April 2025
REAL ESTATE NEWS
Brought to you by Holly Gardner- Your Big Bear Realtor
How to Sell Your Home Fast Without Undercutting Your Price
While the average time on the market varies significantly by region, homes take about 2 to 2.5 months to sell. However, by following these key steps, you can shorten that timeline while still getting top dollar.
Price It Right from the Start
Overpricing can drive buyers away, while underpricing leaves money on the table. The key is finding the right balance to attract serious buyers without deterring them.
Why It Matters: Homes priced correctly from the start tend to sell faster and closer to the asking price than those that require price cuts later.
How to Get It Right: A competitive, data-driven price based on local market trends and buyer demand ensures strong interest without the need for later reductions.
Boost Your Curb Appeal
Buyers form their first impression within seconds of seeing a home. A well-maintained exterior signals that the property is worth its price tag.
Quick Fixes for Big Impact:
*Fresh paint on the front door and trim
*Neatly trimmed landscaping and a clean walkway
*Updated house numbers and outdoor lighting
Studies show that improving curb appeal can increase perceived home value by up to 7%.
Stage Your Home to Sell
Staging helps buyers visualize how they’d live in the space, making them more likely to fall in love with your home.
Easy Staging Wins:
*Declutter and remove personal items
*Rearrange furniture to highlight space and flow
*Use neutral colors and soft lighting for a welcoming atmosphere
Research shows that professionally staged homes can sell significantly faster – sometimes up to 30 times quicker – and for up to 20% more than unstaged ones.
Use Professional Photography and Marketing
Most buyers start their home search online, making high-quality listing photos essential.
What Works Best:
*Well-lit, professional photos that showcase your home’s best features
*A well-written listing that highlights key selling points
*A virtual tour or video walkthrough to attract remote buyers
Be Flexible with Showings
The more buyers who see your home, the better your chances of a quick sale. Accommodating evening and weekend showings can significantly boost interest.
Pro Tip: Keeping your home “show-ready” by tidying up daily makes last-minute requests less stressful.
Offer Buyer Incentives (Instead of Lowering Price)
If buyers are on the fence, small incentives can make your home stand out without reducing your price.
Popular Incentives:
*Covering part of the closing costs
*Offering a home warranty
*Including appliances in the sale
Highlight Energy Efficiency and Upgrades
Today’s buyers value energy efficiency and move-in-ready features.
If your home has:
*Smart thermostats or appliances
*Energy-efficient windows or solar panels
*New flooring, roofing, or HVAC updates
Make sure to highlight these in your listing, as they can justify a stronger asking price.
Selling fast at the best possible price isn’t just about luck – it’s about using the right pricing, marketing, and negotiation strategies. Every home and market is different, and having the right plan in place can make all the difference.
As an experienced real estate professional, I can help you implement these strategies, plus other proven techniques, to get your home sold quickly and for top dollar. If you're thinking about selling, let’s connect – I’d love to help you make the most of your sale.
Spring Cleaning Shortcuts: Refresh Your Home Fast
Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home, but cleaning doesn’t have to take all day. These quick shortcuts will have your space looking its best in no time!
15-Minute Cleanups
Set a timer for 15 minutes and focus on one area. You’ll be surprised how much you can accomplish in a short time!
*Kitchen: Wipe down counters, declutter the fridge, and take out the trash.
*Bathroom: Clean the mirror, wipe surfaces, and replace old towels.
*Living Room: Fluff pillows, wipe down surfaces, and vacuum high-traffic areas.
Declutter in 5 Minutes
The “Toss or Keep” Method: Grab a laundry basket and do a fast sweep of each room. Toss in anything that doesn’t belong – mail, clothes, random items – then put things back where they go.
*One-Year Rule: If you haven’t used it in a year, donate or toss it.
*Storage Bins: Use labeled bins for seasonal items, kids’ toys, or pet supplies to keep things organized.
*Shortcut Tip: Place a donation box by the door so you can drop in unwanted items as you go.
Freshen Up the Air Instantly
A home that smells clean feels clean. Try these easy air-refreshing tricks:
*Open windows for 10 minutes to let in fresh air.
*Simmer lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, and cloves for a natural, inviting scent.
*Use essential oil diffusers or lightly spray linens with lavender water.
Speed-Clean Floors and Carpets
No need to deep-clean the whole house – focus on high-traffic areas.
*Hard Floors: Microfiber mop for a quick shine.
*Carpets and Rugs: Sprinkle baking soda, let sit, then vacuum.
*Entryway Hack: Keep a shoe tray by the door to reduce dirt.
Quick Kitchen Makeover
The kitchen is one of the most used spaces in a home – make it sparkle fast:
*Shiny Sink Trick: Sprinkle baking soda, scrub, and rinse with hot water.
*Fridge Refresh: Wipe spills with a damp cloth, and place an open box of baking soda inside to absorb odors.
*Microwave Hack: Heat a bowl of water with lemon slices for 3 minutes, then wipe down the inside for an easy clean.
Brighten Up Your Space
Bringing in light and greenery can instantly make your home feel fresh and inviting:
*Wash Windows Fast: Wipe with a vinegar-water mix for a streak-free shine.
*Add Plants: Low-maintenance plants like succulents or snake plants improve air quality and add a touch of nature.
*Swap Bulbs: Use daylight LED bulbs to make rooms feel brighter and more open.
Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be exhausting! A few quick changes can make a big difference in refreshing your space. Whether you’re sprucing up for guests, preparing to list your home, or just looking for a seasonal reset, these shortcuts will have your home looking and feeling great in no time.
QUESTIONS? VISIT BigBearResortLiving.com
Holly Gardner
Your Big Bear Realtor- Big Bear Resort Property Specialist
Keller Williams Big Bear
LIC#01731359
909-261-2486
BigBearResortLiving@gmail.com
BigBearResortLiving.com