Key Steps For Getting Your House Ready to Sell

 

Following these steps can help you get your house “Sold” as quickly as possible while reducing your stress levels during the process.

 

1. Finding the Right Agent

 

Yes, this is the first step! It’s important to find the right agent. Look for someone local and experienced. Someone who knows how to market your home using various methods to bring you the highest number of potential buyers. 

 

The main thing is to team up with an agent who really knows your area. They'll help you determine what offers are fair and which ones are too low. Plus, they'll guide you in setting the right asking price, because if it's too high, you won't get many, if any, offers, and if it's too low, you won’t make as much money from the sale.

 

An experienced agent will compare your house to similar ones in the area that have recently sold to help you set the right asking price. This will help avoid either of these mistakes.

 

Interview real estate agents to make sure you choose the right one for you.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Find out how long they’ve been an agent and how long they’ve been working in your area. Ask them about recent sales they’ve closed on. This will show you how successful they are and if they’re getting top dollar for the homes they’ve sold. You can also ask for a list of past clients to use as referrals.  Call them to find out what they really thought of the agent and their performance.

 

If you’re thinking of selling it on your own, I get it. It saves you from paying a commission to the agent. BUT – you run the risk of not getting top dollar for your home. Agents have several ways they can market your home to the largest number of potential buyers, and they know how to negotiate the sale to get you the most money possible. They can also help you work through any potential issues that may arise during the process.  Our agent at Emmer Real Estate Group are experienced and knowledgeable in several markets in most of Southeastern Wisconsin! Contact us today!

 

2. Setting the Right Asking Price

 

You’ll have a hard time selling your home if you don’t set the right asking price. If it’s too high, you may not get any offers at all, and if it's too low, you may not make as much money from the sale.

Find Comparable Properties (“Comps”)

 

To help you figure out what the listing price should be, your agent will put together some “comps”. Comps are properties in your neighborhood that are similar to yours. Agents, and even appraisers, will look at the sales price of these comps from your neighborhood that are similar to your home in order to determine the current market value of your home.

 

3. Remove Clutter And Stage

 

To ensure your home makes a lasting impression, proper staging is essential to showcase your home in the best way. This may involve arranging your house differently than you have it now. Hiring a professional stager to guide you along may be worth the extra cost in the end. They will give you expert advice on decluttering to how to make rooms appear more spacious.  This is very important because you’ll want potential buyers to envision themselves in the space.

 

When staging, think about how your home will appear in online photos on platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, and the MLS. Make sure photos are taken in well-lit, decluttered rooms. 

 

Remove personal items such as family photos and memorabilia to depersonalize the space. This helps potential buyers imagine themselves living in your home, which can be challenging if they are surrounded by those things.

 

For pet owners, it's a good idea to remove all traces of pets during showings, including toys, food dishes, crates, and litter boxes, and thoroughly clean to eliminate any pet odors. There are a lot of animal lovers out there, but you’ll want to appeal to all buyers, and some may be turned off by the thought of living in a home that previously had pets.

 

If you have a lot of stuff and are struggling with what to do with it all, consider renting a storage unit.  By decluttering, you will create a more open and airy atmosphere for potential buyers.

 

4. Give Your House A Thorough Cleaning

 

To make a lasting impression on potential buyers, your house should be spotless.  A messy, disorganized space will deter potential buyers, so it's important to prioritize a thorough cleaning before listing your home. Concentrate on high-traffic areas like the kitchen, closets, and bathrooms, as these rooms significantly influence a buyer's decision. Ensure hard-surface floors are gleaming, rugs and carpets are steam-cleaned, and windows are sparkling. Tackle the deep cleaning yourself or hire a professional.

 

5. Strategically Upgrade Your Space

 

Figure out what, if anything, needs renovating. While it might change depending on the local market, there are a few basic guidelines you can start with.

 

Start With A Home Inspection

Home inspections come at a cost, but hiring an inspector before selling your home can be a worthwhile investment. During the inspection, the inspector will carefully examine your property for issues such as aging roofs, foundation cracks, faulty appliances, and termite infestations.

 

Getting an inspector's report allows you to pinpoint problem areas in your home before listing it. By addressing these issues beforehand, you can avoid potential problems that buyers might uncover later on, ultimately enhancing the marketability of your property.

 

Maximize The Value

Buyers are drawn to significant upgrades. They often have a sense of the costs associated with major renovations. Therefore, a recently updated bathroom, kitchen, or flooring can make a strong impression.

 

Another thing to remember is the quality of materials used in your home will be noticed by potential buyers. For example, while porcelain may be more expensive than ceramic initially, it offers better durability in the long run.

However, it’s important to consider the neighborhood standard and not overspend. Appraisals often don't reflect the full value of high-end upgrades unless they're widespread in the area. For instance, investing in a deluxe top of the line oven may not significantly increase your home's value unless similar upgrades are common among neighboring properties.

 

For a more budget-friendly update, focus on refreshing smaller things like fixtures and sinks. Be consistent in style to maintain a cohesive look throughout your house and avoid mixing different finishes like brass with chrome.

 

Keep in mind that home improvements rarely result in a one-to-one return on investment. Spending $10,000 on a new roof, for example, doesn't guarantee a $10,000 increase in your home's sale price.

 

Ultimately, setting the right asking price depends on comparable sales in your neighborhood. Don't assume that spending $20,000 on a basement renovation will automatically justify a similar increase in your home's sale price. However, these improvements can make your home more appealing to buyers, potentially giving it an edge over others in the area.

 

Be Careful of Trends

It’s tempting to copy the latest social media trends and even the ones you see on your favorite home remodeling shows, but beware.  Some of these trends could turn off potential buyers. Remember, trends come and go, and not everyone will be drawn to them.

 

Experts typically advise against updates that reveal the timing of renovations. Classic styles hold an advantage here, as they maintain broad appeal over time.

 

Small Improvements Can Make a Big Impact

Another way to freshen up your kitchen is by swapping out the cabinet knobs for a new look. The same idea applies to door handles throughout the house. Since the door itself doesn't change much, updating the handle can completely transform its appearance.

 

But it's not just doors that can benefit from a makeover. Adding new drapes and blinds can also enhance the look of your windows. While these changes may not directly increase the home's value, they contribute to its overall aesthetics, which could inspire potential buyers to make an offer.

 

Fresh Paint

A fresh coat of paint is a good investment. Applying a new coat of paint to the walls of your bedroom, living room, and kitchen can rejuvenate tired spaces, making them more appealing to potential buyers. In fact, fresh paint is one of the most budget-friendly improvements homeowners can make when preparing to sell their home.

 

However, you should choose your colors wisely. While you might be fond of bold colors, many buyers may not share the same taste. Opting for neutral colors such as white, gray, or beige is a safer choice, ensuring that your home's walls won't deter buyers who aren't keen on painting over vibrant colors like purple in the kitchen.

 

6. Boost Curb Appeal

 

Making a great first impression is crucial when selling your home. Start with the basics, making sure your lawn is well-maintained. Then, consider some inexpensive ways to spruce up the exterior.

 

Add vibrancy and charm by painting the front door in a trendy shade or adding potted plants to the entryway. Installing new shutters can also refresh the look of your home's exterior. Additionally, power washing a dirty brick exterior and revitalizing an aging deck or patio can breathe new life into the property.

 

Even if you're selling in the fall or winter, there are still special touches you can add to enhance your home's exterior appeal.

 

Checklist - Getting Your House Market-Ready

Getting ready to sell your house? Follow the checklist below to guide you through the process:

 

2 Find a real estate agent that’s right for you and one who can help you market your home.

 

2 Consult with your agent to go over comparables in your neighborhood to set the right asking price.

 

2 Declutter by eliminating unnecessary items such as extra furniture and décor and remove personal items.

 

2 Give your home a top-to-bottom cleaning.

 

2 Consider making both big and small repairs to ensure everything in your home is in working order.

 

2 Get a home inspector to point out any significant structural or other issues in your home, and then address them promptly.

 

2 Freshen up your home’s interior with a fresh coat of paint on the walls. This is a cost-effective improvement with a big impact.

 

2 Spruce up the exterior of your home. Mow the lawn, trim trees, remove weeds and plant flowers.

 

2 Once your home is staged, you are ready to list!

 

Now that you’re ready to list your house, make sure both you and your real estate agent are aware of all of its selling points and key features. It's also helpful to know about the local school system and nearby attractions.

 

It can be tricky when you’re selling and buying a home at the same time.  Especially in today’s market. If this is you, minimize your stress by making sure your current house is market ready to maximize your chances of a quick sale. So put in the extra work now! You’ll be happy you did when you start to see the offers coming in!

 

In Conclusion

I realize it seems like a lot of work getting your house ready to sell, but don’t let that scare you. This is a very important part of the process of selling your house and it’ll pay off in the end.  Get started now by contacting us at Emmer Real Estate Group today!!