Have you wondered what to do first when selling your home? Selling your house is a major milestone that comes with a ton of responsibilities. It can be emotional, too, but the right steps will make it as smooth and stress-free as possible.
A Realtor will save you time, money and headaches by handling disclosures, inspections, negotiations, paperwork and more. Here are the key things to do first:
What to do first when selling your home? Hire a Real Estate Agent
Having someone with experience working on real estate sales can help you avoid common problems like title issues, financing concerns and other legalities that could stall or even torpedo the sale of your house. They can also help you navigate the process smoothly from start to finish.
Many homeowners are tempted to save on commission fees by selling their homes on their own, known as for sale by owner (FSBO). But a real estate agent does much more than simply put up a sign and host open houses.
Be sure to ask about their negotiating tactics and their knowledge of the local market when choosing an agent. Ask for a list of references, too.
Declutter
If your home is cluttered with furniture, books, papers, clothes and other personal items, it will be less appealing to buyers. It may be difficult to part with some of your things, but doing so will help you prepare your home for sale.
Organize your kitchen counters and clear away knick-knacks from shelves and tables. Also, declutter closets to make them appear spacious.
Foul odors can be another big turnoff for potential buyers, so if your house has a musty or pet smell, consider hiring a professional cleaner. Adding fresh flowers and plants can improve your curb appeal as well. These are all simple, inexpensive tasks that will go a long way in making your house more attractive to buyers.
Fix Any Repairs
Few things turn off buyers like a leaking roof, dated windows or worn carpet. Make sure these issues are taken care of before putting your home on the market.
Buyers want to be able to roll their truck in and move right in, so fixing minor repairs can help them feel more at ease about the home purchase. Moreover, if you wait until your house is on the market to do these tasks, it’ll be more expensive because tradesmen will charge higher rush fees.
Don’t overdo it on small fixes, though. Most buyers will focus on big-ticket items that appear in the home inspection report.
Stage Your Home
A well-staged home helps buyers imagine themselves living there. That means packing away personal memorabilia and removing clutter. It also includes a thorough cleaning and deodorizing.
Make sure that you’ll be available during showings, too. Having to work around your vocal dog or children’s schedules may be inconvenient, but it’s necessary to give potential buyers an opportunity to fall in love with your house.
You should also do what you can to boost your curb appeal. A layer of fresh mulch, a fresh coat of paint, and hiding trash cans may help you get the best offer on your house. Lastly, mowing the lawn, removing any weeds, and pressure washing your exterior are all good places to start.
Market Your Home
Selling your home can be a emotional process, especially when you’ve made dozens of memories there. But it’s important to keep your emotions in check, especially during negotiations and home inspections.
Curb appeal is one of the best ways to catch buyers’ attention and make them want to see inside. Relatively inexpensive projects, like touching up trim and planting flowers, can make a big difference.
Also, remember that buyers will be doing a comparative market analysis to determine if your home is priced fairly. If you set the price too high, it could take longer to sell and you may not get as much money.
Now that you know what to do first when selling your home, it’s time to list!
The home selling process entails much more than just planting a “For Sale” sign and uploading photos to online listing sites. You’ll need to make sure that your home is ready to sell by decluttering, making any necessary repairs and boosting curb appeal before putting it on the market.
When you receive offers on your home, it’s important to evaluate them carefully. Consider factors like whether buyers are pre-approved for a loan, how much they’re offering and if they have any contingencies that would prevent them from closing on your home.
Having these details in mind can help you negotiate with buyers and make the best possible deal for yourself and your family.
Still wondering what to do first when selling your home? Contact us for help today!
Are you thinking about selling your home? If so, we encourage you to contact us today! We would be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you get started on the process.
We specialize in selling homes in the Las Vegas area, and we have a team of experienced and knowledgeable agents who can help you sell your home quickly and for the best possible price. We also offer a variety of marketing services to help your home stand out from the competition.
Contact us today to learn more about selling your home and to schedule a free consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!