Selling your home in Topeka should be straightforward, especially with local demand running high. According to Steadily Insurance, the cost of living here is 14 percent lower than the national average, and most homes sell within 20 days. That kind of demand says a lot.
But if your listing isn’t getting much attention, it can be frustrating and confusing.
In today’s competitive market, buyers are pickier, and even a great home can go unnoticed if it doesn’t make a strong first impression. But with the right strategy, you can break through the slump and turn interest into action.
From smart updates to staging secrets and open house tactics that actually work, there are plenty of practical ways to stand out and get results.
First Impressions Matter
The first few seconds after potential buyers pull up to a new property are crucial as they shape their impression. If they’re already disappointed before they even walk through the front door, chances are they won’t be impressed with the inside, no matter how good you make it look.
A worn-down exterior brings down your curb appeal, but this can be fixed by:
- Mending cracked walkways or driveways, as these small repairs can have a big visual impact
- Refreshing the landscaping, as potential buyers need to be able to envisage themselves living there and enjoying the outdoor space
- Giving your front door a fresh coat of paint to make potential buyers feel welcomed
A dated and unkept exterior leads buyers to assume the interior is in a similar condition. Updating the area buyers see first can go a long way in helping to sell your property.
Replace Your Windows
Old windows don’t only look dingy; they’re also a warning sign to potential buyers as they raise questions about energy efficiency, as well as future maintenance.
If you want to sell faster, window replacement is a change that buyers notice:
- New windows are sleek and modern, which instantly updates the look and feel of a room
- New windows are also more soundproof, which is important if you live near busy roads
- Newer windows help your home regulate temperatures
Declutter and Depersonalize
When potential buyers view a property, they need to be able to envision themselves living there. When your home is filled with photos and memorabilia, that makes it much harder to do.
This is why it’s crucial to strip your space of personal touches and extra items. Start with:
- Remove all personal items
- Clear all the clutter from your countertops, vanities, and desks
- Remove any distracting items or pieces that are especially vibrant
You want to offer a blank slate to potential buyers. Decluttering and depersonalizing not only ensures viewers don’t feel overwhelmed, but it also protects your personal items from people you don’t know.
Stage Like a Pro
Staging your home isn’t meant to trick buyers into liking the space more than they normally would. It’s simply a way to ensure potential buyers give the space a fair shot.
You don’t need to hire a professional or a designer to stage your home; you just need to think like one.
Add cozy touches to living spaces, like throw blankets or fresh flowers, to help buyers feel more at home. Another good option is rearranging your furniture in a way that makes the rooms feel bigger. You can also consider using mirrors to reflect light and showcase the open and airy feel of your home.
Staging can make or break the sale if you’re showing a home in a competitive neighborhood like Westboro or Potwin in Topeka.
Host a Killer Open House
Once your house is staged, it’s time to introduce it to the market, and there’s no better way to do that than with an open house. A well-executed open house will not only attract serious buyers, but it will also create a buzz in the right circles.
To host a successful open house, you need to:
- Promote it on social media and on local Topeka community pages
- Create and provide brochures for potential buyers, highlighting neighborhood info and recent home upgrades
- Offer light refreshments
Before the open house begins, you need to do a final walk-through of the house to ensure it’s spotless and smells fresh. For a final touch, play some soft music and open all the curtains to let the natural light in.
Be Flexible with Showings
Being adaptable with showing times lets you connect with more potential buyers. Try these steps:
- Let buyers come by in the evenings or on weekends, not just during the day
- Use a lockbox so agents can show your home even if you’re not there
- Try to schedule several showings one after another to save time
- Keep your home clean and ready so you’re not rushed for last-minute visits
- Offer virtual tours so buyers can check out your home before visiting
- Stay in close contact with your agent to quickly set up or change showing times
Market Smarter, Not Harder
Marketing doesn’t need to break the bank; you just need a good strategy. Buyers search online and shortlist properties before they even think of physically viewing a house.
You need to focus on:
- High-quality photos that highlight your home’s best features
- Highlighting energy-efficient upgrades
- Offering virtual tours
Make sure your house is listed on all the major real estate sites in your area, and double-check that it’s tagged under the correct neighborhood.
Selling Your Home Made Easy
Selling your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In Topeka’s fast-moving market, a few strategic changes to your home can go a long way. Whether you’re improving your curb appeal or ensuring your home is more energy efficient, with the right intention, you’ll sell your home in no time.
If your home isn’t getting the attention it deserves, don’t panic; simply adjust your plan. For more home decor and landscaping inspiration, check out our lifestyle section.
