Selling anything has never been easier thanks to the internet. Well, almost anything. You can’t exactly list your home on eBay and expect great results. Moreover, today, there are many companies that specialize in helping homeowners sell their properties quickly and efficiently. These professionals have access to a wide range of marketing tools and resources, such as online listings, social media, and targeted advertising, that can help attract potential buyers to your home. Therefore, If you’re looking for a fast and hassle-free option to sell your home, there’s no need to stress or worry anymore. Thankfully, in today’s world, there are a lot of different solutions. For example, you might want to take a look at this company that buys houses in Pennsylvania, these kinds of companies can offer a quick and reliable solution that takes the stress out of the traditional home sale process.
But even if you’ve never sold a house before, you can navigate these treacherous waters with ease. A home selling checklist offers essential guidance for sellers old and new.
Want a seamless home selling experience and a fantastic closing price? Print off this list and check it twice. Here are the major bullet points of the modern home selling process.
Table of Contents
1. Gauge the Market
Not everyone has the luxury of timing a home sale. But if you do, it’s an opportunity you should seize.
First, check out some comparables in your neighborhood. A comparable, or comp, is a house that resides in the same neighborhood with similar features and conditions. Without the help of a real estate agent, examining comps can help you estimate your initial listing price.
Now ask yourself, would you be happy with that price? If not, you may want to consider holding off until the market improves.
That may happen sooner than you might think. Spring and the first few weeks of Summer are the best times to sell a home. Not only do the homes sell faster, but they sell for more, too.
2. Acquire a Real Estate Agent
Unless you are selling a home to a friend or family member, you always benefit by having a real estate agent at your side. Homes sold with a realtor close for more money and only take one additional week to sell in comparison to FSBO.
That said, not any real estate agent is going to cut it. There are countless realtors to choose from. Locate those with recent experience selling properties in your neighborhood, then contact them for a brief interview to determine if they are right for you.
3. Declutter the Interior
We all get used to living in our own disorganized messes. But other people don’t. That’s just one reason why you should prioritize cleaning and decluttering right off the bat.
From the living room to the closets, take care to get everything in order. Organize the bookshelves, file your loose paperwork, and put the lids back on your Tupperware. Interested buyers will be checking every nook and cranny of your home, so even the little details need a lot of love.
Do things still feel a bit cramped? If you’re loaded with furniture or other large possessions, you may want to relocate them to a storage unit. The more spacious your home seems, the more people are willing to spend.
4. Spruce Up the Exterior
If it looks good on the outside, it probably looks good on the inside, too. Enhancing your home’s curb appeal does not have to be a daunting endeavor. For the most part, it’s as simple as following through with tasks you should have done while you owned the place.
For example, water the grass, trim the hedges, and plant some vibrant flowers. Still not satisfied?
Tasteful outdoor decor such as birdbaths and torches can take your curb appeal to the next level. But don’t spend more than you have to.
5. Start Marketing
Although your home may still need some upgrades, you’re ready to get the word out. Most buyers find homes for sale through online listings, so your real estate agent will probably start here.
This means you’ll need to take professional photos that depict your home in its best light. Either you or your real estate agent can handle the photo shoot, but you may want to consider hiring a professional photographer if you lack the capability.
Something as simple as planting a For-Sale sign in the yard can drum up some interest as well. Depending on where you live, open houses are sometimes a viable option to find buyers. Some real estate agents buy space in print advertising or utilize their own email newsletters to further advertise your property.
6. Decide on Renovations
No house is perfect. Trivial wear and tear accumulates over the years, such as scuffed up paint, leaky toilets, and dented hardwood floors. Since these are relatively cheap and easy repairs, you should tackle as many as possible.
Harder decisions revolve around larger expenses, such as appliances on their last legs or outdated rooms. In some cases, it may be worthwhile to renovate some of these rooms as they may increase the value of your home. In fact, sometimes a good remodel can net you a tidy profit.
Discover more about remodeling a home to boost its resale value.
7. Keep Tidy
At this point, your work is done. Your real estate agent will work with you and interested buyers to arranged showings.
If you’re still living in the house, things are a bit more complicated. You should always keep things presentable in case buyers want to drop by on short notice.
You may have to break some bad habits. For example, don’t leave dirty clothes or plates sitting around.
Most importantly, always have a place to lay low for a while, especially if you have kids or pets. You don’t want them in the way while your real estate agent gives potential buyers a tour.
Use a Home Selling Checklist and Enjoy the Move
Preparing your home for sale can be a lesson in frustration. But it doesn’t have to be. With a home selling checklist, you can keep your head straight and focus on the enjoyable components of moving, such as exploring your new residence.
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