Prepare Your Home for Sale

• Clean and Organize: Remove personal items and extra furniture to make your home look open and inviting.
• Maintenance and Upgrades : Fix any obvious repairs and consider doing upgrades that can increase the value of your home, such as bathroom or kitchen upgrades.
• Curb Appeal: This is a major factor in a successful home sale, so you may need to repaint the exterior or clean the siding, plant new flowers and make sure you’re keeping the lawn short, clean and alive.
• Staging: This process may involve moving your own furniture to storage and renting simpler pieces, or it may simply mean moving a few chairs around and decluttering. The point of staging your home is to help the key rooms – kitchen, living room, primary bedroom and primary bathroom – appeal to as many potential buyers as possible, rather than reflect your own style.

Pricing

• Neighborhood Comparison: Research recent home sales in your surrounding area to understand current market value.
• Professional Appraisal: Consider hiring a professional appraiser to get an accurate valuation of your home.
• Competitive Pricing: Set a competitive asking price that attracts buyers but also reflects the value of your home. Rather than what you think the house is worth, the asking price should be based on what similar houses nearby have recently sold for and what makes your home stand out compared to them.

Market Your Property

• Professional Photos and Videos: Invest in professional photography and videography to best highlight your home.
• Online Listings: List your property on popular real estate websites and social media platforms to ensure maximum exposure.
• Open Houses and Showings: Host open houses and private showings to give potential buyers a chance to see your home in person.

Choose a Listing Agent

• Find a Reputable Agent: Less than 10% of homes are sold by the owner. Given this statistic, having a real estate agent with knowledge, experience, and skill can be crucial to maximizing your selling price and ensuring a good experience.
• Marketing Plan: Work with your agent to create a marketing plan tailored to your specific property.
• Negotiation: Your agent will help you negotiate offers and navigate the closing process.

Review Offers and Negotiate

• Evaluate Offers: Review all offers very carefully, considering not just the price but also the terms and contingencies.
• Counteroffers: Be prepared to make counteroffers to get the best possible price for your home.
• Accepting an Offer: Once you accept an offer, your agent will help you navigate the next steps.

Closing the Sale

• Home Inspection: The buyer will likely conduct a home inspection. Be prepared to address any arise that might arise.
• Appraisal: The buyer’s lender will require an appraisal to confirm the home’s value.
• Final Walkthrough: The buyer will do a final walkthrough to ensure that the property is in the agreed upon condition.
• Closing Documents: This includes signing the necessary documents to transfer ownership and receive payment.

Post – Sale Considerations

• Moving Out: Plan your move and make sure the home is clean and empty by the closing date.
• Tax Implications: Understand the tax implications of selling your property and consult with a tax professional if needed.
• Feedback: Ask your agent for feedback on the process to improve future transactions.