Getting an Early Start on Selling Your Home
How long does it take to transform a lived-in home into a market-ready house that attracts eager buyers? Estimates can vary from a few weeks to several months. One major factor often overlooked is that the home wasn’t truly ready to be sold. Don’t let the excitement of finding your new home overshadow the preparation needed to sell your current one. Dedicating the necessary time to this process can mean a smoother experience and potentially more money in your pocket.
What Does a Home Need Before It Goes on the Market?
The basic answer is simple: your home needs to look its best, be in good condition, and be ready for photos and open houses. This involves cleaning, decluttering, touch-ups, and staging. Depending on your home’s current condition, you might face a lengthy to-do list. Even responsible homeowners who maintain their properties may find additional improvements needed upon closer inspection. Depersonalizing your home can also add appeal, allowing buyers to envision themselves in the space.
Steps to Get Your Home Ready
Starting early can be as simple as keeping up with regular tasks like cleaning and avoiding deferred maintenance. These are actions you can take before even talking to an agent. However, if you are not sure where to start, an experienced agent can be priceless when managing expectations. They can guide you to what needs to be done to appeal to today’s buyers, and how those changes may lead to a higher selling price. Not only can they advise on what projects need to be tackled, they can usually recommend trusted professionals to help you accomplish those projects.
Benefits of Early Preparation
The benefits are twofold: more time to complete projects and a smoother selling process. Busy schedules make it crucial to address your home’s needs without a tight timeline. Whether you choose DIY efforts or hire professionals, starting early means less stress and better decision-making.
There’s a saying, “Smooth is Fast,” which applies here. Taking the right steps in the right order can help you sell your home quickly and for a good price. If you’ve already handled repairs, cleaning, and staging before contacting an agent, your home can be photographed and listed swiftly, enabling you to capitalize on market trends without delays.
Ready to Sell?
It all begins once you decide to sell. Regardless of your reasons, start thinking about what needs to be done in advance. Procrastination can lead to unnecessary stress. Being ahead of schedule helps reduce complications throughout the selling process. A home that can be listed quickly is a home that can sell quickly!
