Why Your Neighbor’s House Will Get Sold but Yours Won’t

You’ve decided to sell your house, and before your For Sale sign hits the yard, your neighbor has already placed the same sign in his or her own yard. Potential buyers looking for a house in your neighborhood will not only notice your listing but will see your neighbor’s house as well. To win over the buyer before your neighbor does, read below for some tips on how to get your house to sell.

Your Neighbor’s House Isn’t Overpriced

Setting the right price for your house is not a simple process. It requires research and forethought to choose a price that isn’t too high for the home values in your area. In a typical negotiation scenario, the seller will set the price higher than what he or she expects to bring in, and the buyer will force the price down, ideally meeting in the middle at a price both parties can live with. Selling a house doesn’t necessarily work this way. While both parties will engage in negotiation, the seller has to set a price that will entice the buyer to check out their listing in the first place. Pricing your house too high will keep the buyer from considering your listing as a viable option.

Your Neighbor Knows How to Make a First Impression

It may seem clichéd, but it’s true that you never get a second chance to make a first impression—especially when trying to impress a buyer enough to fall in love with your home. Get a leg up on the competition by making sure that your house is appealing to the buyer.

Your Neighbor’s House Has Better Curb Appeal

A good first impression begins as soon as the prospective buyer pulls into the driveway. An unkempt yard can immediately set the wrong tone and distract the buyer from appreciating the beauty of your home. Increasing your curb appeal doesn’t require expensive, time-consuming renovations—simply cutting the grass, trimming the bushes, and painting the mailbox could enhance the appearance of your property.

Your Neighbor Hides the Pets

It can be hard to believe, but not everyone will love your furry little pooch or feline. When showing your house, remember to leave your pet elsewhere and to put any food bowls and toys out of sight. These steps can really help prospective buyers see the house as their home rather than yours.

Selling your home can be a stressful situation and even more stressful if your neighbor has added their house to the competition. But the tips above should help you put the best step forward so your house has the advantage.