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So, you’ve decided to sell. It’s big stuff! With big decisions that need to be made, it can be exciting, even if a bit overwhelming. There are so many moving parts, it can be a challenge to figure out where to start.
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Let a REALTOR® help you
REALTORS® are the experts when it comes to navigating the wild world of real estate, so let them worry about things you may find confusing or frustrating . As a seller, they can help you with such daunting tasks as:
- determining if it’s the right time for you to sell;
- ensuring your price is right so you can get the most out of your sale; and
- negotiating your offers to get you the best one.
You’ve got a million questions, so it’s best to connect with a local REALTOR® to help you understand what your first priorities should be. They have the experience and the expertise to help you stay calm and be as prepared as possible. Read more: How a REALTOR® Can Help You Prepare to Sell Your Home
Don’t panic, just make a list
You might think you have to do everything, everywhere, all at once. While that’s probably mostly true, depending on your space, there are some key places to start. Take a holistic look at your space with the help of your REALTOR®. Here are some of the most common places they recommend you start:
- Obvious repairs, inside or out—is the fence falling down or are there shingles missing from the roof?
- Age and status of your major appliances—is your furnace in good repair?
- Living spaces—are they open and inviting or cluttered and overwhelming?
Your REALTOR® can help you with where to breathe and show you where to prioritize your time (and money).
Read more: Is Your Home Ready to Sell? A Comprehensive Checklist
If you renovate it, will they come?
There’s an age-old question: “If I’m selling, should I renovate first?”
If you’re questioning it at all, it’s best to consult your REALTOR®. Anthony Lance, a REALTOR® and sales representative with Right at Home Realty Inc. in Toronto, Ontario, believes there are specific changes that can help.
- Start with the kitchen and bathroom. While a full remodel can be costly, some DIY solutions can cut some costs and leave you with a space you would be proud to show.
- HVAC, roofing, and windows (oh my). How long has it been since any significant repairs or improvements have been done? The more recent, the more the odds are in your favour.
- General aesthetics should be considered. If you’re short on time, nothing beats a deep clean and a fresh coat of paint.
Read more: Home Renovations That Could Be Worth Doing Before Selling
Your REALTOR® knows people who know people
Your REALTOR® is going to be your MVP for this whole process. They’ll connect you with the right people to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible. You’ll need professionals such as:
- A mortgage broker—they’ll help with the money side of things.
- A home inspector—contacting an inspector in advance can save time and money.
- Home stagers—essential for helping your home to visually pop.
- Professional cleaners—you may not be up for channelling your inner Monica Geller across your entire space, there’s no shame in hiring a professional.
- Maintenance professionals—to ensure everything is up to code before listing.
- Movers—so you have someone to move your things before your closing date.
Read more: Professionals You’ll Need When Selling Your Home
How to improve your curb enthusiasm
Staging the outside of your home is as important as making the inside look as appealing as possible. Some key considerations include:
- keeping your lawn and gardens clean and manicured for a more polished look;
- considering the hardscaped aspects of your home such as the driveway, walkway, and porch (no one wants to trip on a loose step when walking into your home); and
- making sure your front door is a vital piece of the first impression by giving it a fresh coat of paint or new handle.
Read more: Tips to Improve Your Homes Curb Appeal
It’s not you, it’s them
We all love our personal bric-à-brac, but sadly, potential buyers may not resonate with your grandmother’s antique spoon collection you felt obligated to display.
That’s where a stager comes in.
Here are some of the most common things a stager will ask you to do when preparing your home for sale:
- Purge the clutter—take the time to do a deep purge. Don’t just shove everything into a closet; your buyer is guaranteed to open that door in hopes of determining how much they can fit in there.
- Box up the trinkets—anything you can’t bear to part with should be stored for the time being. Potential buyers like clean surfaces so they can envision themselves in the space.
- Upgrade your bedding—a fresh bedroom does wonders for selling a restful and cozy atmosphere.
At the end of the day, your REALTOR® is your strongest asset for all stages of the selling (and buying) process. They can answer every question you have, no matter how big or how small. It’s their job to help you feel confident during this process.
