Worried about selling your smaller-than-average home because it’s, well…small? There’s no need to get discouraged. There’s a buyer for every home, which means someone will find yours has just what they need. First, work with a Realtor who knows how to market your size home to potential buyers. He will help you identify the right features to highlight for the type of person who will be happy in a smaller home.
Lead with Charm and Uniqueness
Listing photos that make rooms appear much larger than reality can quickly backfire. Buyers interested in lots of space will be disappointed that the advertisement didn’t live up to their expectations. Instead, make sure photos are realistic and descriptions focus on things like a custom-made door, a stain-glassed window alongside the staircase, or original hardwood flooring that’s been refurbished. Maybe there’s even something charming about your home that you’ve ignored, such as a built-in bookcase that you could stage attractively to add interior appeal.
Emphasize Lower Cost Bills and Property Taxes
It’s likely that your utility costs are significantly lower than the neighbors with larger homes. The more space one has, the more it costs to heat and cool. Also, if your home is on a small lot, it’s likely you pay less property taxes than your neighbors with bigger lots. Do some research to verify. Your Realtor should include these aspects in your listing brochure.
Perfect for the Minimalist or Downsizing Family
People who practice minimalism—giving up a lot of “stuff” in favor of simpler living—are perfect buyers for a smaller home. These folks are looking to live more intentionally with meaningful experiences rather than aiming for the “bigger and better” lifestyle. The downsizing family, which is not always empty nesters, may not necessarily be minimalists, but they do want to reduce their cost of living and maintenance. For a variety of personal reasons, they want to cut back from big home living, while still enjoying a comfortable space for their family. The way to appeal to these groups is to emphasize proximity to places where the community gathers or plays—such as shops, theaters, restaurants, and parks. Keep furniture to a minimum and, of course, declutter every part of the home while retaining a homey vibe.
Show that the Space is Enough for Small Home Buyers’ Needs
You can make key preparations to ensure that every square foot counts in your showings. The more furniture and knick-knacks you keep in the home, the more crowded and smaller the home appears. Keep only the most essential pieces of furniture for showings and only very few items per shelf. Kitchen countertops should be free of all appliances other than a microwave. Rent a storage space or portable container if needed. It will pay off if removing stuff helps better stage your home. Also, let in plenty of light. Make sure there are no obstructions in front of windows and keep blinds and drapes open. If you can see light from the front to the back of the house, the home will appear more spacious. And finally, declutter all closets, too. Overstuffed closets signal that there won’t be enough space for buyers’ storage needs.
Remember, there was a good reason your home was right for you when you bought it. Knowing the right type of buyer for your space will help you show off the benefits of its size.
Real Estate Term of the Week
Minimalism: Is the intentional promotion of the things a person most values and the removal of anything that distracts him or her from it. In modern lifestyle terms, it is the practice of living with less “consumer consumption” and focusing on activities that bring the most meaning to one’s life.