Thinking About Selling Your Home? Here’s What You Need to Do First
By: John Olivero
Selling your home is a big decision that requires careful planning and preparation. Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or relocating, the steps you take before listing can significantly impact how quickly your home sells and for how much. If you’re thinking about selling, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get the best results.
1. Assess Your Home’s Value
Before listing your home, you need to determine its market value. Overpricing can lead to a stale listing, while underpricing could mean leaving money on the table.
Pro Tip: A real estate agent can provide a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to give you an accurate estimate based on recent sales in your area.
2. Choose the Right Real Estate Agent
A knowledgeable agent is key to a smooth selling process. They’ll help with pricing, marketing, negotiations, and legal paperwork.
Pro Tip: Look for an agent with experience in your local market, strong marketing strategies, and a track record of successful sales.
3. Make Necessary Repairs and Improvements
Minor repairs and cosmetic updates can significantly impact your home’s value. Fix leaky faucets, touch up paint, replace broken fixtures, and consider small upgrades like modern hardware or light fixtures.
Pro Tip: Focus on high-ROI improvements like fresh paint, landscaping, and kitchen/bathroom touch-ups rather than major renovations.
4. Declutter and Depersonalize
Buyers want to envision themselves living in your home. Remove personal items, excessive furniture, and clutter to create a clean, open feel.
Pro Tip: Consider renting a storage unit for extra belongings to make your home feel more spacious.
5. Stage Your Home for Maximum Appeal
Staging highlights your home’s best features and makes it more attractive to buyers. You can hire a professional or do it yourself by rearranging furniture, adding neutral decor, and maximizing natural light.
Pro Tip: Set up inviting spaces, like a cozy reading nook or a well-set dining table, to help buyers picture themselves living there.
6. Deep Clean Every Room
A spotless home creates a great first impression. Pay special attention to kitchens, bathrooms, and floors.
Pro Tip: Hiring a professional cleaning service before showings can make a big difference.
7. Price Your Home Strategically
Pricing is one of the most important factors in selling quickly. Work with your agent to set a competitive price that attracts buyers while maximizing your return.
Pro Tip: Homes priced correctly from the start generate more interest and may even lead to multiple offers.
8. Create a Strong Marketing Plan
A great marketing strategy ensures your home reaches the right buyers. This includes professional photography, online listings, social media marketing, and possibly open houses.
Pro Tip: High-quality listing photos and video tours are essential in today’s market, where most buyers start their search online.
9. Be Flexible with Showings
The more available your home is for showings, the faster it will sell. Be prepared to accommodate buyer schedules, even on short notice.
Pro Tip: Keep your home “show-ready” at all times by maintaining cleanliness and neutral decor.
10. Understand the Closing Process
Once you accept an offer, there are still steps to complete before closing, including home inspections, appraisals, and final paperwork. Work closely with your agent to navigate this stage smoothly.
Pro Tip: Be prepared for potential negotiations after the inspection and stay flexible to keep the deal moving forward.