If you have decided to sell your home and it’s going on the market, you probably have mixed feelings. It’s not unusual to feel stressed, nervous, and excited about listing your house on the market — all at the same time.
The selling process might make you anxious and worried about what is to come because you have little or no control over the market. Fortunately, you can do things that will put your mind at ease and ensure your home gets noticed and sell out fast.
Before you list your property for sale, consider doing these things listed below.
Hire a Selling Agent
The best option for selling your home quickly and for top dollar is to hire an experienced listing agent. A selling or listing agent is one that represents the homeowner in all sales negotiations. Their expertise is in properly marketing the property to potential buyers, and preparing the seller with what needs to be done and what to expect in the process.
Spread the Word
Even if your property has not hit the market yet, that doesn’t mean you cannot start creating awareness about the ‘for sale’ status. The more interested individuals you can get before the house gets into the market, the higher the chances of you selling quickly. Let friends and family know that you plan to sell and give them your agent’s information to share.
Clean Out Your Excesses
Just before you list your home, clean up and get rid of unwanted stuff. Getting your things organized, aside from making moving day easier for you, it also declutters your home. Fewer of your items in the home allows buyers to see themselves occupying your property. Your personal collections and oversized items can get in the way of that happening. Also find a place to store family photos and heirlooms, important documents, and other items you need to protect when your home is open for buyers to view.
Start Staging
An excellent way to get buyers interested in your property is by accentuating its best features, which is part of the staging process. Staging is an essential part of the house selling process and one you should not ignore as it gives your home a positive vibe. Staging your home in advance gives you enough time to ensure you get things right. Let your agent offer suggestions about what furniture should remain and what to put in storage during the selling period.
Plan for Your Kids or Pets
It is stressful and uncomfortable to have children or pets around when your home showing begins. Before your home is listed on the market, ensure you have a plan for where to keep your kids and pets during a home showing. Investigate local pet sitters that can take your fur-buddy at a moment’s notice and plan several options to take your children for a fun outing when your agent calls.
Set Expectations with Your Realtor
Before your property goes live, you should speak to your realtor about any expectations you might have concerning the home selling process. You should also ask questions about what to expect and inform your realtor if you have rules for buyers and their agent when they come to look at your property.
Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal
Putting a little effort to make the exterior of your home look beautiful goes a long way in creating a great visual of your home. After staging the interior part of your home, you should also boost the exterior part. The effect your curb appeal has on a prospective buyer increases how soon your property leaves the market. Your agent can point out certain curb appeal options trending in your selling market, so seek their advice before paining your front door a hot color you spotted in a magazine or on TV.
The period before listing your home is the time for you to get things sorted out. As soon as your house gets into the market, you might be too busy to get things fixed. Let your agent guide you in the best use of your pre-selling efforts.
