The housing market now is not the same as it was only a few months ago. And if you're considering selling your home, you might be asking what you should do differently as a result. The solution is straightforward. Investing the time upfront to properly prepare your home and build a sound plan will help you get the best return on your investment.

Here are a few simple tips to make sure you maximize the sale of your house this fall.

1. Price It Right

The price of your house is one of the first things buyers will notice. This is because the price conveys a message to property buyers. In the beginning, pricing your home too high may put you at a disadvantage by preventing purchasers from making an offer. On the other hand, pricing your home too low may cause buyers to believe there is an underlying problem or something wrong with the property.

Your goal in pricing your home is to attract prospective buyers and entice them to make an offer. And, with price growth and buyer demand slowing, as well as a higher supply of houses for sale, pricing your home effectively for where the market is today is more crucial than ever.

But how can you know what the ideal number is? Pricing your home is not a game of chance. It demands skill and knowledge. Determine the current market worth of your home with the help of a reputable real estate professional.

2. Keep It Clean

It may sound simple but keeping your house clean is another key to making sure it gets the attention it deserves. As realtor.com says in the Home Selling Checklist:

“When selling your home, it’s important to keep everything tidy for buyers, and you never know when a buyer is going to want to schedule a last-minute tour.”

Assess your space before each buyer's visit to see what needs to be fixed. Make the beds, wash the dishes, and put away any clutter. Taking five simple steps can help buyers avoid distractions.

For more information, check out this checklist for prepping your home for sale. Ultimately, your best resource for specialized assistance is an agent, but this list might help get you started.

3. Help Buyers Feel at Home

Finally, purchasers should consider all of the ways they can make your house their next home. A simple initial step in creating this blank canvas is to remove personal items such as photos, awards, and sentimental items. It's also a good idea to remove any excess furniture to make the rooms feel larger and to make sure there's enough space for prospective buyers to stand and inspect the layout.

If you’re unsure of what should be packed away and what can stay, consult your trusted real estate advisor. Spending the time on this step can pay off in the long run. As a recent article from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains:

“Staging is the art of preparing a home to appeal to the greatest number of potential buyers in your market. The right arrangements can move you into a higher price-point and help buyers fall in love the moment they walk through the door.”

Bottom Line

Preparation and knowledge are needed when selling a home. If you're planning to sell your home this season, let's talk about how to get it ready to list, how to make it stand out in today's changing market, and more.