It’s no secret that it’s a good time to be home selling. In a context where properties are some of the most coveted possessions people can have—and are the biggest differentiator in wealth—how you part ways with yours makes all the difference.
If you get it wrong, you could spend thousands without recuperating it in your sale price. Nail it, however, and your family could enjoy the rewards for future generations.
While the real estate landscape is a level playing field for most, the real difference maker is your chosen agent. Their eye for detail and knack for negotiation could revolutionize the transaction for you and your bank account.
One professional has revealed the secrets to preparing your home for the perfect sale. Kirstin Olszewski, a Realtor at The Heidi Lester Team at Keller Williams Legacy Partners in Connecticut, runs one of the Top Franchises for Women and has received the Top 100 Culture Award. She knows the unique circumstances of present-day home selling and is willing to educate others on the optimum practices.
“As of April 29th, 2024, there were only 3,253 homes active on the market,” she divulges. “This is some of the lowest inventory we have seen in years. If you are wondering if it is the right time to sell, the answer is yes!”
Backed by Keller Williams’ cutting-edge technology and her team’s tenacious ethos, here are Kirstin Olszewski’s best three pieces of advice to maximize your next sale:
1. Accentuate the aesthetics
It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the numbers and factors involved in home selling. But even when supply is lacking, first impressions count. Regardless of your property type, that ‘wow’ moment is more attainable with the right advice.
“Stage your home,” Kirstin says. “It is not about renting furniture or buying new things but making sure the home has good traffic flow and doesn’t look cluttered.”
Aesthetics inspired Kirstin Olszewski’s first steps in real estate. Her appreciation for design and décor led her into the industry over a decade ago, while the daily motivation to help others progress through their homeownership journey keeps her at the top of her game. It stems from her family, who are first responders and instilled selflessness as an essential quality from an early age.
2. Mend and maintain
“Finish the to-do list,” Kirstin affirms. “There are always strategies to make sure you find your next home and are able to get top dollar for your current one.”
“In a seller’s market, you don’t need to do major renovations, but you want to make sure the house presents well even if it is slightly dated,” she continues. “Having all repairs made and the house in a clean and orderly state removes any questions in the buyer’s mind. Broken items or ignored repairs make them wonder what else you didn’t take care of.”
Putting yourself in a buyer’s shoes is crucial for obtaining the highest price. Ask what would make you eager to lock down a property, and consult a realtor who specializes in securing eye-watering offers.
3. Take time out
It might seem counterintuitive, but distance is sometimes the best thing for your pride and joy. You’ve committed to the home-selling path, so leaving the most intricate work to the professionals is likely beneficial for your bottom line.
“Move out for the weekend,” Kirstin offers. “My job is to show your home to as many people as possible to create interest and a sense of urgency. If you can give your listing agent full access to your home for the first 48-72 hours, most of the time they can have you under contract by the beginning of the week.”
Kirstin Olszewski’s background in accounting and business gives her the drive, determination, and detailed analysis to take a property sale by storm. She’s multifaceted, employing bargaining skills while protecting and caring for her clients’ interests. The Heidi Lester Team at Keller Williams mirrors her ethos, approaching each transaction with respect and a tireless work ethic.
Above all, she signifies that your efforts count even in a seller’s market. Sure, your property commands more interest than ever. But, by fine-tuning its appearance and enlisting an expert to take over the fine print, your future could become exponentially more fruitful.
