With a history dating back all the way back to colonial times, Morris County has been one of New Jersey’s most iconic regions for generations. Its neighborhoods have no shortage of amenities to offer its residents, resulting in a high quality of life for those lucky enough to call the community home. The entertainment scene is spectacular, the lush green landscapes paint a beautiful scene throughout its tree-lined streets, and the school districts are top-notch. The range of properties is also incredible, offering both communal options like condominiums and townhouses on top of well-maintained single-family estates with high-end features and stylish designs.
Due to the high demand from potential buyers looking to move into the region, those looking to sell their Morris County property are at an advantage compared to homeowners in less desirable parts of the country. Listings tend to generate a lot of interest as soon as they hit the market and tend to be bought up quickly, giving sellers a high chance of closing a deal on their home. However, with such an impressive selection of properties for buyers to choose from, homeowners need to prepare well in advance to distinguish themselves from the competition.
As you gear up to sell your home in the Morris County real estate market, this ultimate guide by The Dougherty Group outlines the critical steps you’ll need to take for a speedy sale at a premium price. Keep these tips in mind while preparing to list, and you’ll be closing the deal on your property in no time.
Begin your preparations early
When you know you’re planning to list your Morris County home for sale, it’s never too soon to start preparing for the journey. You’ll want your home to be presented in its best possible form while it is being shown to potential buyers, so take the time to walk around your property and note any areas that need improvement.
Pay attention to both the interior and exterior of the home, as potential buyers will be looking at the property as a whole. Contact a plumber for leaky pipes, a landscaper for patches in the lawn, a repairman for broken appliances, a contractor for issues with the foundation, or any local service providers you may need to get everything working in tip-top shape. Whatever areas you need to focus on, it’s better to get started in advance to give yourself ample time and avoid stress down the line.
You’ll also want to consider the cost of these repairs and get your finances in order so there aren’t any surprises that pop up or monetary setbacks that can delay your sale and prevent you from listing on schedule.
Plan a home staging
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As you get closer to listing your property on the market, it’s essential to include home staging in your sale strategy. Home staging involves making adjustments to your home’s decor to make it appear more stylish and functional. Begin by decluttering the property to maximize the space and give it a more open look, keeping any items you don’t need immediate access to stored away. Once you have a clean slate to work with, think about ways you can highlight your property’s best features and make a point to call attention to those areas. For instance, if you have particularly large windows and high ceilings, adding long and chic curtains can lengthen the areas and turn them into focal points.
You’ll also want to neutralize the space to appeal to a wide range of buyers, opting for neutral colors and images rather than personal photographs or bold shades reflective of your unique taste. It’s also essential to create an ambiance, so consider adding a few touches, such as fresh flowers on the countertops or candles in the bathrooms, to give the home a warm and welcoming look.
Find a local real estate agent
In a competitive housing market like Morris County, you’ll have the best chance at selling your home for top dollar in a short time frame by teaming up with a real estate expert in the region. Real estate agents devote their careers to learning about their local housing markets and knowing all the ins and outs of property selection. They’ll be aware of what competition you’re up against to get your home sold as well as what potential buyers are looking for in a property, offering advice on how you can present your home in a more appealing way and tips on any adjustments you may want to make to its presentation.
Agents also have fantastic resources they can use to determine key elements of the sales strategy, such as deciding which price point the home should be listed at by performing a comparable market analysis to recommend a listing price that will earn you a significant profit while still generating a high level of interest.
Their professional networks also come in handy, as they know other agents in the community who may be representing interested buyers, or they could connect you with services you need, such as local contractors. When it comes to finalizing the sale, their negotiating skills during the closing can boost your sales price and land you a better deal.
While selling a home is no easy task, there are many ways you can increase your chances of a smooth and successful sale by developing an effective sales strategy. By beginning your preparations early, planning for effective home staging, and finding a local real estate agent to team up with, you’ll be setting yourself up for the best experience possible. The high demand for homes in Morris County will help attract a high number of interested potential buyers, but by making your home stand out, you’ll be able to bring in higher offers and close the deal sooner.
If you’re planning to put up your Morris County home for sale and are seeking professional guidance, The Dougherty Group can happily assist you. With valuable insight into the housing market and years of experience handling transactions throughout the region, this highly skilled team will provide you with the guidance and resources you need to close a deal in this competitive market.
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock