Selling a home may be a stressful experience, especially for first-time sellers. One of the best ways to ease anxiety and reduce stress is to know what to expect. Here’s a general overview of the selling process. While everyone’s experience may be different, these steps tend to be universal. Of course, once you’ve decided to sell your home, give us a call and we’ll help you every step of the way.
GETTING YOUR HOME READY TO SELL
Here are some tips to help you prepare your home for its market debut. Start packing valuables and items you don’t plan to use until after you’ve moved, including any personal photos displayed in the home. Removing clutter will make your home appear more spacious. While deciding what to pack, think about which appliances to take with you. For example, are the washing machine and dryer included or do you want to take them?
Get your home move-in ready
Most buyers want a home in move-in condition when they buy. For example, painting the interiors a neutral shade or white is a simple way to make a home appear brighter and allows potential buyers to easily incorporate their style into the space. Also, be sure to complete regular maintenance on your home’s cooling and heating and other systems to keep them in good working order for the next owner.
Have a home inspection
In many cases, a buyer will hire a home inspector to inspect the property. However, hiring one beforehand will help you assess what may need to be fixed before you sell. If the inspector finds major issues with appliances or your home’s plumbing/septic, heating or electrical systems, you may be required to make the repairs. Don’t worry; this is a normal part of the process — one we’re happy to guide you through.
Boost curb appeal
The exterior is often a potential buyer’s first impression of your home. If it’s well-kept outside, many buyers also assume it’ll be well kept inside. Paint or clean your exterior, trim hedges and shrubs and mow the lawn. These small activities have a big impact on attracting the right buyers to your home.
Clean
Hire a professional cleaner to thoroughly clean your home for potential buyers.
Stage
Make your home look its best by staging high-traffic rooms, such as the living room and kitchen. Staging helps buyers picture themselves in the home. While many sellers hire a professional, especially in competitive markets, you may also be able to do it yourself.
MARKETING IT RIGHT
Once your home is ready to sell, it’s time to think about marketing. Marketing helps find the right qualified buyer to purchase your home. It all begins with pricing. Homes that are priced right are often picked up by buyers in a short amount of time. To price your home, we’ll review comparable homes in your area that are currently on the market or have sold in the last few months. We’ll also take into account your home’s location, square footage, amenities and condition, as well as local market conditions. All of this information is included in the Comparative Market Analysis (CMA).
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