Selling your home isn’t as simple as slapping on a price tag and listing it on real estate sites (if only!). In order to be prepared and get the most money for your home, there are a few things you need to know. Here is our advice on what to know before you sell your home:
Know When You Want to Sell
There are many reasons behind when you may decide to move. There is no one best time of year to move; each season has its pros and cons. If your priority is getting top dollar for your home, spring and summer are your best bet. But moving during the off-season can save you money on your own home purchase and move. Be thoughtful and consider all of your options and decide when you want to sell well ahead of time.
Know How to Price Your Home
When the market is doing well, it’s hard not to want to take advantage and price your home as high as possible. But that may not be the best idea. Buyers are more educated than ever, and most won’t even bother to look at a home that’s overpriced. On the other hand, if you price your house reasonably it draws in buyers — including some who may fall in love and end up bidding high because they are so determined to win, perhaps even to your original “high” price. Work with your realtor to decide on a sensible price that isn’t so low that you get a ton of offers that are way too small, but isn’t so high that you don’t discourage buyers or leave room for some bidding wars.
Know How to Prepare Your Home for Sale
If you want to make a good profit, you need to be thoughtful about the look and feel of your home and prepare accordingly. Curb appeal is important. A home that looks great on the outside has buyers interested before they even walk in the door — and this bias may even help them overlook a few less ideal things once they’re inside. A fresh coat of paint, a power wash, and some landscaping go a long way. This is true inside, too. There’s no need to renovate your home before you sell, but some new paint and small repairs can help. Finally, make sure your home is free of clutter, as well as any personal details like family photos. You want people to picture themselves living there, and keeping the space clean and minimal is the best way to let their imaginations run wild.
Know Where You’re Going to Live Next
When it’s a seller’s market, it can be tempting to sell your home just to get the most bang for your buck. Sometimes sellers can demand a contingency that allows them to stay in their home for a certain period of time after the sale in order to find a new living arrangement. But this can put off many buyers, leaving you far fewer and less ideal bids. Plus, there is no guarantee you will have found a home when your time runs out. Having your living situation figured out before you sell is by far the best option. Moving requires lots of planning, and the last thing you want is to have nowhere to tell your movers to go when moving day arrives!