Bethany Beach is a charming coastal community best known for its iconic boardwalk that unfurls along the Atlantic Ocean. Though it has a population of only 854 residents, Bethany Beach undergoes a metamorphosis from a sleepy small town in colder months to a bustling oceanfront oasis during the summer, when crowds of up to 15,000 people pour into the resort community to soak up the sunshine and sea.
Due to its status as a tourist destination, there’s plenty to experience in Bethany Beach — from Delaware Seashore State Park (a barrier island that boasts miles of beaches alongside the Rehoboth and Indian River bays and the Atlantic Ocean) to the restaurants and bars that line the streets near the boardwalk. Perfect for families looking for a summer escape or groups of friends wanting a laid-back yet memorable beach reunion, Bethany Beach has long been a tourist hub. Not surprisingly, its down-to-earth charm has hooked many travelers looking to set down roots or purchase a second property where they can return year after year for unforgettable memories.
Though it’s difficult to part with paradise, there may come a time when you need to sell your Bethany Beach real estate to downsize, upgrade, or simply move to another town. If you’re thinking about selling your Bethany Beach area real estate this year, there is plenty to consider before posting that “for sale” sign in your front yard. Here’s a go-to guide for everything you should consider when listing your home.
Due to its status as a tourist destination, there’s plenty to experience in Bethany Beach — from Delaware Seashore State Park (a barrier island that boasts miles of beaches alongside the Rehoboth and Indian River bays and the Atlantic Ocean) to the restaurants and bars that line the streets near the boardwalk. Perfect for families looking for a summer escape or groups of friends wanting a laid-back yet memorable beach reunion, Bethany Beach has long been a tourist hub. Not surprisingly, its down-to-earth charm has hooked many travelers looking to set down roots or purchase a second property where they can return year after year for unforgettable memories.
Though it’s difficult to part with paradise, there may come a time when you need to sell your Bethany Beach real estate to downsize, upgrade, or simply move to another town. If you’re thinking about selling your Bethany Beach area real estate this year, there is plenty to consider before posting that “for sale” sign in your front yard. Here’s a go-to guide for everything you should consider when listing your home.
Boost the selling price with curb appeal
First impressions do matter, and nowhere is this more evident than in the case of selling your house. According to Realtor magazine, homes with good curb appeal sell 7% more than similar homes without the exterior “wow factor.” Curb appeal helps make prospective buyers more excited about your house — so it’s well worth the time and money it takes to add some cosmetic fixes.
You might consider giving your home a fresh coat of paint or planting some shrubs and flowers to make it more aesthetically pleasing. Of course, you’ll also want to make sure the lawn is freshly mowed. Minor fixes can make a big difference, like painting your front door a cheerful shade of yellow or replacing the worn-out mailbox with a newer version. If your house has a beach view, consider making that the star of the show by adding some lawn or patio furniture that overlooks the view. This can help people picture themselves more easily and remind them of the main attraction.
You might consider giving your home a fresh coat of paint or planting some shrubs and flowers to make it more aesthetically pleasing. Of course, you’ll also want to make sure the lawn is freshly mowed. Minor fixes can make a big difference, like painting your front door a cheerful shade of yellow or replacing the worn-out mailbox with a newer version. If your house has a beach view, consider making that the star of the show by adding some lawn or patio furniture that overlooks the view. This can help people picture themselves more easily and remind them of the main attraction.
Add value by staging your home
Looking for a proven way to help increase your home’s value and help it sell faster? According to the National Association of REALTORS®, 18% of sellers agents said home staging increased the dollar value between 6% and 10%. Staging your home is essential in selling your property because it helps people envision themselves there easily. Naturally, you’ll want to start by giving your place a thorough top-to-bottom cleaning and removing any unneeded clutter or grime. But don’t stop there! Try to picture your house through the eyes of others and think of ways that would make it most appealing to the broadest audience possible.
You can start small ( by lighting candles, baking cookies to put on the countertops, and placing fresh flower arrangements throughout the house) and then work your way up. Remove anything controversial like weapons or politically-charged posters to give the house a more neutral, approachable feel. You might also want to switch up your furniture placement to improve the home’s feng shui. If you don’t have much money to spend, you can invest in small pieces that will make a big difference, like slipcovers for couches and cushions or new coats of paint.
If you have the budget, you can even hire a professional home stager to bring in new furniture and give the house a fresh facelift. Professional stagers can recommend furniture and accessories to create a more inviting space for potential buyers. Don’t despair if you can’t afford their services, though — you can handle the process in-house if that aligns better with your current budget.
Increase value by making repairs
When you live somewhere for a long time, there are inevitably problem areas that you tend to avoid thinking about, like outdated carpet and worn tile floors. But when you’re ready to sell your home, you want to make sure it’s in tip-top shape. Before putting your place on the market, make a list of repairs. This can be something small like lightbulbs or something more significant like the roof. Next, think through the top maintenance you need to make to have the best chance of increasing your home value. Research has shown that renovating kitchens and bathrooms will usually get you the most bang for your buck if you're unsure where to start. This can include replacing old appliances, updating countertops and floors, and adding custom cabinets.
Another way to add value to the home is by adding upgrades that modernize the house, like smart-home technology. (This may include LED lighting, energy-efficient appliances, and double-paned windows — but it could also be something bigger, like solar panels.) You can also consider adding smart devices like thermostats, security cameras, automatic door locks, and lighting.
Adding square footage is another way to appeal to buyers. If you don’t have room to build an additional guest suite or living space, you can enlarge the outdoor patio or finish your basement. Before starting the process, think about which repairs you want to do yourself and which ones you need to outsource. Next, prioritize them in order from nice-to-haves to essentials. This can help you ensure your house is ready to go on the market while also helping you stay within budget.
Another way to add value to the home is by adding upgrades that modernize the house, like smart-home technology. (This may include LED lighting, energy-efficient appliances, and double-paned windows — but it could also be something bigger, like solar panels.) You can also consider adding smart devices like thermostats, security cameras, automatic door locks, and lighting.
Adding square footage is another way to appeal to buyers. If you don’t have room to build an additional guest suite or living space, you can enlarge the outdoor patio or finish your basement. Before starting the process, think about which repairs you want to do yourself and which ones you need to outsource. Next, prioritize them in order from nice-to-haves to essentials. This can help you ensure your house is ready to go on the market while also helping you stay within budget.
Save time — price your home right!
One of the most important decisions to make in the home-selling process is determining the listing price. To get a feel for the market, peruse online real estate listings to see what other houses of similar sizes are selling for. You’ll also want to consider the year those homes were built and their type of upgrades to get the most accurate comparison.
Understanding the ins and outs of the local market and the going price for similar homes will help give you a better idea of what you should list your house for. Listing it undervalued will prevent you from making as much profit as possible, but listing it for too much may make the house sit on the market for too long and decrease buyer interest. So be sure to take the time needed to understand how much similar homes are selling for, what the local Bethany Beach real estate market is like, and how much other Bethany Beach real estate listings are going for.
Understanding the ins and outs of the local market and the going price for similar homes will help give you a better idea of what you should list your house for. Listing it undervalued will prevent you from making as much profit as possible, but listing it for too much may make the house sit on the market for too long and decrease buyer interest. So be sure to take the time needed to understand how much similar homes are selling for, what the local Bethany Beach real estate market is like, and how much other Bethany Beach real estate listings are going for.
Find the right realtor
Selling your home can be an emotional process — especially if you’ve lived there for a long time and have made many good memories there. To avoid making emotionally charged decisions that aren’t in your best long-term financial interest, consider working with an experienced realtor who can help you see clearly and think critically about the best steps to ensure maximum success.
Working with a realtor can ensure that you price your home correctly, implement the marketing and outreach strategy needed to get qualified buyers through the door, and command top dollar. Realtors can also help you consider qualified offers, navigate the negotiation process, and help guide you through all the paperwork (including disclosure forms, inspection reports, and a slew of other complicated things). Good realtors act as your cheerleader and advocate, empowering you to get the best possible deal when selling your home. It’s well worth the investment to work with the right realtor.
If you’re thinking about selling your Bethany Beach home, contact Jared S. Bowers today. As a top-producing real estate agent in The First State, Jared specializes in representing properties throughout the entire state and has built a reputation for providing exemplary customer service. With years of experience helping sellers navigate the ins and outs of the real estate process, Jared is well-equipped to answer any questions you may have and help you sell on time and for top dollar. Contact Jared today to start the process!
Working with a realtor can ensure that you price your home correctly, implement the marketing and outreach strategy needed to get qualified buyers through the door, and command top dollar. Realtors can also help you consider qualified offers, navigate the negotiation process, and help guide you through all the paperwork (including disclosure forms, inspection reports, and a slew of other complicated things). Good realtors act as your cheerleader and advocate, empowering you to get the best possible deal when selling your home. It’s well worth the investment to work with the right realtor.
If you’re thinking about selling your Bethany Beach home, contact Jared S. Bowers today. As a top-producing real estate agent in The First State, Jared specializes in representing properties throughout the entire state and has built a reputation for providing exemplary customer service. With years of experience helping sellers navigate the ins and outs of the real estate process, Jared is well-equipped to answer any questions you may have and help you sell on time and for top dollar. Contact Jared today to start the process!
