, noting any untoward odors in the house, and check all the lights to make sure they work.

It may be difficult for you to see your house objectively, especially if you’ve lived there for a long time. A real estate professional like those at Your OBX Agent can help you see your home through new eyes and advise you on what you should update.

What You Need

Once you’ve polished up your house, you might think that you’re ready to put your house on the market. However, you may still need a few items first.

If you’re about to put your home on the market, make sure that you have your homeowner’s association information, three copies of keys to all your doors, monthly bills detailing utility costs, repairs, or editions, and assessment information if applicable.

The more prepared you are when you put your house on the market, the easier the process will be.

Renovations

A fair amount of sprucing up is inevitable if you’re putting your house on the market. You may even be tempted to renovate that deck or finish the basement. But check your impulse, however, and leave the renovations for the next owner.

A new paint job can work wonders for that all-important first impression and is relatively inexpensive compared to other renovations. Plumbing work is also a priority as buyers always want to make sure the house they’re buying has sound plumbing. Some electrical work may also be necessary to pass inspections, especially in an older home.

When in doubt, consult Your OBX agent to get professional guidance on what to fix and what to leave alone.

Connecting with Buyers

Almost all homebuyers in 2020 will find their new home on the internet, with 95% of home buyers finding their new property online.

Not only should you ensure your house makes the best first impression in-person, but also make sure it shines online. Take the best quality photographs you can, but you don’t have to invest in a fancy camera. A few internet searches and your smartphone can turn out a lovely portfolio of pictures for your home.

Vary the time of day that you take the pictures, concentrating your efforts most in the early morning and sunset when the light will make your house look it’s absolute best.

Set Your House Apart

The last thing you should consider when putting your Outer Banks real estate on the market is what makes your house stand out from the crowd. Focus on the particular aspects of your home that made you fall in love with your house. Is it the proximity to the beach? The lovely deck? The south-facing master bedroom windows?

Highlight what makes your house comfortable, or beautiful, or unique, and inform your real estate agent.

Final Word

Outer Banks living is replete with glorious sunrises, beautiful sea vistas, and charming hamlets. If you’re thinking of selling your house in the Outer Banks, turn to a professional to guide you through the process.

At Your OBX Agent, we know what our buyers want and how to help our sellers deliver. Contact us today at (252) 305-6897 to schedule a preliminary viewing.