For those ready for whatâs next
Seller Checklist
Plan
You need to know where you are headed before you can get there. Have you already bought another home? Do you need the proceeds from this sale to close your next house? Are you already living and working in another state? Are you casually thinking about making a change and want to see if you can sell your house before you fall in love with the next one? Do you plan to request a lease-back option to delay a physical move or is your home already cleared out and empty? Have you met with your lender to discuss your options? These are important factors that affect asking price and our negotiating strategy.
Price
This is the really big question youâve been obsessing over â but before you get too married to a zestimate â consult your Realtor for a reality check based on current pricing information and market conditions in your area. There are so many factors that go into pricing and you want to get it right the first time â average number of days homes in your area are on the market, price reduction patterns, list price to sales price ratios, and price per square footage should all be considered along with a very detailed comparison analysis. Your agent tours homes in your area weekly and knows the condition and expectations of the buyers, another important factor in pricing.
Repair & Prepare
With the first two out of the way, its time to get real with what you really need to do to PREPARE & REPAIR. You may be tempted to jump start all those projects youâve been meaning to tackle before you consult with your Realtor so you can dazzle them with your pretty house at the initial consult, but, hereâs why its better to wait â your Realtor can give you professional guidance on which areas will get the best return on investment saving you time and money. Some updates might be completely unnecessary or should be prioritized much lower on your list.
Our service is tailored through technology, making us the modern go-to for real estate professionals, buyers, and sellers who expect the very best.
FAQs
Does staging really matter?
Staging works because buyers are after a feeling and you need to offer them more than just a specific number of bedrooms or certain square footage â what they really want is a house that fits their unique needs and make them feel good. Help them envision living their best life in the home.
Should I do repairs or updates before I talk to my realtor?
Some projects do have a major impact. But is that impact on price? Days on the market? Smooth sailing through the inspection period? Your realtor knows what takes top priority in your particular market and that expertise will save you time and money. One thing you can do ahead of time? Clean, clear out, clean, clear out, and then go clean and clear out some more. There is nothing that makes a house show better than clean and organized closets and cabinets, etc. giving off the illusion that there is more than enough storage in the home rather than the current owner is leaving because theyâre bursting at the seams.
Do I need to have my whole house look pinterest-worthy?
Making your whole house look like a show room isnât usually an option but it is important to present your home in a good lightâ clean, organized and up-to-date. Pick one or two rooms to wow them with swoon-worthy details. Prospective buyers spend the most time in the family room, master bedroom, and kitchen when touring homes so thatâs the best place to start zhushing. Youâd be surprised how quickly a can of paint and a quick trip to Homegoods can transform a space. Fresh white towels in the bathroom, a crisp new coverlet on the beds, pretty new throw pillows on the couch, updated cabinet knobs, and a few well placed baskets to corral mail and other items can make a huge impact while still being budget friendly.
Really want to up your game? Consider swapping out your builder basic lighting for something more designer and gorgeous. Depending on your market, you can get those dollars back in the sales price.
How do we keep it clean if weâre still living there?
Give yourself plenty of time to clean and declutter your home. Organize and pack up non-essential and seasonal household items. This includes your closets. The ultimate goal is to move out so youâre going to be sorting through and packing everything at some point anyway. Go ahead and do it now and really show off your homeâs storage potential. Rent a storage unit to get it all out of your house. It doesnât matter how much storage space your home has, if a buyer sees that youâve used it all up theyâll assume youâre moving because you outgrew your home and question if they can fit their own things.
Make time for â or invest in â a whole-house cleaning, including carpet shampooing. Change light bulbs, make minor repairs, and add a fresh coat of paint to any room that needs it.
Whatâs the best way to make a good first impression?
Imagine this as a blind date â its important to put your best face forward in pictures online to draw interest but you also need to make the effort in person to close the deal. Thatâs curb appeal and its so much more than just an HGTV Buzz word. You donât get a second chance to make a first impression so make them love your house from the moment they pull up.
People like to be right. If they see an exterior in need of repair or an uninviting front porch they will continue to look for confirmation that this house is a lot of work from the moment they step foot inside. Transversely, if they drive up to a green lawn with fresh mulch and pretty potted flowers along a clean sidewalk theyâll be excited to discover what other little touches youâve done inside.
