In a declining real estate market where supply outstrips demand, a person can generally sell a house faster by lowering the price. But there are other ways to enhance a home’s attractiveness besides dropping the asking price.If you’re looking to sell your home in a cooling real estate market, read on for some tips on how to generate interest and get the best price possible.Tip No. 1 — Differentiate From the NeighborsIn order to attract attention and to make your home more memorable, consider custom designs or additions, such as landscaping, high grade windows or a newly painted roof. This can help improve the home’s aesthetics, while potentially adding value to the home.Any improvements should be practical and use colours and designs that would appeal to the widest audience. In addition, they should complement the home and its other amenities, such as building a deck or patio adjacent to an outdoor swimming pool. More than ever, in a down market you should take every small edge you can get.Tip No. 2 — Clean the ClutterIt is imperative to remove all clutter from the home before showing it to potential buyers because buyers need to be able to picture themselves in the space. This might include removing some furniture to make rooms look bigger, and putting away photos and personal items.Tip No. 3 — Sweeten the DealOffer terms that may sweeten the pot. For example, sellers that offer the buyer a couple of thousand dollars credit toward closing costs, or offer to pay closing costs entirely, will receive more attention from house-hunters looking at similar homes. In a down market, buyers are looking for a deal; do your best to make them feel they’re getting one.Tip No. 4 — Improve Curb AppealSellers often overlook the importance of their home’s curb appeal. The first thing a buyer sees is a home’s external appearance and the way it fits into the surrounding neighbourhood. Try to make certain the exterior has a fresh coat of paint, and bushes and lawn are well manicured. In real estate, appearances mean a lot. What better way to set your home apart than to make it attractive at first glance?Tip No. 5 — Get Your Home in “Move In” ConditionAesthetics are important, but it’s also important that doors, appliances, and electrical and plumbing fixtures be in compliance with current building codes and in working order.Again, the idea is to have the home in move in condition and to give potential buyers the impression that they will be able to move right in and start enjoying their new home, rather than spending time and money fixing it up.Tip No. 6 — Pricing the HomeRegardless of how well you renovate and stage your home, it is still important to price the home appropriately. Consult a local real estate agent, read the newspapers and go to The Royal Gazette’s Recent Home Sales section to see what comparable homes are going for in your area.It’s not always imperative to be the lowest priced home on the block, particularly when aesthetic and other significant improvements have been made. However, it is important that the listing price is not out of line with other comparable homes in the market. Try to put yourself in the buyer’s shoes and then determine what a fair price might be. Have friends, neighbours and real estate professionals tour the home and weigh in as well.Selling a home in a down market requires a little extra work. Do everything you can to get the home in excellent shape and be prepared to make some small concessions at closing. These tips, coupled with an attractive price, will increase the odds of getting your home sold.n This week’s column submitted by Kim Sheen, Broker/Owner, Kim Sheen Properties