Selling your home involves many tasks and timelines. Here are the basic processes to keep in mind during your sale.
Before listing your home
- Research professionals – Look for an agent who’s active in your neighborhood. Who’s sold a house in your neighborhood, left you marketing materials, come to your door or called you lately? Check out their online profile and credentials before calling.
- Interview agents – Set up at least three interviews a week or two before you want to list your home. During the interview, ask about current market conditions, recent sale prices in your area and their marketing plan.
- Work around school or employment – If you have school-age children, listing in the late winter or early spring months gives you a better chance of closing escrow and moving before school starts. If a job is prompting you to move, coordinate your sale with your relocation and determine if you will be buying or renting in your new community.
After you’ve hired your agent
- Ask questions – Ask your agent what to expect during the sales transaction, and always ask for buyer feedback on what will make your house more marketable.
- List on a Monday or Tuesday – Listing early in the week builds momentum and allows for a strong open house for the weekend.
- Prepare your home – Hire a home inspector and make necessary repairs.
- Rent a storage unit – If you still occupy your home, clear clutter and store away household items you don’t need. Decluttered homes show better.
real estate agent gives the couple the keys to a new apartment
While it’s on the market
- Keep a cleaning service handy-Hire a professional cleaning service to come in while your house is on the market.
- Discuss sales strategies with your agent – If your home is listed for more than six weeks without an offer, reconsider price or improvements that will enhance your home.
- Be prepared – The housing market may change. Be flexible and open to changes. This will help you sell quicker and eliminate home-selling stress.