If you’re thinking about selling in a spring market, here are some helpful tips to consider for a successful sale!
Find Real Estate Agents who Specialize in Your Area
In order to understand what your home will likely sell for, and what your net proceeds will be, it is best to consult a local real estate agent specializing in your specific community. After touring your home, they will also be able to give a more accurate estimate on how long it will take your home to sell.
Interview a Few Different Agents before Signing a Listing Contract
Compare the agent’s marketing strategies, area knowledge, and past sales. Visit the agent’s websites, talk with neighbors for recommendations, and find an agent who knows your specific neighborhood and market. Don’t just choose the agent who recommends the highest list price for your home. Homeowners can tend to overestimate the value of their property in relation to neighboring homes, but a local real estate agent can help you determine an appropriate listing price.
Consider Your Moving Options
Do you need to close on your current home before being able to buy a new one? If not, you might want to consult a lender to discuss financing options such as a bridge loan, which could help you make the transition from one home to the next.
Evaluate the different potential situations and how you might handle them, such as a quick sale of your home before you’ve found your next home or the reverse.
Look at Your Home like a Potential Buyer Would
Gain some objectivity, and put yourself in a buyer’s shoes. Think about what attracted you to your home in the beginning as well as what you love about it or your neighborhood now. The things you know about your property can be helpful for marketing.
Tour nearby homes on the market and model homes to assess your competition and get inspiration for small improvements you can make to boost your home’s appeal for buyers.
De-Clutter, Clean, and Consider Updating
The best way to prepare your home to sell is to de-clutter it. Pack up any items you won’t use before moving and toss or donate items you never plan to use again. Do a deep clean of your home, not just to make it showing ready, but to also determine what cleans up and what might need replaced or redone. Maybe your carpets just need a deep clean, or perhaps your flooring needs replaced. Same with paint, maybe a good washing does the trick, or perhaps it needs a fresh coat. Finally, talk with your real estate agent for their recommendations on what items need updating. They can help you understand what upgrades will be worth your time and money, and yield a profit on investment.
