Preparing to sell your home? If you are like many other homeowners who are thinking of selling their home it most likely seems like an overwhelming task. Many homeowners outgrow their home or dream of a change but don’t know where to start. Here is a simple guide to preparing for your next home sale.
Run Your Numbers
One of the first things you will want to do when preparing to sell your home is to figure out exactly how much you need to sell your home for. You may already have the perfect replacement property in mind. Perhaps you plan to search for your next home with the help of a realtor. Or, you want to take your profits and run to the nearest retirement beach. Each of these scenarios requires a set amount of money you will need for your goal. Figure out what this amount is so you go into your selling process with a minimum number in mind of what you can accept for your home to still move forward with the transaction.
If you plan to buy a new home you should find a reputable mortgage broker and see what loan amount you pre-qualify for. You should figure out exactly how much money you need to sell your property in order to provide you with enough money for your next down payment and moving costs. This may take a few days and you should be prepared to provide current pay stubs and bank statements in order to get the most accurate pre-approval letter.
Find a Realtor That Can Sell Your Home
Choosing a good realtor is one of the most important aspects of selling your home. Although buying and selling a home can be exciting, it can also come with some ups and downs and in some instances, it can be a stressful transaction. Therefore, it is imperative you choose a realtor who is experienced, knowledgeable about the current real estate market, and who will work hard to get you the most money for your property.
Once you have chosen a realtor you can ask them for a comparative market analysis on your property. This will provide you with a breakdown of the current market values of properties, comparable to yours, which then serves as a helpful tool for determining the current market value of your property. You should also go over the figures you worked out with your mortgage broker with your realtor, and then work together to determine a listing price that fits the parameters you are approved for and helps you achieve your next property goals.
Prepare Your Property!
Once all of the above is done its time to prepare your property. Making even small changes and improvements to your home can go a long way in getting you the most bang for your buck. Although this list of recommended preparation actions can seem exhaustive, we highly recommend you take the time to do these tasks around your home because they will pay off in attracting more potential buyers and improving the aesthetic appeal of your home.
- Declutter your living areas
- Depersonalize your spaces
- Repaint any bold walls to more neutral tones
- Touch up worn or scuffed paint
- Touch up scuff marks along your walls and baseboards
- Change light bulbs and update outdated fixtures
- Clean all your windows and screens
- Spruce up your front yard for some great curb appeal
- Thoroughly clean your carpets and floors
- Organize and spruce up your backyard
- Make sure your house smells good
- Get a home inspection
Making the decision to sell your home is exciting – its the start of the next chapter in your life. If you would like a comparative market analysis for your home or are in need of a realtor for your next listing contact The Mower Group. We are always honored when we are chosen to represent a seller on such an important life event, and we take great care to ensure we deliver the best listing services possible.