Before listing their home, sellers should consider several key questions to ensure a smooth and successful sale process. These include:
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What is my home’s current market value, and how should I price it competitively? A comparative market analysis (CMA) from a REALTOR® helps set the right price.
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What repairs, updates, or staging are needed to maximize appeal and minimize buyer objections? This may include decluttering, cleaning, fixing minor issues, neutralizing paint colors, and enhancing curb appeal (more below).
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Get a read of the costs and logistics associated with selling, including legal fees, real estate commissions, and moving plans.
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How will my home be marketed? Understanding the marketing plan—including professional photos, online listings, and open houses—is crucial.
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What is the timeline for selling a home, and how flexible can a homeowner be with showing times and negotiation processes? Homes are staying on the market longer. Flexibility to allow showings will increase the likelihood of a sale.
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What items or fixtures do a homeseller want to take with me versus what stays with the home? This should be clarified upfront to avoid negotiation complications.
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What are the legal and documentation requirements? Gathering title deeds, surveys, repair records, and hiring a real estate lawyer is important.
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How will offers be reviewed, and what is my approach to negotiations and counter offers?
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What should a homeseller do to prepare for closing, inspections, and appraisals?
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How does a homesell plan the move and utility disconnections post sale?
Answering these questions with the guidance of a knowledgeable REALTOR® like Dale Sheppard, can help sellers avoid pitfalls and position their property to attract the best possible offers. The overall goal is to make the home inviting, well-priced, and easy to show, while ensuring all administrative and legal tasks are well managed.
Before listing a home, “pre-game” preparations such as renovations, landscaping, and de-cluttering are essential to enhance the property’s appeal and value. Sellers should consider these key aspects:
Renovations
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Focus on cost-effective improvements that offer high return on investment, such as updating kitchens, bathrooms, and flooring.
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Address any visible repairs like leaky faucets, cracked tiles, or peeling paint to present a well-maintained home.
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Avoid expensive major renovations unless they significantly boost value or are necessary to pass inspections. The complexity of permitting and construction may delay a sale. You can’t guess what the new homeowner may want in the home. You might build a new bedroom, but they were wanting bathroom: don’t spend time and money second-guessing what a buyer wants.
Landscaping
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Enhance curb appeal with simple landscaping upgrades: mow the lawn, trim hedges, plant seasonal flowers, and clean walkways.
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Power wash exterior surfaces and clean windows to make the home look fresh and inviting.
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Ensure outdoor lighting and entryways are welcoming and safe for prospective buyers.
Decluttering
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Remove personal items, excess furniture, and clutter to create a spacious, neutral environment that allows buyers to envision themselves living there.
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Organize closets, cabinets, and storage spaces to highlight ample room and good maintenance.
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Use neutral colors and tasteful staging to highlight the home’s best features without distractions.
These preparations make a strong first impression, often leading to quicker sales and higher offers. Planning well in advance and prioritizing affordable yet impactful upgrades can significantly improve marketability and final sale price.