You’ve made the decision: You’re going to sell your home. Now you’re probably wondering Where do I go from here? Start putting fresh paint on the walls? Panic?
Don’t stress: Your Real Estate Concierge is here to help. Unfortunately, when my wife and I sold our first home in 2000, we didn’t know where to start or how to prepare. There weren’t blogs or great content available online at the time. However, in addition to what you can research online, I wanted to share a few simple steps to think about as you get your home ready to sell and maximize your return on investment.
1. Be vigilant with your stuff
Make the adage “less is more” your mantra. The detritus of life tends to stack up in our living spaces, which may be fine for every day but isn’t great for selling. Now is the time to tackle those organization and cleaning projects. Make a Goodwill bag and get a receipt. Giving to charity is a great feeling and also a tax savings advantage.
Give items away, recycle them, or pack them away for your next house. And remember, packing items away doesn’t mean shoving them in the hallway closet. Buyers will likely open every cabinet and drawer (pretty much), so those spaces should be tidy too.
While making your home buyer-ready, get a head start on packing for your new home and rent a portable storage container. This way, you’ll have a place to store displaced items — but you won’t have to drive it across town or get rid of it. Score!
2. Define a timeline and plan with your agent
As you’re getting your house in order, establish your timeline and expectations with your agent. You’re not looking for just any agent; but a real estate coach to guide you through and beyond the transaction. Selling a home can seem overwhelming, but with a coordinated plan, timeline, and expectations with your Real Estate Concierge, you will have a higher chance of success.
3. Dig out all relevant paperwork
While you’re cleaning and scrubbing, keep an eye out for paperwork that’s been stashed in random places throughout the years. Warranties, installation invoices, mortgage paperwork — gather it together.
If you can’t find the documents, you can always select “I don’t know” on the seller’s disclosure notice. But this isn’t the best tactic. Buyers want an active, informed seller who is involved with the details of their home. Give the people what they want, and in turn you’ll have an easier time selling your home for top dollar.
4. Schedule a strategy session with your agent
Purging and cleaning were the warm-up act. Now you’re ready for the main event. After you’ve signed on the dotted line with your real estate professional, schedule a walk-through before listing.
Take their feedback seriously. They know what color to paint that old maroon accent wall, how to stage the living room so it looks 20% bigger, and how to deal with outdated kitchen cabinets.
They also know how to allocate your dollars to impress potential buyers.
5. Repair and remodel
Work your way through your agent’s list of recommended repair tasks. If they advise a couple of remodel projects, make these a priority so listing photos can be scheduled. Remember, your agent is plugged into the local market and has some insider knowledge.
If it’s a buyer’s market, consider scheduling a pre-listing inspection. Nothing gives buyers the warm fuzzies more than seeing a completed inspection with items already attended to and checked off.
Take these five simple steps after deciding to sell your home and before you know it, you’ll be ready to step up to the closing table to sign your papers. If you need any help, give us a call at 855-REC-6700 or email us at concierge@reconcierges.com
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