Selling your home is a big financial decision, and if you want to maximize your profit, you need a solid strategy. The right approach can mean the difference between a quick, high-value sale and a prolonged process with lower offers.
Keep reading for the 7 ways to sell your home for the most money.
1. Decide in advance what type of offer you want to accept
Before offers start coming in, determine what types of offers you’re comfortable with. For example, if a buyer offers cash but at a slightly lower price, would you accept it?
A cash offer typically means a faster, more secure sale with fewer contingencies, which can be appealing if you want to close quickly. However, if your goal is to maximize your sale price, a buyer securing a mortgage will likely pay more.
Once you receive an offer, don’t hesitate to counter and ask for the best possible terms. If you have multiple offers, pushing back on price is often a smart move. Leverage in your negotiation can help you secure the highest price. However, to attract strong offers in the first place, your home needs to be marketable—something we cover in point #4.
2. Pre-inspect your house
Hiring a home inspector before listing your property can give you a significant advantage. A pre-inspection allows you to uncover potential issues that a buyer’s inspector would likely find later. By addressing these problems upfront, you can avoid last-minute negotiations or demands for price reductions once you’re under contract.
A pre-inspection also helps you set a more accurate asking price and provides transparency for buyers. Sharing the inspection report may even encourage buyers to waive certain contingencies, making the sale process smoother. While this step is optional, it’s a proactive way to help you secure a stronger offer.
3. Time your sale correctly
Timing plays a major role in how much you can sell your home for. Homes listed in March, April, and May tend to receive more offers than those listed in the winter months.
Beyond the time of year, consider overall market conditions. If interest rates are high or the market is in a downturn, it may not be the best time to sell. Likewise, if there’s an excess of available homes—known as a buyer’s market—buyers will have more negotiating power, which could lead to lower offers.
While you can still sell in less favorable conditions, waiting for a stronger market can help you maximize your profit. Additionally, avoid listing your home during major events like election season, the Super Bowl, or major holidays, as these distractions can reduce buyer interest.
4. Make common sense updates to your home
It’s easy to go overboard with updates that cost a fortune but don’t necessarily help sell your home. Instead, focus on simple, effective improvements that make a real difference.
What to do:
- Paint! A fresh coat of paint is one of the best and most cost-effective ways to refresh your home’s look. It’s relatively inexpensive and provides a big impact. The good news is you don’t have to repaint everything—just focus on key areas that need an update.
Updates to avoid:
- Redoing floors. While you might be tempted to install new hardwood or other flooring, many buyers have their own preferences and may replace it anyway. Unless there is a special circumstance, it’s usually best to leave them as they are.
There are exceptions to every rule, but in general, keeping updates simple and practical is the best approach.
5. Improve your curb appeal
Curb appeal plays a huge role in attracting buyers, and even small changes can make a difference. Simple improvements like landscaping, pressure washing the driveway, adding a welcome mat, and ensuring there are no dead plants in the yard can help your home stand out.
Make parking easy. Buyers appreciate hassle-free parking, so keep your driveway empty.
Consider painting the exterior. While likely the biggest expense when improving your home’s curb appeal, a fresh coat of paint can make a significant impact and instantly refresh your home’s look.
Create an inviting entryway. You may not think much about your front door and walkway, but buyers do. A well-maintained, visually appealing entrance sets the tone for the rest of the home. Adding a standout feature—like stylish lighting, a decorative planter, or a freshly painted door—can make a strong first impression.
6. Clean, stage, and market your home
A clean, well-presented home makes a strong impression on buyers. Let’s break down the key steps to ensure your home looks its best and attracts strong offers.
Deep cleaning: This is a simple yet effective way to refresh your space before showings. Pay special attention to high-traffic areas, and don’t overlook the bathrooms—buyers often notice them first, and a spotless bathroom can make a big difference.
Remove personal items: Consider removing personal items to create a neutral, inviting atmosphere. Buyers should be able to imagine themselves living in the home, so a balance between warmth and neutrality is ideal. A fresh, pleasant scent also helps create a welcoming environment.
Staging: This can enhance your home’s appeal. Whether you hire a professional or stage it yourself, arranging furniture thoughtfully or bringing in some new furniture can make rooms feel more open and inviting. Additional small touches like fresh linens, decorative accents, and updated lighting can also help.
High-quality photos: Professional photography makes a big impact, ensuring your home stands out in online listings. Even if you have a great phone camera, a professional photographer can capture the best angles and lighting to highlight your home’s features.
Marketing: This plays a key role in attracting buyers. The more exposure your listing gets, the better your chances of receiving strong offers. If your home sits on the market too long, buyers may wonder why, which can lead to lower offers.
If your home doesn’t sell as quickly as expected, there’s always the option to pause the listing and make adjustments—whether that means refreshing the interior, trying new marketing strategies, improving curb appeal, or reevaluating pricing. Small changes can make a big difference in attracting the right buyer.
7. Pick the right real estate agent
Who you choose as your real estate agent is incredibly important (assuming you don’t plan to go the FSBO or flat fee brokerage route). We do recommend the real estate agent route because they will guide you through the sales process, help you market, and negotiate a better price.
Real estate agents also help protect you from legal liabilities. All real estate transactions come with a certain amount of red tape, and if you don’t have an agent, it’s advisable to consult a local attorney to ensure you’re doing everything by the book.
The downside is you pay a commission. In Las Vegas, the average real estate commission is 3.51%, which on a $500,000 home amounts to $17,550. This fee is usually split between your agent and the buyer’s agent. If your goal is to maximize your profits, this cost may not align with your needs.
Keep in mind that if you go the FSBO route, you’ll still need to pay the buyer’s agent commission. On top of that, FSBO comes with its own costs, including professional photography, marketing, MLS listings, legal fees, and possibly a transaction coordinator to handle paperwork. These expenses add up, and without an agent’s expertise, you could end up selling for less than you would with professional representation.
Sell your home for the most money with The Real Estate Guy
Selling your home for more requires the right strategy. Following these 7 steps can help you achieve that goal.
If you’re ready to get started, contact The Real Estate Guy, and we’ll help you maximize your home’s value.
We understand the Las Vegas market and know how to position your home for success. Additionally, we understand buyers and know how to give you the most leverage to succeed.
» MORE: 5 Tips for Selling and Buying A Home at the Same Time
