No one likes feeling overwhelmed, yet this is a common experience for homeowners looking to sell. Putting your home on the market comes with a long to-do list, and it can quickly become a stressful process without a clear game plan.
This is why we’ve created our Home Seller’s Guide.
We’ve had countless conversations with homeowners who are concerned about the various obligations that come with selling a house. Some of the most commonly asked questions include:
- Where do I start? What should I tackle first?
- How do I know if I can afford to sell my house?
- What will potential buyers want to know?
- Do I need to paint, upgrade finishes, or refresh landscaping before I list?
- What if I need to live in my house while it’s on the market?
These are all valid questions. While the answers may vary slightly on a case-by-case basis, there are general steps homeowners can take to streamline the selling process. If you’re thinking about selling your home, we encourage you to review the following guidelines below.
Our Home Seller’s Guide
1) Speak with a Financial Professional
Before listing your home, it’s best to consult a financial professional, such as a financial planner, accountant, or mortgage advisor. While realtors can provide insight into what your home is likely to sell for in the current market, they can’t analyze the terms of your current mortgage or assess the bigger picture of your personal financial commitments and investments.
A trusted advisor can help you determine the best course of action before committing to the sale of your home.
2) Meet with Multiple Real Estate Agents
Not all real estate agents offer the same services. While one agent might specialize in luxury homes, another may be an expert in a specific neighborhood or region. Similarly, their skills can vary—some agents are expert negotiators, while others excel in problem-solving, digital marketing, or highlighting architectural features.
Take the time to meet with multiple agents to understand their unique strengths and skill sets. Don’t make the mistake of hiring the first agent you find. The right agent will align with your goals and expertise, not just have the biggest budget or be the first one you meet.
3) Start Prepping Your Space
A clean, decluttered, and well-maintained home is a home that sells. Potential buyers shouldn’t be distracted by dirty dishes, chipped paint, or leaky faucets. Instead, you want them to be wowed.
Proactive preparation can make your home more desirable and even fetch a higher closing price. Whether it’s power-washing your deck, cleaning your carpets, repairing nail holes, or enhancing curb appeal with potted plants and outdoor lighting, putting extra care into the details now will pay off in the long run.
4) Leverage Your Listing
Simply adding your home to MLS listings isn’t enough. Strategic listing practices can increase views and generate buzz.
Start with the right listing price:
- Too high, and you may deter potential buyers.
- Too low, and buyers might wonder what’s wrong with the property.
Additionally, pay close attention to the information included in your listing. For example, adding floor plans can significantly increase views. On the other hand, using vague terms like “move-in ready,” “priced to sell,” or “must-see” may hurt your listing’s performance.
5) Promote, Promote, Promote
No home-selling guide would be complete without emphasizing marketing—it’s one of the most critical aspects of real estate. Even with fair pricing and a compelling listing description, your property will be competing against numerous other homes on the market.
Often, homeowners view their property with rose-colored glasses, ignoring the strong competition around them. This is a mistake. Even in a seller’s market, it’s important not to underestimate the competition.
A strong marketing strategy is the most impactful way to differentiate your property. Partner with an agent who has a proven track record in creative and effective marketing techniques to increase your home’s exposure.
FOCUS ON YOUR FUTURE WHILE WE HANDLE THE FINE PRINT
We’re ready to put our Home Seller’s Guide into action to help you achieve a seamless, stress-free sale.
Let’s Get Started