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How to Sell Your Home for More Money: 2025 Edition
When it comes to selling a home, owners understandably want to maximize the value of their sale. While home prices continue to rise, high interest rates have winnowed the field of buyers and made them more discerning. In this challenging environment, how do you sell your home for more money?
Things have certainly gotten harder for sellers. With buyer expectations on the rise, homeowners must be strategic and informed to maximize their home’s value. The key lies in a combination of savvy marketing, smart home improvements, and effective pricing strategies. It’s about showcasing your home’s best features, making impactful updates, and leveraging market data to attract a wide range of potential buyers.
We’ll explore proven tactics to increase your home’s appeal and value, regardless of market conditions. From minor cosmetic fixes to strategic renovations, and staging techniques to marketing, we’ll guide you through the essential steps to sell your home for a premium in today’s market.
Choose the right time to list
Activity in the real estate market fluctuates throughout the year, and listing at the wrong time could cost you time and money.
During the peak buying season, the median days on market, which represents the time from listing to a signed contract, is 33 days. This could extend further during months with low market activity. The closing process, which involves the time a buyer needs to finalize their purchase loan, adds an average of 44 days to the selling timeline.
So, when is the best time to sell?
Nationally, April is the best time to sell, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to be the best time to sell in your market. Factors like school schedules, vacation buyers, and the weather play a role in buyer demand.
To figure out the best time to list, you’ll have to do more than look at your calendar. First, you need to analyze market trends, which involves a lot of research and deciphering the data you’ve collected.
Hire a top agent
The best way to get more money for your house is to work with a real estate agent like myself, Steven Batista of Coldwell Banker Realty in Fort Lee, NJ. Working with the right agent can significantly impact your bottom line. Data shows that across the United States, the top 5% of real estate agents sell homes for as much as 10% more than the average agent.
Steven Batista
Coldwell Banker Realty
Less Time. Least Amount Of Hassle. More Money!
Having lived and worked in Northern New Jersey for more than 20 years, I understand what makes our community and the people who call it home so special.
That's what it takes to truly be a local real estate expert. Not just expertise in negotiation and marketing and access to real-time market data, but a love and understanding of our community and the people who live here.
That's just one reason to choose me to stand by your side and it's the foundation of everything I do.
Deep clean and declutter
Did you know that if you deep clean and declutter your house, you could generate an additional $11,706 in proceeds when you sell? That sounds crazy, but when you think about it, it’s pretty apparent why. Buyers don’t want to buy a dirty, cluttered house. It’s as simple as that.
As you’re cleaning, you should go through all your stuff and cull the excess. The name of the game here is to remove the personal touches and clutter so that you’re presenting a home that buyers can see themselves living in it, and not you.
Note: Don’t forget to clean and declutter outdoors, too. It will improve your curb appeal — making a great first impression and drawing in more buyers.
Make cost-effective upgrades and repairs
A pre-listing inspection isn’t required, but it’s in your best interest to have one done if you’re trying to get the most money for your property. On average, a pre-listing inspection costs around $340, but it can vary depending on market conditions, the size of the home, the age of the home, and the location.
Minor problems like a leaking faucet or a door that doesn’t close right don’t impact your property’s value. But, you don’t know what hidden problems the buyer’s home inspection could reveal. If there are serious issues, the buyer could walk away entirely.
Examples of issues found during an inspection:
- Plumbing: Major leaks, corroded pipes, water pressure, clogged drains and toilets
- Electrical: Frayed wires, ungrounded connections, overloaded junction boxes
- HVAC: Pilot or ignition malfunction, broken thermostat, blown fuses, unusual noises
- Roof: Leaking roof, damaged flashing, missing or broken shingles
- Foundation: Cracks, settling and sinking, gaps around window frames and entryway doors
- Safety:No GFCI outlets or no smoke and carbon dioxide detectors
In terms of upgrades, we recommend choosing projects with a high return on investment.
Examples of improvements with the highest ROI include:
- Boosting curb appeal
- Increasing livable square footage (i.e., finish a basement or convert a porch to a sunroom)
- Building or converting a home office
- Installing a kitchen island or walk-in pantry
- Installing a double-sink vanity
- Expanding outdoor space (i.e., adding a pool, deck, hot tub, or fire pit)
Market effectively
When a house is professionally staged, people will see it in all its glory — with the right accents, decor, and furniture. Buyers can envision themselves living in your home without getting distracted by your design style, photographs, and clutter.
Once the house is staged, a professional photographer will take photos of your house to show off the best features. They know how to choose angles that flatter a space without making the room look awkward. In addition, they’ll eliminate dark shadows by filling the room with as much light as possible, either by opening the curtains or using professional lighting setups.
Along with staging and professional photographs, you’ll want to talk to your agent about how they’ll market your home. Will they rely solely on the multiple listing service (MLS), or will they use social media, too? Are they going to have open houses, or is that off the table? Besides a “For Sale” sign on the front lawn, will they mail out postcards or put an ad in the local newspaper? All these things matter, and a top agent will have a stellar marketing strategy.
Be prepared to negotiate
Once the offers start rolling in, you need to be willing to negotiate on some things and know when to stand firm. A buyer is looking for any chance to lower the price, especially after the home inspection.
While you may want to say no to the buyer’s requests, you need to be willing to compromise. Otherwise, buyers will dig in their heels and ultimately result in a stalemate. As with most aspects of the home selling process, a top agent will have experience in this area to help you sell your home for more money.
Maximize your home’s value
Your home is very likely your most valuable asset, so understandably, you’d want to get as much money as you can for it when you sell. You’ve spent years taking care of your little slice of the world, and who knows how much money you’ve poured into it.
Steven knows how to sell homes for the most money possible. I can walk you through the ins and outs of selling your house, increasing its value, and much more. I'll provide insight on overpricing your house or making unnecessary repairs that won’t give you a high return on your investment.
Your home doesn’t need to be the best or best-priced property on the market. It just needs to be able to compete with the homes nearby. So, if your neighbor has a comparable house to yours but they’ve upgraded their kitchen and bathrooms and invested in professional staging, then you’ll need to do at least as much as your neighbor has done if you want to maximize value.
Turning property into profit: Selling smart
Selling your home for more money doesn’t have to feel overwhelming, though aiming for top dollar can definitely add some pressure. That’s where a skilled real estate agent like Steven Batista of Coldwell Banker Realty in Fort Lee comes in. His expertise can take the stress out of the process and help you maximize your profits. With a pro by your side, you’ll nail the essentials for a successful sale: pricing it just right, marketing it effectively, and showcasing it in the best light possible.
Start preparing now, and get ready to watch those offers roll in. With the right strategy, selling your home for top dollar is within reach. Connect with Steven today.
Your Guide
From Start to SOLD
Owning a home is one of the biggest financial commitments of your life, so when it comes time to sell your property, it's important to have a trusted advisor. I will help you determine a pricing strategy and expertly market your home to attract the right buyers.
You can depend on me to guide you through the selling process with confidence.
Why More Sellers Are Hiring Real Estate Agents
Putting your house for sale on your own – often called “For Sale by Owner” or FSBO – might be on your mind. But you should know that it gets complicated very quickly, especially in today’s complex market.
That’s why data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows a record low number are going the route of selling on their own.
Instead, more and more homeowners are choosing to work with a real estate agent (see graph below):
And here’s why partnering with an expert is the go-to choice. Selling your home is a big deal, and while FSBO might seem like a way to save time or money, it comes with a lot of responsibilities.
The selling process requires setting the right price, navigating a growing amount of legal paperwork, and creating a solid strategy to attract buyers. And going it alone often means taking on more than you bargained for.
Let’s look at two big reasons why working with a pro can make all the difference.
1. Getting the Price Right
One of the biggest hurdles when selling a house on your own is figuring out the right price. It’s not as simple as picking a number that sounds good – you need to hit the bullseye. Price your home too high, and buyers may overlook your listing. Price it too low, and you could leave money on the table or even raise red flags about the condition of your home.
Real estate agents are experts in finding the right price for today’s market trends. As Zillow explains:
“Agents are pros when it comes to pricing properties and have their finger on the pulse of your local market. They understand current buying trends and can provide insight into how your home compares to others for sale nearby.”
With their knowledge of the local market, buyer behavior, and what homes like yours are selling for, an agent will help you make sure you set a price that’s competitive and that’ll draw in buyers. And it’s that perfectly strategic price that’ll set the stage for selling at top dollar.
2. Understanding and Managing the Paperwork
Another part of the process is dealing with a growing stack of paperwork, from disclosure forms to contracts. Each document needs to be completed accurately, and there are legal requirements to follow that can feel overwhelming if you’re not familiar with them.
This is another area where an agent’s expertise really shines. They’ve handled these documents countless times and know exactly what’s needed to keep everything on track. Your agent will guide you through the paperwork step by step, making sure it’s done right the first time and you understand what you’re signing. With their help, you can avoid unnecessary stress and mistakes that can lead to delays, legal complications, and more.
Bottom Line
Selling your house is a big decision, and having a trusted real estate agent on your side can make all the difference.
Connect with Steven Batista of Coldwell Banker Realty, your local real estate agent, so you have a pro to help with everything from pricing your home to managing the details. That way it takes the guesswork out of the process and helps you sell with confidence.
Where Will You Go After You Sell?
If you’re planning to sell your house and move, you probably know there’s been a shortage of options available. But here’s the good news: the supply of homes for sale has grown in a lot of markets this year – and that’s not just existing, or previously-owned, homes. It’s true for newly built homes too.
So how do you decide which route to go? Do you buy an existing home or a brand-new one? The choice is yours – you just need to figure out what’s most important to you.
Perks of a Newly Built Home
Here are some benefits of buying a newly built home right now:
- Have brand new everything with never-been-used appliances and materials
- Use energy efficient options to save money and leave a smaller footprint
- Minimize the need for repairs and benefit from builder warranties
- Take advantage of builder concessions that can help with affordability
In today’s market, a lot of builders are focusing on selling their current inventory before they add more homes to their mix. And some of them are offering concessions and are more willing to negotiate to make a sale happen.
That, coupled with the fact builders are primarily building smaller, more affordable homes, has led to one other potential perk. The median price for a newly built home in today’s market is actually lower than the median price of an existing home – which isn’t usually the case. Ralph McLaughlin, Senior Economist at Realtor.com, shares:
“Homebuyers who are looking for that ‘new-home smell’ may be in a relatively friendlier market than times past when new homes were considerably more expensive than used ones.”
If you’re interested in seeing what builders nearby have to offer, lean on your real estate agent. Their knowledge of local builders, new communities, and builder contracts will be important in this process.
Perks of an Existing Home
Now, let’s compare that to the benefits of buying an existing home.
- Join an established neighborhood that you can get a feel for before moving in
- Choose from a wider variety of floorplans and styles
Appreciate the lived-in charm that only an older home can provide - Enjoy the privacy and curb appeal of mature trees and landscaping
In addition to these lifestyle benefits, there’s strategic value to buying an existing home, too. Remember, you can always make upgrades to an existing home down the road to give it some of the latest features available. This gives you the best of both worlds: you’ll get the charm, the neighborhood, and over time, you can still add those on-trend elements you may see in a brand-new home. And if you do, you’ll likely increase the home’s value too. An article from LendingTree explains:
“. . . they can personalize it and possibly increase its potential resale value with cosmetic upgrades . . . Plus, if a home comes with physical details or stories that add charm, in some cases, these elements are attractive enough to add to a home’s resale value . . .”
Want to see what’s available? Your real estate agent can show you what homes are for sale in your area, so you can see if there’s one that works for you and your needs.
Bottom Line
There are a lot of factors that go into deciding whether to buy an existing home or a newly built one after you sell, but it’s essential in today’s market to understand the opportunities you can find in both. Work with Steven Batista, your local housing market professional, so you have expert guidance as you explore the options in your area.
Should You Sell Your House As-Is or Make Repairs?
A recent study from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows most sellers (61%) completed at least minor repairs when selling their house. But sometimes life gets in the way and that’s just not possible. Maybe that’s why, 39% of sellers chose to sell as-is instead (see chart below):
If you’re feeling stressed because you don’t have the time, budget, or resources to tackle any repairs or updates, you may be tempted to sell your house as-is, too. But before you decide to go this route, here’s what you need to know.
What Does Selling As-Is Really Mean?
Selling as-is means you won’t make any repairs before the sale, and you won’t negotiate fixes after a buyer’s inspection. And this sends a signal to potential buyers that what they see is what they get.
If you’re eager to sell but money or time is tight, this can be a relief because it’s that much less you’ll have to worry about. But there are a few trade-offs you’ll have to be willing to make. This visual breaks down some of the pros and cons:
Typically, a home that’s updated sells for more because buyers are often willing to pay a premium for something that’s move-in ready. That’s why you may find not as many buyers will look at your house if you sell it in its current condition. And less interest from buyers could mean fewer offers, taking longer to sell, and ultimately, a lower price. Basically, while it’s easier for you, the final sale price might be less than you’d get if you invested in repairs and upgrades.
That doesn’t mean your house won’t sell – it just means it may not sell for as much as it would in top condition.
Here’s the good news though. In today’s market, as many as 56% of buyers surveyed would be willing to buy a home that needs some work. That’s because affordability is still a challenge, and while there are more homes for sale right now, inventory is lower than the norm. So, you might find there are a few more buyers who may be willing to take on the work themselves.
How an Agent Can Help
So, how do you make sure you’re making the right decision for your move? The key is working with a pro.
A good agent will help you weigh your options by showing you what comparable homes in your area have sold for, what updates your neighbors are making, and guide you in setting a fair price no matter what you decide. That helps you anticipate what your house may sell for either way – and that can be a key factor in your final decision.
Once you’ve picked which route you’re going to go and the asking price is set, your agent will market your house to maximize its appeal. And if you decide to sell as-is, they’ll call attention to the best features, like the location, size, and more, so it’s easy for buyers to see the potential, not just projects.
Bottom Line
Selling a home without making any repairs is possible in today’s market, but it does have some trade-offs. To make sure you’re considering all your options and making the best choice possible, have a conversation with a Steven Batista of Coldwell Banker.
Some Highlights
In real estate, a good first impression is key. If the outside of a house looks welcoming, more people will want to come in and see it.
Your agent helps you by giving advice on what you may want to prioritize, finding easy fixes that make a big difference, knowing what buyers in your area like, and showing off your updates in your listing.
The data relating to the real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the Internet Data Exchange Program of NJMLS. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Coldwell Banker Realty are marked with the Internet Data Exchange logo and information about them includes the name of the listing brokers. Some properties listed with the participating brokers do not appear on this website at the request of the seller. Listings of brokers that do not participate in Internet Data Exchange do not appear on this website. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Source: New Jersey Multiple Listing Service, Inc (c) 2023 New Jersey Multiple Listing Service, Inc. All rights reserved.
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