You’ve looked at the housing market. You’re ready to move on and sell your house. You live in a good neighborhood, your house has some appealing features, and you’re ready to take some pictures and list your house with a local real estate agency. But selling your house for the best price isn’t as simple as that.

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Are You Really Ready to Sell?

Simply deciding the time is right isn’t all you need to do before putting your house on the market. You need to start by getting yourself prepared to meet with an agent. Check on your home’s current value, the amount you have remaining on your mortgage, the equity you have in your home, and then begin estimating the financial implications of selling. Once you understand the numbers, you can determine if there’s a target sale price you need to hit, or how the net proceeds will impact your new home purchase or tax bill. Using an online home estimate tool, as well as the information from your current lender, can give you the right numbers to work with. Remember though, these tools are simply an estimate.

Hire the Right Agent

Agents typically advise beginning your search for the right agent about two to three months before you want to list, especially if you have decluttering or repairs you need to take care of. When you begin your search for an agent, take recommendations from friends and family members, but remember that you will need to find the right agent for you, not simply a friend’s sister. Look for an agent with success in your neighborhood, but more importantly than that, look for an agent you feel comfortable with. You will be working closely with this person, and you need to feel as though you can communicate well and trust each other. Interview several candidates before settling on the right one.

Preparation is Key to Selling a House Fast

When you want to sell a house fast for a good price, what you do before you put your home on the market is what will matter most. Once you begin working with your agent, listen to their advice and follow it. You will likely begin with a significant decluttering and depersonalization of your home. Many sellers will rent a short time storage unit if they don’t have the space to store items until the move. Any excess – anything more than what is strictly necessary – should be stored away.

Buyers want to see a clean slate so they can picture themselves fitting into your home. Additionally, if you have a lot of clutter, it may signal there isn’t enough storage space in your home. After decluttering, schedule any necessary repairs. Anything that will come up in the home inspection should be addressed, but avoid any unnecessary upgrades at this stage. If you aren’t sure if your home needs repairs, you may want to get a home inspection so you know what needs to be done. Do a deep clean, stage the house (with the help of your agent and/or a professional) and have professional photographs taken. A professional photographer is well worth the investment.

Understand Pricing and Offers

Once your home is ready for the market, you will settle on a listing price with your agent. You want to set a realistic price, even if the market is hot. Buyers can look at comparable homes in the area, and if your home is priced too high, they’ll likely steer clear. While you have the option to lower the price, doing so can send mixed messages. Buyers will wonder what is wrong with the house.

When Your Home is On the Market

Once your home is on the market, your job is to keep it ready for showings and focus on keeping your curb appeal strong. If you’ve done a significant decluttering and invested in staging, this won’t be as difficult as it may have been prior to your listing, and since a show ready home is how to sell a home fast, you won’t need to keep this up forever. Your job is to keep the home ready, but let your agent show the home. Plan to leave during the showings so the buyers can be comfortable. Once the offers start coming in, let your agent guide you through the review and negotiation process. Your agent will know how to balance all the components of an offer to help you choose the right one to accept.

Your agent is your guide through the entire process of selling a home. Even after your home has received an offer, your agent will guide you through the remainder of the closing process. When you are selling a home, having a good agent by your side is one of the best things you can do. If you’re ready to sell your house, contact Amberwood Real Estate today!