Tips for Selling Tour Home
1. Tackle the Repairs:
Get an Outside Perspective
Why it matters: A pre-listing inspection gives you a clear, unbiased picture of your home's condition through the eyes of a professional. It allows you to take control of the narrative, addressing issues on your own time and budget. Instead of reacting to a buyer's inspector's findings during stressful negotiations, you can present your home with confidence, showing transparency and pride of ownership that puts buyers at ease.
What to do:
Hire a Certified Inspector: Schedule a full inspection with a reputable, certified home inspector. Think of this as an investment in a smoother, more profitable sale.
Review the Report: Go through the inspector's report carefully. It will create a detailed roadmap of what needs attention.
Prioritize Major Issues: Focus first on fixing any "deal-breaker" items. This includes problems with the roof, foundation, electrical systems, plumbing, or HVAC. Addressing these major concerns upfront removes huge obstacles for potential buyers.
Handle the Small Stuff: Don't forget the minor fixes pointed out in the report, like leaky faucets, running toilets, sticky doors, or cracked light switches. A long list of small problems can give buyers the impression that the home has been neglected.
Keep Documentation: Save all receipts and invoices for the repairs you complete. Providing this documentation to buyers demonstrates that the issues have been professionally resolved and builds immense trust.
2. Declutter & Junk Removal:
Create Space and a Fresh Start
Over the years, a house becomes a home filled with memories... and a lot of stuff. For longtime homeowners, the sheer volume of accumulated belongings can feel overwhelming. One of the most impactful steps you can take before selling is to thoroughly sort through your possessions and clear out everything you no longer need, use, or want to take to your next home.
What to do:
Start Early and Be Systematic: Tackle one room, closet, or even one corner at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Use a simple three-category system for every item you touch: Keep, Donate/Sell, or Junk.
Don't Forget the Exterior: Your yard and garage are just as important as the interior. This is the perfect time to get rid of old, rusty yard tools, broken planters, unused building materials, and tired patio furniture. Pruning or removing overgrown landscaping can also dramatically improve your home's appearance.
Be Honest and Decisive: If you haven't used an item in over a year and it doesn't hold significant sentimental value, it's time to let it go. Remember, every item you dispose of now is one less thing you have to pack, move, and find a place for later.
Call for Backup When Needed: For large-scale clear-outs, don't hesitate to bring in professional help. Sometimes the most efficient solution is to hire a junk hauling service to quickly remove large items and debris. For bigger projects, renting a temporary dumpster from a company like Republic Services can make the entire process faster and much more manageable.
Ultimately, the goal is to transform your home back into a house for sale. Clearing the clutter is the most effective way to do this. It allows the space to speak for itself, highlighting its best features and giving buyers a blank canvas to imagine their future. The bonus? You’re also taking the first liberating step toward your own new beginning, with less to pack and move.
3. Plan Your Next Chapter:
Prepare for the Sale & the Move
Why it matters: A well-defined strategy removes uncertainty, which is the primary source of stress in a home sale. Knowing your timeline, your next steps, and what to expect during key moments like showings allows you to remain in control and make clear-headed decisions from start to finish.
Define Your Goals With Your Agent: The most important conversation you can have is with your real estate agent about your overall plan. This is the time to discuss your ideal timeline, financial goals, and any concerns you have. Are you buying another home? Do you need to close by a certain date? We will work together to map out a strategy that gets you to your next place smoothly.
Plan Your Housing Transition: Knowing where you are going is a powerful motivator. Begin researching your next home and get pre-approved for a loan if you plan to buy. It's also crucial to discuss the logistics of timing. We can explore options like a "rent-back" agreement to give you more time to move after closing, or strategically coordinate closing dates to create a seamless transition from one home to the next.
Prepare for the First Weeks of Your Home Sale:
Be ready for a whirlwind of activity once your home is listed, as the initial market launch is the most critical period. This is when your property gets the most attention, and it involves a flurry of events: final staging, professional photography, the buyer's inspection, constant cleaning, open houses, and multiple individual showings.
This will be a big disruptor to your daily routine if you're still living in the home. While the process is certainly less stressful if you've already moved out, don't plan on being unavailable.
Your agent will have constant updates and valuable insights to share, and you will have lots of time-sensitive documents to review and sign. Staying reachable is key to maintaining momentum and making a successful sale.