Stay, Play, B.L.A. - a blog

Waiting 'til spring to sell? It's never too soon to prepare yourself and your home. Here's 5 things to start thinking about before you're ready to get on the market.

Get an agent involved early

Working with a local agent will help you go to market in the best position to achieve your goals. Pricing and selling your home successfully revolve around experts that are knowledgeable in the current market who can offer invaluable insight and guidance in the home preparation process. A successful home sale means getting the right agent involved, and getting them involved early so that you can dive into the process with a streamlined approach from the very beginning.

Make improvements and pre-inspection repairs

Walk through your home with your agent to determine what improvements and repairs will give you the most payback. When a house is better maintained, it usually leads to a higher asking price. Make sure that major systems like plumbing, HVAC, and electrical are in working order and make note of signs of mold or mildew, damp basements, deteriorated roofs, and interior appliances like smoke detectors. If you find any problems, it is better to address them ahead of time to reduce any surprises and potential repair or credit costs down the road while under contract. Making improvements could be as simple as switching out appliances, a faucet, or adding some paint. Do all these things before you take pictures for your listing.

De-clutter and de-personalize

Believe it or not, some psychological tactics come into play when selling. Pack up out-of-season clothing and put away personal items (including most family pictures). Buyers should be able to envision themselves living in your home, which can be difficult if your family portrait from the 90’s is hanging over the mantle. Just remember that potential buyers want to see your home, not your stuff. Instead, stick to neutral furnishings and versatile decorations that will appeal to a variety of people.

Start your spring cleaning 

With the repair work finished and the clutter out, it’s a good time to give your home a deep clean. It’s far easier to keep a clean house tidy over the following months. Wiping out cabinets, dusting furniture, and cleaning floors go a long way to making your home look great. You may even consider having your carpets professionally cleaned or your exterior power-washed (curb appeal is key!)

Educate yourself 

With your house looking great and ready to go, it’s good to study exactly what is involved in selling a home. Go through each phase step-by-step in order to know what to expect and what pitfalls to avoid. It’s worth brushing up on local legislation, as well as knowing what you’re expected to disclose when selling your home. Research comparable homes in your area and come to terms with the local market. Your agent can help answer any questions you may have and help you feel ready to sell your homes. 

Have more questions? Reach out to Kyle for more info on how to make the most of your selling experience.