Hilltop is an affluent residential neighborhood in Denver, Colo. The neighborhood offers its residents a selection of prominent landmarks and attractions, including upscale shopping areas. Cherry Creek Shopping Center, one of the city's premier shopping destinations, is nearby. The Denver Botanic Gardens and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science are also within a short drive. Hilltop’s unique location combines suburban tranquility with convenient city access. The neighborhood has been one of the fastest-growing communities in the city, with most residents living in homes they own.
Selling a home in Hilltop is a significant step, and it can be a relatively smooth journey with the right set of skills, knowledge, and guidance. The following steps are recommended to help smooth the process and maximize profit.
Interview real estate agents
Meet a few real estate agents and discuss how they plan to sell your home. Many agents have specific strategies for selling homes, such as staging the home, getting professional photographs taken, listing the property, and negotiating on behalf of the seller. A good realtor with past successes in the neighborhood will help get the best value for the home.
Determine the home's value
It is essential to discern the exact value of a home when selling. There are several reasonable measures to take when setting a listing price. A comparative market analysis (CMA) measures your home against similar properties (in size, location, condition, and landscaping) recently sold in your area. A local realtor can help with that. For a more precise valuation, consider hiring an appraiser to evaluate the home's condition, location, size, and other factors to determine its value.
Upgrades to improve the home’s value
After assessing the home's value, enlist the help of a real estate agent to single out which upgrades will add value to the house. For sellers who prefer a do-it-yourself approach, several optimal touch-ups exist. You might undertake a kitchen renovation, bathroom remodeling, curb appeal enhancements, updated flooring, and fresh paint. Consult your agent to determine which upgrades yield the most return on investment (ROI).
Determining the best time to sell
The best time to sell varies from place to place and is determined by the local real estate market. Generally, sales peak during these specific times:
- Spring and fall seasons because of the influx of new home buyers
- Anytime the market has high demand and limited inventory
- Periods of low-interest rates, when the pool of potential buyers swells
Unfavorable periods are rare for sellers in the Hilltop real estate market and are usually limited to the winter season. Buyers may also be more cautious about making significant financial commitments during an economic downturn. A trusted real estate agent is invaluable when timing your sale to perfection.
Staging the home and taking photos
Staging will make the home more appealing by highlighting its key features. Consider the following steps during staging.
Clean and repair
Clean the home thoroughly, including carpets, windows, and all surfaces. Also, make any necessary repairs or touch-ups. You can complete this step yourself or ask your agent to recommend a professional cleaning service.
Declutter and depersonalize
Remove personal items and excess furniture to create a spacious look. Minimize personal photographs and unique decorations so buyers can envision themselves in the space. You can declutter and depersonalize your home while moving out your possessions.
Neutralize colors
Consider painting walls in warm, neutral tones to create an inviting milieu for buyers. Lighting, both natural and artificial, also helps to create a convivial atmosphere. Once your home is a blank canvas, you can stage it with professional help.
Photograph the house
In addition to staging, professional photography helps represent the home accurately, making a substantial difference in how the house is presented in marketing materials. Professional photos showcase multiple angles, providing a comprehensive view of each room. An astute photographer will capture unique and appealing features of your home, including exterior shots.
Selling the home
When you are ready to sell the home, it is essential to optimize visibility and sale price. Consider the following aspects when executing your sale.
Listing on multiple listings service (MLS)
A professional realtor can create a listing and market it on the multiple listing service (MLS), increasing the home's visibility among potential buyers. An MLS listing conveniently reaches buyers through real estate brokerage offices.
Open houses and virtual tours
Open houses and virtual tours are two ways potential buyers can view the home. Open houses are scheduled events where potential buyers can visit the home without appointments. This is an opportunity to showcase the home's features. During the event, your agent should foster a welcoming atmosphere and take questions from the buyers. Afterward, they will follow up with buyers to gauge their interest and potentially lead to offers.
Virtual tours include video walkthroughs and interactive floor plans that allow potential buyers to explore the home remotely. They can be pre-recorded or live and should cover all the crucial areas of the house.
Cash versus mortgage offers
Cash offers provide a quick home sale without a mortgage, and it's often the most attractive option for sellers. If you field mortgage offers, request a pre-approval letter from the buyer's lender to confirm their ability to obtain financing. This helps ensure they are a qualified and serious buyer.
Bottom line in selling a house in Hilltop
If you want to list your home in Hilltop, work with the Trish & Maggie Team. Trish Bragg and Maggie Armstrong have been top-performing Hilltop real estate agents since 2004 and have the experience and expertise to guide you. Contact Trish & Maggie Team today to get started!
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock
