Did you know that 90 percent of the people selling homes find the process super stressful?
Selling a home is a very big decision. In your life, you only get the chance to make a few huge, life-changing decisions.
Buying and selling the first home is one of those decisions.
After you get initiated into the process by the first home, it gets easier. This is not to mean that you will not feel anxious and stressed when selling your third, fourth or fifth homes. You will, but it gets easier with time.
The stress actually does not start when your home is listed. Even knowing the right time to sell a home can be stressful. For instance, when should retirees sell their homes?
Thankfully, after reading this write-up, you can make the process easy for you and your family.
1. Think whether you can consider a cash offer
Start by valuing your own home and then find out whether an online cash offer would be appropriate for it.
Although you will get a lower price, this is downright one of the most stress-free ways to sell a home. There is no staging for viewing, no inspections, just an online cash offer.
The home sells in cash! This means the buyer has ready cash, so there are no waiting times for mortgage approvals or other processes.
2. Prepare your family psychologically
Letting go of a home that you have lived in for years is never easy. You form a lot of attachment.
Leaving the sense of security and belonging that the home has always given you is not easy for you, your partner or your children.
Once you plan to sell the home, inform them cordially the reasons for selling a home. You can tell them you are selling to get a bigger, newer home.
Also, start preparing for the move early enough. For instance, it is a good idea to declutter your home when selling it. Give it a thorough outdoor cleaning too.
Start early enough. That way, even on the day you list the home, nothing is going to catch your family by surprise.
3. Consider refreshing to sell the home faster
You are advised to consider refreshing rather than renovating your home when it is on sale.
Start by sprucing up the driveway, by cleaning it. Also, make sure the outdoor lights are working. In the kitchen, you can change the old light fixtures and install modern ones.
Another essential aspect to address is the gutters, especially if you live in an area with frequent rain. Well-maintained gutters are vital for protecting one’s home foundation. Before listing your house, it’s crucial to check and clean the gutters thoroughly. You can visit the Gutter Supply site to find the right supplies and ensure your gutters are in top shape and free of debris.
Refreshing the interior is equally crucial. A fresh coat of paint can work wonders, instantly revitalizing the look of each room. Cleaning every area and decluttering spaces will also make your home more inviting to potential buyers. Opening the windows to let in fresh air creates a pleasant atmosphere.
Don’t forget to tend to your outdoor spaces. Trim and prune any outdoor plants, and keep the lawn well-mowed to maintain a neat and beautiful appearance.
Make sure the water heaters are working; solar panels (if any) are working, the kitchen appliances, and others are in good working order.
4. Consult a real estate agent weeks before listing
If you know you will sell your home in 2023, consult your real estate agent way ahead of the date you plan to list the home.
If you are planning to sell the home in summer, contact the agent in spring. They will look the home over and recommend the repairs to make so that your home can be more appealing.
Choose a good agent, since you will depend on him or her to find you a new home to buy after selling this one.
You also want an agent who can tell you the truth about how much your home is worth, which brings us to the next point.
5. Value your home just right
The real estate market, or any other market for that matter, runs on two rules. These are:
- The buyer tries to pay less
- The seller tries to get a lot
You are the seller, but don’t slap an exorbitant price on your property. If the price is not according to the standard market rates, your home will not sell.
To know the current median home price, talk to your agent. Price it at the right value to increase your chances of finding a buyer. Remember, buyers have many options.
6. Timing is everything
Proper timing is everything in the real estate business. For instance, summer and spring are the best time to sell a home. Selling one in winter can be quite call.
Also, try to find out the status of the property market. For instance, since 2021, it has been a seller’s market because there have been fewer home listings. While some sort of balance is returning in 2023, you can sell the home now.
If you try to sell in a buyer’s market, your home will fetch a lower price.
Final Thoughts
The last thing to note here is … manage your expectations. Anything can happen in the real estate market.
You will get low offers, you will stage many showings, and they might not be fruitful. Depending on the status of the market, you might even be unable to sell the home in that season.
It comes with the market.
Above all, be patient. Selling a home can take time. Your patience will be thoroughly tested.
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