Selling your home requires a strategic, informed approach to maximize profits and keep more money in your pocket. This is especially true in a fast-moving market like Durango, where demand for housing tends to outpace supply, creating competition in a traditional “seller’s market.” But even though properties are in high demand, it doesn’t mean you’ll get great offers without a little up-front work and preparation.
In this blog, we’re sharing expert advice to help you confidently navigate the selling process and secure top dollar for your Durango property – from staging tips that enhance buyer appeal to pricing strategies that attract offers.
Effective Tips for Maximizing Your Durango Home Sale
Standing out in the Durango real estate market means understanding what buyers are looking for and being smart about your home’s presentation and marketing. These seven tips will take your listing from Good to Great and help you get the best possible return on your investment.
Know the Market and Price Wisely
The Durango market is incredibly competitive, as more people discover the beauty of Southwest Colorado and decide to call our town home full-time or part-time. Despite recent upticks in mortgage rates, residential supply remains at a 37-year low, according to the Durango Area Association of Realtors, and the trend is unlikely to change in coming years. With this in mind, it is important to be smart about setting an initial listing price.
Durango home prices fluctuate greatly depending on the type of property, acreage, and location. A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) evaluates similar homes that were recently sold in your neighborhood and can help you determine a realistic and competitive listing price. You should also consider your home’s unique features – things like a remodeled kitchen or a large designer backyard will impact its value compared to other CMAs.
Setting the right price is essential. Overpricing your home can scare away buyers, leading to extended time on the market and eventual price cuts. On the other hand, underpricing might result in a quick sale but leave money on the table. An experienced real estate agent can help you find the sweet spot by understanding the Durango market and crafting a pricing strategy to attract buyers.
Make Smart Repairs & Upgrades
Small changes can go a long way in getting higher offers early. Focus on obvious repairs and upgrades that can be done quickly and efficiently, like updating light fixtures, improving landscaping, or adding a fresh coat of paint. These small improvements can make your home more appealing and offer substantial returns on investment.
Consult with a local real estate agent or home appraiser to get an idea of what buyers in Durango are looking for. They can help you prioritize repairs and suggest light upgrades that buyers will appreciate the most, ensuring your home is in the best possible condition before hitting the market.
Deep Clean, Declutter, and Depersonalize
Buyers want to see themselves living in your home, so make sure that you’re creating a clean, clutter-free space to give them that opportunity. Start by removing personal items to create a “blank canvas” for potential buyers envisioning their dream home. This includes clearing kitchen and bathroom counters, mantels, and shelves, and taking down any personal photos (no matter how cute your kids and pets are). Instead of thinking of it as an overwhelming task, use it as an opportunity to get a head start on packing while simultaneously making your home more desirable.
A thorough deep clean is crucial, too—a simple vacuum and dusting won’t do. Focus on everything from baseboards to window blinds. Make sure your home is spotless and inviting since buyers will appreciate the idea of a move-in-ready home.
Stage Your Home
If you’re still living in your home, a professional stager can usually use some of your existing furniture and make suggestions about what to move to storage. They’ll rearrange and replace pieces that highlight your home’s best features and add thoughtful touches like setting the dining room table with nice flatware and adding fresh flowers. A well-staged home further helps buyers imagine themselves living there and can increase the chances of a favorable offer.
If you’ve already moved and your house is empty before it’s listed, staging helps buyers see how furniture can create a natural flow and makes the home more, well, homey. This can be especially important for older historic homes with unconventional rooms or awkward spaces.
Create a Great Listing
You only get one chance at a first impression, and your MLS and online listings will be the first thing potential buyers see. Have professional photos taken to highlight your home’s best features, like an inviting open floor plan or a large garage with built-in storage for bikes and outdoor gear, which are particularly appealing in the Durango area.
Additionally, discuss a marketing strategy with your real estate agent. A comprehensive plan may include social media, open houses, and local advertisements in addition to listing on the MLS. A well-crafted listing with high-quality photos and strategic marketing can significantly increase interest and create more opportunities for high offers.
Work with a Knowledgeable Real Estate Agent
Working with a top Durango real estate agent is the single most beneficial thing a seller can do to make the most on their home sale. A knowledgeable agent will guide you through every step of the selling process, from making suggested upgrades to improving your value, staging, and photos, determining your best list price, listing the home, and walking you through all offers. Their experience and market insights substantially improve your chances of a quick, profitable sale.
While taking the “for sale by owner” approach may be tempting in a competitive seller’s market, the process of selling a home is complex and incredibly time-consuming without the proper training. Working with a real estate agent has multiple benefits:
- Accurate Pricing: Agents have the expertise to price your home to sell quickly and for maximum profits, ensuring you leave nothing on the table.
- Effective Marketing: From stunning photos to strategic staging, agents know how to make your home shine and attract more interest.
- Skilled Negotiation: Agents will get you the best deal, handling all the back-and-forth so you don’t have to.
- Local Expertise: With deep knowledge of the Durango market and connections to the best local pros (including inspectors, stagers, and photographers), agents have the inside scoop on what works.
When it comes to navigating the Durango real estate market, Team North Star brings unmatched expertise and dedication. Our collaborative team of local realtors is committed to helping you achieve your real estate goals, whether you’re buying or selling. With in-depth market knowledge and a client-first approach, we ensure a smooth and successful process from start to finish.
Contact us today to start your journey toward a successful home sale.
