Those who are being overly kind would likely describe the current economic recovery as “sluggish.” Times are tough for many people, and the nucleus of this harsh economic reality is the housing market. But just because this market is struggling does not mean people don’t still need to sell their homes – or, for that matter, that people aren’t looking to buy new homes. In a down housing market many sellers simply bite the bullet and drastically lower the asking price. But there are ways for sellers to get around this painful gambit and get full market value for their homes.

Set the Home Apart

It’s important for the home to leave a lasting impression in the minds of potential buyers. To this end, custom designs or additions can do wonders to making a home more memorable. Improving the overall aesthetic by adding Berkshire or Duration roofing, or by installing new, high-grade windows can set a house apart from other homes in the neighborhood. Creative landscaping ideas, such as adding a backyard garden, complete with stone or mulch pathways, is another great way to draw attention. Homeowners can also compliment existing features, such as by adding a wooden deck near an outdoor pool.

Whip the House Into Shape

The importance of presentation in home sales can’t be understated. The potential buyer not only needs to see a spotless home, but a blank canvas in which to imagine his or her future living space. Sellers need to make sure the home is clean as well as free of clutter and may even want to consider hiring a stager to maximize the overall space. The cost of hiring a stager varies, but it’s possible to find these services for a couple hundred dollars. And if it results in a quicker sale, it will be well worth the cost.

Saturate the Advertising Market

These days most home buyers begin their search online. That means most potential buyers won’t even visit a home before they have found some online info about it. In fact, a study conducted by Trulia found that homes with more than six photos posted online were twice as likely to be physically visited than homes that didn’t. And there are many outlets to post these photos besides a real estate agent’s online page. Sellers should take advantage of social media sites such as Facebook as well as clip sites like YouTube. Sellers who post virtual tour footage of their home on video clip sites are more likely to attract potential buyers straight to their doorstep.

Maximize Curb Appeal

When the potential buyers finally arrive to the home it’s important to give them a “wow” factor right off the bat. That means ensuring the home’s external appearance is stellar and eye-catching. Some detailed landscaping and a fresh coat of paint goes a long way to creating goodwill among those looking to buy a home.

Sweeten the Pot

In a bare real estate market it is important to offer incentives. These will vary from seller to seller and home to home but there are plenty of deals to make. Sellers may want to consider offering closing cost credit, or possibly even covering the closing costs themselves. Sellers can also offer a transferable one-year home warranty, which will cover appliance failure. It’s incentives like this that will make the buyer feel like he or she is getting a real deal on the home.

It’s never easy to try and sell a home in a down market, that’s why it’s important for sellers to utilize every tool at their disposal. Following these simple steps will not only go a long way to selling a house in difficult economic times, but will ensure sellers won’t have to drastically lower the price as well.

Tricia Thomas is a professional blogger that writes for LuxuryHomeHunt.com, a leading Florida real estate website featuring Alaqua Lakes Homes for Sale.