Tip for Selling

Prepare to Sell (Clean, Repair, Improve)

Once you’ve decided to sell your house, it’s crucial to include preparation in your plan. Buyers want to envision themselves living in the home they’re purchasing, so it’s essential to clean, declutter, depersonalize, and sometimes make repairs or improvements.

Declutter and Clean the House
If you need to live in your home while selling it, it’s important to remove personalized items, declutter, and stage the space. We recommend packing and storing your belongings. Some clients choose to place items in storage during this time.Additionally, deep cleaning the house before listing it on the market is essential. Consider hiring professional cleaning services to ensure the house is spotless.
Make Necessary Repairs
Investing a little money into repairs can significantly increase the amount you receive for the house. The goal is to get $2 back for every $1 spent.
- Inexpensive Repairs
  Over time, houses naturally age and require some repairs. Cracks in caulking around baseboards, windows, and fireplaces, as well as areas that need paint touch-ups, are common issues that should be addressed. These are inexpensive but make a big difference in how the house appears to buyers.
- Flooring
  Floors often show signs of wear and tear over the years. Repairing floors and replacing carpets can significantly enhance the house’s appeal to buyers.
- Improve Curb Appeal
  Curb appeal is the first impression buyers have of your house. Simple tasks like mowing the lawn, trimming shrubs, and adding fresh, natural-colored mulch can have a big impact.

Price the House

The goal is to sell for the highest price possible.

Market Analysis
Real estate markets are very local. We’ll use professional tools to analyze local market data, trends, and comparable sales to provide recent comparable sales data in your neighborhood.
Create the Right Listing Price Strategy
- Understand Buyer and Seller Psychology
  As a seller, you want to get the highest price possible. On the other hand, buyers want to feel they’re getting a good deal. Understanding the buyer’s perspective can help you create the right pricing strategy and prepare the house accordingly.
- Overpricing
  Sometimes sellers want to price their house higher, hoping a buyer will meet that price. In reality, buyers and their agents will conduct their market analysis. If they find the house overpriced, they may not even visit it or make an offer. A house that sits on the market for too long gives the impression that something is wrong with it. This could lead to lowball offers and make it more difficult to get the desired price.
- Price Competitively
  Pricing the house a little lower or just right can attract more interest and potentially lead to multiple offers.

Marketing the Property and Showing

Having professional photos taken by a real estate photographer is crucial. High-quality images can present your listing in the best possible light, maximizing your chances of attracting buyers online and through social media.

If you’re living in the house, make sure to:

Clean the kitchen (remove clutter, wash dishes, empty trash cans)
Make beds to picture-perfect condition
Open window blinds to let sunlight into key areas
Set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature
Secure your valuables

Review and Negotiate Offers

When you receive offers, you may encounter different situations. One offer might have a higher price but less favorable terms, while another may have a lower price but better terms. An experienced agent can help you negotiate with buyers to achieve the best combination of price and terms.

It’s important to remember that closing the deal is the priority. Sometimes, the highest offer may come with contingencies that could jeopardize the sale. It may be better to select an offer without contingencies to ensure a smooth closing process.

Close the Sale and Move Out

Inform utility companies about your move and disconnect services.
Change your address with USPS.