How to Sell a House in a Bad Neighborhood
Selling a house in a bad neighborhood is not that different from selling a house in a good neighborhood, but there are several considerations to keep in mind. The sale will be easier if the area is being gentrified. A good selling point will also be if it's in close proximity to shopping and public transportation. If you don't have positives to offset the negatives, make sure your house will appeal to the type of buyer you can expect by keeping his needs in mind.
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Things You'll Need
- Paint
- Landscaping
- Realtor
- Furniture
- Security alarm
- Security lighting
- Fence
Instructions
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Outfit the house for the area. Avoid making your property stand out from others on the block by making it 'too much' house for the neighborhood. Paint the exterior and mow the lawn, but don't install expensive landscaping and trim that might suggest the house is priced higher than its neighbors. That may prevent prospective buyers from looking at the house.
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Fence the property. Buyers will sense that the property is protected. Having a fence already built means that kids and pets can play safely.
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Hire an assertive real estate agent who will play up the area's good points while being honest about its bad features. Make sure the agent never downplays the features of the home itself.
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Stage the interior with simple furniture that falls into the price range of potential buyers. Don't overdo it. Avoid furnishings that seem expensive or out of place for the neighborhood. Emphasize the home's good points and de-emphasize bad points.
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Be realistic in pricing the house. Be willing to drop the price quickly if the house doesn't sell. Location is critical in real estate, and a home in a bad neighborhood must be aggressively priced. Be ready to entertain all bids.
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Play up security features like an alarm system and motion-detecting lights if crime is a potential issue for the home buyer. Consider installing security bars on first floor windows. Choose bars that are attractive but functional. Avoid creating the look of a fortress.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit ADT
