Selling a Property?

When it is time to sell your home, there are a number of actions you can take to walk away from the transaction with the best possible results. If you are preparing to sell your home, consider the following strategies to maximize the return on your efforts.

Find a Realtor that you trust

I have had a number of conversations with friends and acquaintances who have shared frustrations and doubts related to the real estate agent that they are working with. A good working relationship should not be characterized by this kind of mistrust and confusion! Take the time to talk with multiple agents to find one that can explain the preparation, contract, and transaction process clearly and understandably, and above all else, find an agent that you can trust with your home.

(I'll be honest... I hope this realtor is ME. Click here if you would like to set up an appointment!)

2. Browse similar properties in your area on the MLS

Scrolling through similar properties to yours will be helpful in a few ways. First, you will get an idea of what price points are realistic for a property like yours. Second, you will be able to see how long properties took to sell, giving you an idea of your realistic timeline. Third, you will be able to identify some of the design trends that folks in your area are buying! This can help you set up your own home to sell quickly and at the best possible price.

MLS Property Search

It may also be useful to get a rough valuation of what your home could be worth by using a quick estimator like the one here. Plug in your current address to get a rough estimate (this will be based on market value algorithms, not a professional appraisal). Give us a call and we will help refine that figure to give you a clear and accurate assessment of what your house is worth on today's market!

3. Stage the property for a good photo shoot

Your first chance to market your property well will most likely come through posting the listing to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), and one of the easiest ways to set your property apart from the comparables in your area is to have really excellent photos. Your realtor should be able to coordinate with a professional photographer on your behalf, but as the homeowner, you can give the photographer the best possible opportunity to showcase your home well by leaving them a house that is clean, clutter-free, and set up with current design trends in mind.

Here are a couple helpful walkthroughs on how to stage your property well:

https://www.trulia.com/guides/staging-a-house/

https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/home-staging

4. Set yourself up to allow for patience

As a seller, you will be in the best negotiating position if you can avoid putting yourself in a position where you need to sell the house in a very short amount of time (like within 7 days). Plan ahead and put some money aside in savings so that you can give yourself the largest comfortable window for the house to sell. This will empower you to reject low offers and negotiate with confidence, knowing that the buyer may need to close on the house more urgently than you need to sell it. Even if you have to make an additional mortgage payment, you will often realize a better financial outcome by waiting for the right offer. If the right offer comes right away, celebrate and enjoy the benefits early!

5. Communicate with everybody

The process of getting a house ready to sell, waiting for the right offer, and packing up to move out can be stressful for everyone. Check in with your team regularly! Include your family, friends, Realtor, and neighbors in the process so that they can support you through it and help out with whatever is needed. People like to help, and sometimes are just waiting to be asked!

When things get frustrating, feel free to express that too. Look to your team members who have been through the process for wisdom, encouragement, and strategies to move forward.

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