There are several steps you should take before listing your home which may make the process easier:
Find the Perfect-For-You Real Estate Agent
A good real estate professional can be the difference between a great home selling experience and a nightmare. As you’re looking for an agent, check first with friends and family – find out who they used and what their experiences were like. Here are a few important questions to ask:
- Did your real estate agent return your calls and communicate in a timely manner?
- Was your real estate agent upfront with you regarding the value of your home?
- Did your real estate agent fight for you once an offer was made on your property?
- Would you use the same real estate agent again to buy or sell a home?
A strong agent will take the burden of selling a home off your shoulders, provide you with advice as you need it, and advocate on your behalf when the time comes.
Make Sure Your Home Stands Out
- Consider curb appeal: The first thing potential buyers see is the exterior of your home. Make sure everything they see screams “well kept.” If you have weeds in the yard, pull them. If the front door looks a little dingy, give it a fresh coat of paint. If the mailbox is crooked, straighten it. In other words, make it appear as though no small task has been left undone.
- Clear clutter: One of the easiest ways to create the appearance of square footage is to get rid of anything you don’t use on a daily basis. Put items you wish to keep in temporary storage and sell or donate the rest. This will help you home appear more spacious.
- Store personal items: Remove any photographs or other items identifying who your family is. There are two important reasons for this. The first is that it is not safe for a stranger to know your child’s name and what they look like. The second reason you should depersonalize is you want buyers to imagine themselves living in your home rather than picturing what your life is like.
- Utilize neutrals: Get rid of any funky paint colors a buyer is going to want to replace. Neutralizing paint colors is an easy and affordable way to remove a potential selling obstacle.
- Do a walkthrough: Look for details like loose handles, burned out lights, and creaky doors that need a quick repair. When a buyer begins to make mental notes of all the things they’re going to have to repair after move in, they also begin to reduce the price they’re willing to pay for the property.
- Speak with a Lender
If you plan to purchase another property, during or after selling your current home, speaking to a mortgage lender is a good idea. A mortgage expert will be able to assist you in navigating your home financing goals by looking at your timeline and evaluating your budget. Make sure you work with someone who can answer all of your questions and who ensures you understand the home buying process from beginning to end.
Selling a home can be an overwhelming task, but when the right preparation, resources and professional guidance, you can set yourself up for success.
Not intended as an offer to extend credit nor a commitment to lend.