Realtor tips to get your home sold fast

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- It's the season of selling and buying in the competitive Houston housing market. If you want to sell your home faster, and for top dollar, a local realtor shares some of the top mistakes homeowners make. It's these mistakes that can keep your home on the market a lot longer.

Home-selling mistake number one is overpricing the home. Jennifer Larsen with Keller Williams in Memorial said it's an invitation for prospective buyers to look at other homes in your neighborhood.

Know your market. An overpriced house will not sell. An experienced realtor can provide the seller with comparable sales in the neighborhood, along with asking prices of current homes on the market. Be competitive with your pricing.

It sounds simple but clean your house; a dirty house translates to buyers as a poorly-maintained house. Clean or replace dirty or stained carpets. Odors from pets or smoke can be offensive to buyers.

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Clearing clutter is also important when preparing your house to go on the market. Clear kitchen counters and all surfaces, remove everything from the floor in closets and clear everything off the fridge. You'll also want to remove personal items such as toothpaste and shower items.

It's recommended to remove personal family photos, too, so prospective buyers can see the house as their own.

Also, be sure to keep up with maintenance. Touch-up the walls with paint, remove marks on walls, and patch and paint cracks. Even replacing lightbulbs shows buyers the house is well maintained. Be sure to turn the lights on when showing the house.

Don't neglect the curb appeal of your home. Mow the yard, power wash the patio and replace any rotten wood.

Finally, a good real estate agent will help market your house. Professional photos, a signage MLS listing service, internet listings and open houses all add to the exposure necessary to attract the best and highest price for your house.

Find out more about the home featured in this story.

Learn additional real estate tips from Jennifer Larsen and Keller Williams in Memorial.

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