Seller's Checklist
Whether you’re a few months or several years away from putting a For Sale sign in your front yard, it’s important to know what to expect. Selling your house and moving is a big transition to make, but it doesn’t need to be a stressful experience. Kimberly will help you navigate the selling process, provide step-by-step guidance, information, and tools that allow the process to be smooth and seamless.
Step No. 1: Find A Real Estate Agent
When you hire a great real estate agent, you not only trust he/she helps to sell your home quickly and for the best price, but also to support and educate you throughout the selling process. As you are searching for an agent, look for someone with a realistic but tactful approach. A good agent will be able to name a few drawbacks of your home — as well as the selling points. But just how does one find such a trusted agent? Getting referrals from friends and family is a great place to start. If you don’t know anyone who has sold a home in your area, online reviews can help you identify the best agent for you. And a face-to-face meeting is the best way to finalize your decision.
- Congratulations, you’re off to a great start because you are here and found a great one - me!
Step No. 2: Make A Plan To Prepare Your House For Sale
As soon as you decide to sell your home, start a master list (or several lists) to keep track of possible home repairs and other tasks, from tiny to major. It’s easy to let the to-dos make your head swim, and having everything on paper (or a note on your phone) can help you stay on track. Decide on a timeline for the “launch” of your home sale, and work backward from the date of your first open house to figure out when you need to complete tasks.
Step No. 3: Decide What To Fix And What To Leave Be
The sad fact is, it is unlikely you will be able to recoup the full cost of home improvements in the sale of your home — to make the most of your money and choose fixes wisely. One criterion to use when deciding whether to fix something before the sale is to ask if the item gives the impression that the property has not been well cared for. Leaky faucets, cracked tiles, a broken doorbell or anything that doesn’t work as it should raise a red flag for buyers. Always ask yourself if you can find a less expensive fix before committing to a big-ticket item. For instance, it might be better to repaint cabinets rather than replace them or cleaning and polishing the wood floors instead of refinishing them.
Step No. 4: Boost Curb Appeal
There’s much ado about curb appeal in the real estate world with good reason — many potential buyers make a first drive-by trip to see your home and decide then and there whether attending the open house or scheduling a showing is even worth a visit. Draw people in with big, bold house numbers, a freshly painted front door, and blooming flowers.
Step No. 5: Tweak Your Home To Help It Sell
Budget-friendly fixes often have the most significant impact, so it makes sense to start there. Quickly clean the exterior and landscape, steam clean the carpeting, replace worn area rugs and fix any scuff marks, nail holes and paint cracks. If your bathroom needs updating, give it a quick makeover with a new showerhead, faucet and fluffy white towels.
Step No. 6: Stage Your Home To Sell
Before you start buying new throw pillows, stagers agree it’s best to get your house sparkling clean and decluttered. Aim to make as much room as possible on surfaces and inside closets and cupboards to show off your space. Make sure each room has a clearly defined purpose. There’s no shame in having a room that’s a bit of a mishmash, but no one wants to see it like that during an open house. Buy, rent or borrow inexpensive furnishings to make a clearly defined room out of the mess, and enjoy a big payoff. Don’t forget to stage the outdoor areas, too. A shined-up stainless steel grill and a hammock in the backyard help potential buyers imagine enjoying summer weekends hosting barbecues and relaxing.
Step No. 7: Prep Your Home For An Open House
You’ve put in a lot of work to get your home ready for showtime, so don’t drop the ball by skipping important details on the day of the open house. Cleanliness ranks number one in importance, so be sure to sweep up every last breakfast crumb and smear of toothpaste on the bathroom sink, and sneaky dust bunnies in the corners. Also make a quick run through the house, removing any personal items (party invites, mail, school projects) that have migrated onto the fridge and counters.
Step No. 8: Take Time To Say Goodbye To Your Old Place
Leaving a home, especially one you have lived in for many years, can be an emotional event. Consider taking some photos of your old home before you pack up when your rooms are not clean and tidy, but just as they are on a typical day. Having a small photo album can be a comfort when you’re waxing nostalgic about your old house, and can be a wonderful keepsake for kids. And if you’re in the mood for some fun, throw one last party in your old place amid the boxes and packing tape.