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Trying to sell your home in a buyers market? What you can do to make your home stand out!

  • Writer: Matt Bailey
    Matt Bailey
  • Jul 25
  • 3 min read

When the market shifts to a buyer’s market, it means more homes are for sale than there are buyers—giving buyers the advantage. As a seller, your challenge is to stand out, attract offers quickly, and maximize profit without over-investing.

STRATEGY OVERVIEW: Sell Faster & Profit in a Buyer's Market

1. Price It Right from the Start

  • Don’t overprice hoping to “leave room to negotiate.” This can backfire in a buyer’s market.

  • Use comps (comparable sales) in your area.

  • Price just below major psychological thresholds ($499K instead of $510K).

  • Consider a pre-listing appraisal or consultation with a top agent.

2. Maximize First Impressions

* Curb Appeal Is Crucial

  • Trim landscaping, fresh mulch, colorful plants.

  • Paint the front door, fix the mailbox, update house numbers.

  • Power-wash the exterior and driveway.

  • Inside: Clean + Declutter Like a Pro

  • Depersonalize (remove photos, collections).

  • Deep clean every surface.

  • Add neutral, inviting smells (no heavy air fresheners!).

3. Affordable Remodel & Upgrade Ideas (High ROI)

Here are affordable upgrades that typically give the highest return in buyer’s markets:

Project

ROI Estimate

Notes

Paint (interior)

100–150%

Use neutral colors like greige, warm whites

Paint (exterior)

80–100%

Curb appeal booster

Replace lighting fixtures

80–120%

Modern fixtures make rooms feel newer

Kitchen cabinet refacing or painting

80–100%

White or light-colored cabinets sell

New hardware (knobs, pulls, faucets)

100%+

Easy DIY and makes a huge difference

Refinish hardwood floors

100–150%

Buyers love hardwood

Bathroom updates (mirror, vanity, light)

70–100%

Simple changes can feel like a full reno

Smart home features

60–100%

Thermostat, video doorbell, locks = modern touch

4. Offer Buyer Incentives

  • Offer to cover closing costs or home warranty.

  • Consider pre-inspection to ease buyer worries.

  • Offer flexible closing dates (move-in ready).

5. Professional Staging or Virtual Staging

  • Professionally staged homes sell faster and for more.

  • Virtual staging is cheaper and great for online listings.

6. Upgrade Listing Quality

  • Professional photography is non-negotiable.

  • Add video tours and floor plans.

  • Ensure your home is everywhere online (MLS, Zillow, Redfin, Facebook Marketplace, local groups).

7. Work With a Hungry, Tech-Savvy Agent

  • Choose an agent with a strong local network, not just someone with a license.

  • Bonus: Agents with strong social media marketing or YouTube channels can boost your exposure.

Bonus: Know When to Cut Your Losses

  • If the home doesn’t sell in 30–60 days, revisit your pricing strategy or offer more incentives.

  • Holding onto a home that isn’t selling can be costlier than a price cut.

Would you like a remodel priority checklist or a sample budget for improvements under $10K to stay competitive?


Remodel Priority Checklist for Home Sellers (Buyer's Market)

High-Priority (Must-Do – High ROI)

Focus on these first – they impact both online impressions and in-person walkthroughs.

Exterior / Curb Appeal

  •  Fresh exterior paint or pressure wash

  •  Paint the front door (bold but tasteful color)

  •  New house numbers, mailbox, and porch light

  •  Lawn maintenance, new mulch, clean edges

  •  Seasonal flowers or potted plants

Interior – General

  •  Neutral interior paint (greige, warm white)

  •  Deep cleaning (including baseboards, vents, and grout)

  •  Replace old or yellowed light switches & outlet covers

  •  Modern LED light fixtures in living spaces

  •  Remove heavy curtains – let in natural light

  •  Declutter & depersonalize (rent storage if needed)

Kitchen (Affordable Updates)

  •  Paint or reface cabinet doors

  •  Replace cabinet hardware (matte black or brushed nickel)

  •  Add modern backsplash (peel-and-stick works well)

  •  New faucet with pull-down sprayer

  •  Updated light fixture (e.g., pendant lights over island)

  •  Stainless steel appliance package (used or scratch & dent OK)

Bathroom

  •  Paint vanity or replace with modern budget-friendly option

  •  Swap faucet, light fixture, towel bars, mirror

  •  Reglaze tub if stained (cheaper than replacing)

  •  New caulk & grout – clean, bright, mildew-free

  •  Simple decor: white towels, greenery, neutral shower curtain

Bedrooms

  •  Neutral bedding, minimal decor

  •  Clean closet (30% empty = shows off space)

  •  Add closet lighting if missing

Living Room / Common Areas

  •  Replace outdated ceiling fans/light fixtures

  •  Add modern rug (staging)

  •  Hide cords, simplify furniture layout

  •  Add tasteful wall art, mirror for space

Bonus: Modern Touches

  •  Smart thermostat (Nest, Ecobee)

  •  Smart lock or video doorbell

  •  USB outlets in kitchen or bedroom

  •  Motion sensor exterior lights

What to Avoid

  • 🚫 Full kitchen or bathroom remodels

  • 🚫 Wall-to-wall carpeting

  • 🚫 Bold accent walls or trendy colors

  • 🚫 High-end upgrades out of sync with your neighborhood


Tip: Prioritize Based on Home Value Tier

Home Price Tier

Max Remodel Budget (Guideline)

<$300K

$3,000–$6,000

$300K–$600K

$5,000–$10,000

$600K+

$10,000–$20,000


 
 
 

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