A home sale is a big event for any homeowner. It requires a lot of preparation and an endless parade of decisions to be made. Doing your research ahead of time and understanding the value of your home and any improvements that can be made will go a long way toward ensuring a smooth and successful sale.
Decide How You Want to Sell
One of the first and biggest choices you will need to make is whether you want to try and sell your home by yourself or, as UpNest suggests, use a real estate agent. While a traditional real estate agent sale is still popular, the advent of the internet and the resources it provides is leading to a boom in for sale by owner (FSBO). Forsaking a real estate agent will save you on their commission costs, which can be a big advantage. However, to effectively sell a home yourself requires a significant investment of time and effort as you are the one dealing with all communication, showings, and more. This in itself might be a reason to justify paying the commission costs that come with hiring a real estate agent. There are plenty of pros and cons, so take a look at your market and timeline to decide which selling method may benefit you the most.
Renovate
You don’t need to make extensive renovations before putting your home on the market. In fact, doing so could make your home harder to sell. But, you should make repairs and updates as needed. According to Enerbank, some things in your home, such as the electrical, plumbing, and foundation, may need repairs before the new owners move in. Renovations are all about cost versus return, so make sure you are careful about starting optional big projects. Focus on smaller or DIY upgrades to maximize your value while keeping costs low.
Clean the Exterior
A great way to maximize value is the power of a good first impression. For this, consider spending time and putting in the effort on your home’s exterior and landscaping. Clean your siding with a power washer to remove grime, dirt, and any algae or moss growth—just be sure not to damage the siding. Clean your windows and screens inside and out, clean out gutters, and remove any moss or algae from your roof. Spruce up your landscaping by keeping grass trimmed, leaves removed, bushes and trees trimmed, and mulch freshened. Consider adding fresh flowers to bring bright colors.
Proper preparation and knowledge can give you a leg up on the competition and maximize your home’s value. Just make sure to check out the market, determine if a real estate agent is a good addition to your team, and make your house ready to see the best results.
If you’re looking to put your home on the market, contact us today to see how we can help!
