Selling Your Home? Here's What You Need to Know.

Making the decision to sell your home can be a stressful and emotional experience. From considering whether or not it’s the right move, to figuring out how much you should list it for and dealing with potential buyers, there are plenty of things that can add up to cause stress. But with the right preparation and guidance, you can ease the stress of selling your home.

Partner with a real estate professional

Working with an experienced real estate agent can be key to having a successful and stress-free home-selling experience. Your agent will provide invaluable advice, resources, and guidance throughout the entire process. They’ll help you set the right price for your home, market it effectively, and attract qualified buyers, as well as handle all of the paperwork associated with the sale. It’s also helpful to have an impartial third-party who can handle negotiations with potential buyers on your behalf, helping you get the best possible deal.

When negotiating an offer, the expertise of an experienced real estate agent is invaluable. Their objective? To ensure you are paid the maximum price for your home and that it sells quickly. Of course, this starts with setting a competitive listing price.

• When pricing your home too high, it tends to stay on the market for much longer than other homes in your area - this may cause buyers to doubt its value.
• On the flip side, selling at a lower price should be avoided as well because you can easily miss out on valuable equity and further diminish potential profits that could go toward buying another property.

A professional agent should have an innate understanding of what is happening in the local market and make sure that you feel comfortable working together.

Prepare your home for listing

In order to get top dollar when selling your home it’s important that it looks its best. This means taking the time to do some light repairs, giving the interior and exterior of your home a fresh coat of paint, decluttering and organizing rooms, and making sure that any features such as landscaping are well maintained. Taking these steps ahead of listing can help you get more buyers interested in your home.

Make Repairs Before Selling

If you know of any repairs that need to be done before you sell, take care of them ahead of time. This can help ensure that potential buyers don't have to worry about any extra expenses once they purchase the property. It can be helpful to set up a pre-listing inspection. By taking the time to address all of the issues that your inspector finds prior to listing your house, you will instill confidence in the sale and have assurance during the closing process.

Invest in Curb Appeal

Making sure that your home looks attractive from the outside can be key to getting potential buyers inside. Investing in landscaping, painting, and other exterior improvements can go a long way in drawing attention to your property. Though it may seem like extra work, it can be the difference between buyers falling in love with your home or becoming overwhelmed with their mental "to-update" list.

Declutter

Decluttering your home is an important step in the selling process. Not only does it make a good first impression on potential buyers, but it can also make the entire house appear bigger and more spacious. Removing excess furniture, knick-knacks, and other items will help create a more attractive visual for buyers. By decluttering, you can also show off any unique features or special details of your home, thus making it more appealing. Additionally, it can help buyers better envision themselves living in the space.

Make sure you have easy access to the items that you use daily or weekly while trying to store them out of sight. When it comes to seasonal objects such as decorations and blankets that won't be used for a few months, take those away too. To reduce furniture in your home and surplus clutter, consider renting an on-site storage container or unit which can significantly help out during this period! The trick is all about perception; having minimal furniture, clear closets without overstuffing them with clothes, and minimal artwork displayed throughout - these are just small details that will make your house appear visually pleasing and spacious enough for guests. And as an added bonus, you may even get a jump start on your packing!

Stage Your Home

Staged homes tend to sell faster than those that are not staged. This means you should take time to de-clutter, freshen up your home's interior with a coat of paint, and arrange furniture to make the most out of each space. When staging your home, it can be helpful to use neutral colors and furnishings. This will give potential buyers the freedom to imagine themselves living in the space and make it easier for them to envision all of their own belongings in the room.

Put Your Best Foot Forward Online

In today’s world, many potential buyers will research properties online before scheduling a physical tour.

• Quality Photos and/or Videos: It is important to have quality photos and videos of your home available for viewers. Professional photographs can help create an attractive first impression for potential buyers when they view your listing online. Investing in quality photos of the exterior and interior of your home to ensure it looks its best online.
• Ensure Accuracy: It’s also important to make sure all of your information is accurate and up-to-date. This includes providing the correct address, square footage, room measurements, etc. Making sure all of this information is readily available online can help reduce any confusion or uncertainties that potential buyers may have about your home. Additionally, providing detailed descriptions and professional virtual tours can help attract more interest in your property.
• Online Listings: Write about the importance of being listed on a real estate agent's site and other online sites. Being listed on a real estate agent’s website will make it easier for potential buyers to find your listing and access all the necessary information. Additionally, many websites provide detailed descriptions of each property’s features and amenities – providing an easy way for buyers to discover what your home has to offer. Utilizing online listings can be a great way to attract more potential buyers and increase interest in your property.
• Utilize Social Media: Effective use of social media can help you reach more potential buyers faster and make it easier to find a buyer for your home. Your agent will share photos, post updates, and answer questions in order to create buzz around your listing. You can support those efforts by also sharing listings on your social media accounts.
• The Agent's Distribution Channels: Let's face it, everyone you know has browsed online listings, so how do you stand out in a sea of listings? Working with a real estate agent gives you access to their network and connections, making it easier to get the word out about your home’s listing. They can also employ additional marketing tactics such as email campaigns, personal contact, brochures, and postcards that can reach potential buyers beyond just online searches. Additionally, they are usually connected with other agents which could lead to future referrals. This can be very beneficial in helping you find the best buyer for your home quickly and efficiently.

Stay informed throughout the process

The home selling process can seem overwhelming, but keeping yourself informed will help you stay ahead of tasks and deadlines. Make sure to learn about the paperwork needed for closing, stay on top of any inspections that need to be done, and get familiar with local laws and regulations associated with selling a home in your area. Knowing what’s coming and when can help you prepare and stay organized, reducing the potential for stress.