Selling Your House? 10 Must-Do Fixes For Louisiana Homeowners

According to experts like Realtor.com, there are many things Louisiana homeowners can do to increase the value of their homes and improve their chances of selling them faster. Surprisingly enough, most of these things don't even cost money. Professional real estate organizations and investors recommend you make a; they just require a little elbow grease and attention to detail.

Before putting your house on the market, Clever Real Estate professionals offer great tips that are affordable, doable and most of all will pay off in getting your home sold fast. focus on improving curb appeal, decluttering and depersonalizing the space, making necessary repairs and updates, getting a pre-listing inspection, and staging the home for optimal presentation.

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10 Must-Do Fixes For Louisiana Homeowners

1. Get A Good Realtor - Get referrals from friends, and family, and set up interviews with multiple realtors to discuss your needs. Never settle for the first one you meet. Research their experience, if they're knowledgeable about your community, and specialize in the type of property you are selling.

2. Make Your House Shine - Put a fresh coat of paint to brighten faded or cracked paint. Pressure wash dirt and mildew off the siding and bricks. This will dramatically improve the look of your house and make it stand out.

3. Add Some Curb Appeal - Add some potted plants, a welcome mat, or fresh flowers to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Pull the weeds out of the flower bed, fix and clean out sagging overflowing gutters.

4. Enhance Curb Appeal:
Mow the lawn trim bushes, and pull the weeds out of your flowerbeds. A well-maintained exterior sets a positive first impression. Clean the front door, garage, or carport and exterior patios and walkways.

5. Declutter - Clear out the clutter. Remove some furniture, knick-knacks, and personal items. This makes each room appear bigger and more spacious.

6. Depersonalize - Take down family photos and remove personal items to allow buyers to envision themselves in the home.

7. Make Necessary Repairs - Address any visible damage and issues like holes in a wall, leaks in the roof or under the sink, fix loose cabinet handles

8. Get a Pre-Listing Inspection - Identify and fix issues that need to be addressed before you put your home on the market. It can also help you determine a fair and realistic selling price and possibly avoid last-minute negotiation problems.

9. Stage The Home - Clean your house is clean and organized before staging.
Arrange furniture thoughtfully: Ensure the furniture is arranged to optimize the space and make it appear inviting.

10. Add A Finishing Touch - Consider adding decorative items, a vase, and a bouquet of fresh or silk flowers or create a warm and inviting atmosphere, light a candle or two, Bluetooth soft jazz music to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

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How To Sell Your Home Without A Realtor In Louisiana

Are you thinking of selling your Louisiana home without a realtor? There are pros and cons and here are the details according to the folks at Clever Real Estate:

PRO - You could save the average 2.75% listing fee — about $5,393 — by going the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) route.
CON - Most FSBO homes sell for roughly 13% less, which can mean losing over $36,000 based on Louisiana’s median home price of $201,100.

PRO - FSBO might make sense if this isn't your first rodeo, you already have a buyer, or happen to live in a hot market.
CON - 80% of FSBO sellers regret going solo, and 53% of buyers say they’re less likely to trust a home without agent representation.

The truth is, going the FSBO route isn't the best choice for every homeowner. It’s a little time-consuming and a legally risky process. For most, working with a low-commission full-service agent could net you more while cutting stress. So, weigh your options carefully and make an educated decision based on what's best for you. If you plan to sell your home without a realtor here are a few tips experts recommend:

Get Your Listing Maximum Exposure - Pay a flat-fee service ($250–$500) to list your home on the MLS ( Multiple Listing Service) so it gets seen on sites like Zillow and Realtor.com.
Make Sure The Price Is Right - Use online tools and research comparable homes ("comps") in your area to avoid overpricing or underselling.
Take high-quality photos - Great photos can attract more buyers and help your listing stand out — consider hiring a pro if needed.
Be Ready To Negotiate - Know your bottom line, but prepare for negotiations on price, repairs, and closing costs.
Understand The Legal Process - The Louisiana Realtors Association is a great resource to learn about real estate contracts, disclosures, and state-specific paperwork. Do your homework as this process must be handled carefully to avoid legal trouble.
Schedule and Host Your Own Showings - Be flexible and available to show your home or consider installing a lockbox.
Market Your Property Aggressively - Share your listing on social media, community groups, yard signs, and word-of-mouth to boost exposure.