If you’re planning to sell your home in the New Year, there are several things you can do now to prepare even if you don’t intend to list for several months. Selling a home can be a long process, so it’s never too early to get started! Below are 6 things you should do now to sell your home in 2018:
1) Talk to a Realtor
If you’re thinking of selling your home, now is a great time to talk to a Realtor. I can provide you with an analysis of your home’s current market value. I also advise owners about updates and changes your home may need if you want to sell for the highest possible price. Your home may be an excellent candidate for the House 2 Home program. Call me to learn more.
2) Make Any Needed Repairs or Updates
First impressions are important. Every home can benefit from some updates before going to market. Turnkey homes appeal to the broadest group of potential buyers. They routinely sell faster and for a higher price. A home should present as clean, well cared for and move-in ready condition. The prep work will minimize inspection related repairs and facilitate a smooth escrow.
Whether you’re making a small or a substantial investment in your home, repairs and updates always take longer than you anticipate so it’s best to get started early.
3) Declutter Your House
Clearing clutter not only makes it easier for you to clean, your home will show better as well. Buyers imagine living in your home, and most will have a hard time doing that if they can’t see around your clutter and family photos. Do a whole house purge and box up anything you want to keep that isn’t essential to daily life. Rent a storage unit or pod to hold your extra belongings and furniture until you move into your new home.
4) Clean Your Home Inside and Out
With the extra clutter gone from your home, cleaning will be easier and more efficient. You will want to clean your whole house from top to bottom, inside and out. If you have pets, a thorough cleaning is especially important to get out any lingering odors. Take time during the cleaning process to look at your home with a critical eye. What else do you need to do to get your home into model-like condition? Create a list of additional fixes your home requires and make a plan to address them before listing. Touch up any marks on the walls or baseboards. Hire a professional cleaning service for your carpets and windows.
5) Refresh Your Landscaping
Don’t forget to address the outside of your home. Make sure the grass is green and trimmed. Patch any sections where the lawn has died. Banish weeds, trim branches, and pull out dead vegetation. Add new rock, gravel, or bark as needed. Power wash walkways and walls. Right before you put your home on the market, plant some colorful flowers to boost your curb appeal.
6) Decide on Your Timing
Are you waiting to sell until your kids are out of school? Do you need to list because of a job transfer or other life event? Or are you just ready to move on from your current home? Whatever your reason, make sure you have a general idea of when you want to move into your new home, Work backward from this timeline to decide on a list date.
If you can be flexible on the timing, the first quarter of the year may be a better time to list your home than the spring and summer months. Many buyers are either still looking for houses or just getting started after the holidays. With less competition from other sellers, your home may fetch multiple offers and sell more quickly.
Depending on when you want to list your home on the market, you’ll have anywhere from several months to just a few weeks to organize these essential tips . Give me a call, and we can meet to discuss an action plan that fits your budget and schedule. Now is a great time to plan for a 2018 sale!
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