Now is an excellent time to sell or buy a house. While home prices continue to rise from last year, they are not as high as earlier this year, indicating that the overheated housing market is cooling. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median existing-home sales price in September was $384,800, up 8.4% from a year ago.

The speed with which your home sells and at what price is determined by many factors other than timing. Here are five tips for boosting the value of your house before sale, regardless of where or how it is. 

Cut out the clutter

Clutter, dust, and the unusual smells accompanying a messy home are the biggest turn-offs to prospective home buyers. On the day of any open house, your house should be tidy and welcoming. Depersonalizing the space is critical to the process. If your house is overflowing with family pictures and other personal items, potential buyers will find it difficult to picture themselves living there.

Enhance the look of your house

If it were a job interview, you would only show up after brushing your hair and wearing a neat, professional outfit. The same goes for trying to sell your home without making any improvements. With a few simple, low-cost tricks to beautify and update your home, you can push that potential sales price—and your earning potential—to the limit. Learn more about maximizing the value of your home here. 

Upgrade the layout

Consider changing your floor plan to make your home feel more open. Small adjoining rooms can be combined to create a more open space. This is especially true if your living room and kitchen are separate, as most families now prefer open-concept living spaces. Even though these renovations are typically expensive, they significantly increase the worth and appeal of the property.

Register Your Property with a Real Estate Agency

Post a listing for your property on a well-known real estate website. It is simple, quick, and free. You increase your chances of receiving inquiries from sincere buyers because online property forums have a wide audience. Finding an agent who knows the area and comes highly recommended is critical for a successful sale. A good agent will work closely with you to set a competitive price for your home while fielding questions and offers from prospective buyers.

Highlight the house's unique selling point

Examine your home from an unbiased perspective. Take a look around. Do you like what you've seen so far? Your home may have a high walk score, a spectacular view from your balcony, or a lovely garden. Examine each room and imagine how it would appear to a buyer. Profit from your home's USP by displaying it to potential buyers. Rearrange furniture until the room appears warm and welcoming to you. Don't rely on luck if you want great deals for your home. Plan carefully and beautify your surroundings. Make sure the documentation is in place before listing.

Selling a home can be stressful or joyful, depending on the circumstances. There are ways to increase the chances of a sale if you need to sell quickly due to a new job or a personal situation. Focus on the initial impression that buyers will have of your home when they visit it for the first time if you have a small budget to prep it for sale. A decision can be made in a matter of seconds, make those seconds count by using a great agent and a well-kept home.