If you’re considering putting your house up for sale in the fall or winter market, you’re probably wondering what steps to take to prepare. With the current market being as uncertain as it is with changes in mortgage rates and sale prices, it’s important to ensure your home looks its best from the second it goes live.
Here are a few tips for getting your home ready to sell and helping it stand out against the competition.
Work With The Right Agent
Who you work with matters, and while there are many real estate agents to choose from, you want to select the right one. The right agent will understand your wants and needs and help you through the process. They will help you prepare your home for the market by advising on staging, upgrades, and repairs, and they will also help you compare offers when the time comes.
Choose The Right Price
Making sure the home is listed for the right price is crucial for your marketing process. If you list the home too high, it'll sit on the market longer and lose its initial marketing push, but if you price the home too low, it could leave money on the table. Understanding the current market you are selling in can make a difference in what you price your home for, too. When inventory is low, buyers have fewer choices, and typically, homes are listed for a little bit higher than usual. On the flip side, sellers might want to consider listing their homes slightly lower and more competitively when inventory is high.
Curb Appeal Is Key
If the outside of your home doesn't look its best, buyers won't bother giving the inside of your home the time of day. The exterior of your home is the first thing buyers see and sets the tone for the rest of the home. A front exterior picture of your home is usually the first picture buyers see online, too, so your home must make a good first impression from the beginning. Make sure your landscaping and plants look fresh and beautiful, and powerwash the exterior and sidewalks as needed.
Depersonalization & Staging
Buyers want to be able to imagine what life will be like in your home, so depersonalizing is important. Take down any personal items, including family photos, name signage, and more. You don't need to remove all decor from the home. Keeping some decor out will help give the home a more inviting feel that buyers are looking for.
If you don't have a ton of furniture and decor, consider staging services. It will make the home look better in photos and for showings when buyers come in.
Listing your home can come with many emotions depending on the situation, which is why it's important to prepare as much as you can from the beginning. If you have any questions about how to prepare your home for the market or what the listing process is like, reach out to me! I'm always happy to help.
