As you prepare to enter the world of a home seller, here is the ultimate home seller’s checklist to help keep you on track.
First Steps to Take Before Listing Your Home for Sale:
Choose an agent – homes that sell the quickest are usually those that a skilled real estate agent markets.
Make it safe – Prepare your home by making it safe for home buyers. Consider electrical safety, stairs, walkways, and any other safety hazards.
Price it well – Look at your state’s assessment, typically around 95 percent of the fair market value, or talk to your real estate agent to price the home.
Make necessary upgrades – Greatly outdated appliances will lower home values, so consider upgrading where needed.
Light it up – Add lighting to dark areas of the home to make it more inviting.
Second Steps to Take Before Listing Your Home.
Clean it up – Your home must be clean inside and out and ready to be shown to a buyer immediately.
Stage it – appropriately staged properties will look welcoming, spacious, and inviting, so use your furniture and decor to your advantage.
Perform necessary repairs – Maintenance you have been putting off must be completed before you list the home for sale.
Declutter – Take out clutter and personal items to make the home feel neutral & spacious.
Re-paint – Make sure your home is well-painted and in neutral colors to show well.
Add curb appeal – Even small changes, like colorful flowers in a planter box, will catch the eye of potential buyers in search of homes for sale.
Final Step to Take Right After You List Your Home.
Be prepared – If a home buyer gives you 12 hours’ notice on a showing, and you are not prepared, you lose a potential sale, so always be prepared to show the home.
Keep it clean – Plan to keep your home clean for potential buyers to tour.
Have a place to go – For listings and open houses, it’s best if you (and your pets) are not on the property, so make plans to have a place to go.
Trust your agent – Trust that your agent has your best interests and will market your home aggressively.
Essential Steps to Take After You Receive an Offer.
Ask your agent – Ask your agent what they think about the offer.
Negotiate – Don’t accept the offer without negotiating, as buyers expect a counteroffer.
Prepare for closing – Have the keys, garage door openers, and appliance manuals ready for your buyer at closing.
Are you prepared to enter the real estate market?
As a home seller, a real estate agent will be one of your best advocates.
Contact a local agent to ensure you have an aggressive marketer on your side using community contacts to sell your home quickly.
The post The Ultimate Home Seller’s Checklist appeared first on Housing Market.