What Are the Biggest Do’s and Don’ts of Selling a Home in Ankeny?
Selling your home is a big decision, and if you want to maximize your profit and minimize stress, it’s important to follow the right steps. Whether you’re a first-time seller or you’ve been through the process before, knowing the do’s and don’ts of selling a home in Ankeny can make a huge difference.
At Allison Hart Home Team, we’ve helped countless homeowners in Ankeny sell quickly and for top dollar. To help you do the same, we’ve put together this essential guide with key do’s and don’ts for selling your home successfully.
Do: Price Your Home Correctly
Pricing your home strategically is one of the most important factors in attracting buyers. Set the price too high, and your home could sit on the market for months. Set it too low, and you risk leaving money on the table.
How to Price Your Home Right:
✔ Research Comparable Sales – Look at recently sold homes in your neighborhood to determine a competitive price.
✔ Consider Market Conditions – Is the Ankeny real estate market favoring buyers or sellers? Pricing should reflect current trends.
✔ Work with an Experienced Realtor – A skilled Ankeny real estate agent will provide a detailed market analysis to ensure you price competitively.
💡 Pro Tip: The Allison Hart Home Team specializes in accurate home pricing based on local market trends to get you the best results.
Don’t: Overprice Your Home
It’s natural to want top dollar for your home, but overpricing can backfire.
Why Overpricing Hurts Your Sale:
✖ Fewer Interested Buyers – Buyers looking in your price range may overlook your home in favor of better-priced options.
✖ Longer Time on the Market – Homes that sit too long raise red flags for buyers.
✖ Price Reductions Can Hurt Perception – Multiple price drops can make buyers wonder if something is wrong with the home.
💡 Pro Tip: Instead of starting high and lowering later, work with a Realtor in Ankeny to price it right from the start.
Do: Stage Your Home for Maximum Appeal
A well-presented home can sell faster and for more money. Buyers want to imagine themselves living in your home, and staging helps create that vision.
Simple Ways to Stage Your Home:
✔ Declutter & Depersonalize – Remove excess furniture, personal photos, and unnecessary decor.
✔ Maximize Lighting – Open curtains, replace dim bulbs, and add fresh flowers to brighten up spaces.
✔ Create Inviting Spaces – Arrange furniture to highlight functionality and space.
💡 Pro Tip: The Allison Hart Home Team offers expert home staging advice to help sellers showcase their home’s best features.
Don’t: Ignore Curb Appeal
First impressions matter. If your home’s exterior looks unkempt or outdated, buyers may skip it entirely.
How to Improve Curb Appeal:
✖ Don’t Neglect Landscaping – Mow the lawn, trim hedges, and plant fresh flowers.
✖ Don’t Overlook the Front Door – A fresh coat of paint and a new welcome mat can make a big impact.
✖ Don’t Forget the Exterior – Power wash the siding and touch up paint where needed.
💡 Pro Tip: A small investment in curb appeal improvements can increase your home’s value and attract more buyers.
Do: Invest in Key Repairs & Upgrades
Making smart upgrades can help your home stand out in the Ankeny real estate market. However, you don’t need to go overboard.
Best Updates for Maximum ROI:
✔ Minor Kitchen & Bath Updates – New cabinet hardware, modern faucets, and a stylish backsplash.
✔ Fresh Paint in Neutral Colors – Creates a clean, move-in-ready feel.
✔ Flooring Improvements – Replacing outdated carpet or refinishing hardwood floors.
💡 Pro Tip: The Allison Hart Home Team helps sellers prioritize updates that make the biggest impact.
Don’t: Overspend on Major Renovations
While upgrades can be valuable, not all renovations pay off when selling a home in Ankeny.
Renovations That May Not Be Worth It:
✖ Luxury Upgrades – High-end kitchen remodels may not recoup their cost.
✖ Swimming Pools – Often cost more than the value they add.
✖ Over-Personalized Features – Bold paint colors or trendy designs may not appeal to buyers.
💡 Pro Tip: Consult a Realtor in Ankeny before investing in major renovations.
Do: Market Your Home Aggressively
A strong marketing strategy is crucial in today’s real estate market.
How We Market Homes to Sell Quickly:
✔ Professional Photography – High-quality images attract more buyers.
✔ Virtual Tours & Video Walkthroughs – Give online buyers an immersive experience.
✔ Social Media & Online Advertising – Expands reach beyond traditional listings.
✔ Direct Outreach to Buyers & Agents – Increases exposure to serious buyers.
💡 Pro Tip: The Allison Hart Home Team uses cutting-edge marketing strategies to sell homes faster and for more money.
Don’t: Go FSBO (For Sale By Owner) Without Considering the Risks
Some sellers try to sell on their own to save money, but FSBO often leads to lost profits and frustration.
Why Selling Without an Agent Can Be Risky:
✖ Lack of Market Knowledge – It’s easy to misprice your home.
✖ Limited Exposure – FSBO listings don’t get the same visibility as professionally marketed homes.
✖ Tougher Negotiations – Experienced buyers and agents may take advantage of FSBO sellers.
💡 Pro Tip: Hiring a professional Ankeny Realtor can net you more money even after commission.
Do: Work with an Experienced Ankeny Real Estate Agent
A skilled Ankeny real estate agent is your best asset when selling your home.
Why Choose Allison Hart Home Team?
✔ Local Market Expertise – We know exactly how to price, stage, and market homes in Ankeny.
✔ Proven Marketing Plan – We use advanced strategies to attract serious buyers.
✔ Expert Negotiation – We help sellers get the best price and terms.
💡 Pro Tip: The Allison Hart Home Team has helped hundreds of sellers navigate the Ankeny real estate market with confidence.
Ready to Sell Your Home in Ankeny? Contact Us Today!
If you’re planning to sell your home in Ankeny, following these do’s and don’ts will help you get the best possible outcome.
At Allison Hart Home Team, we make the process smooth, stress-free, and successful. Let’s work together to get your home sold quickly and for top dollar!
📞 Call or text: 515-210-5198
📍 Email: [email protected]
📍 Visit: allisonharthomes.com OR allisonharthomesales.com
Let’s sell your home the right way!
