3 Must-Do’s When Selling Your House This Year
It’s exciting to put a house on the market and to think about making new memories in new spaces. However, despite the anticipation of what’s to come, we can still have deep sentimental attachments to the home we’re leaving behind.
Homeowners need to know what it takes to avoid costly mistakes when it’s time to move. Being mindful and prepared for the process can help you stay on the right track when selling your house this year.
1. Price Your Home Right
When inventory is low, like it is in the current market, it’s common to think buyers will pay whatever we ask when setting a listing price. Believe it or not, that’s not always true. The buyer’s bank will send an appraiser to determine the fair value for your house and will not lend more than what the house is worth. Be aware that you might need to renegotiate the price after the appraisal. Contact one of our real estate professionals to help you set the true value of your home.
2. Keep Your Emotions in Check
Today, homeowners are living in their houses for a longer period of time. Since 1985, the average time a homeowner has owned their home, has increased from 5 to 10 years (as shown in the graph below):
This is several years longer than what used to be the historical norm. The side effect, however, is when you stay in one place for so long, you may get even more emotionally attached to your space.
For some homeowners, it is difficult to negotiate and separate the emotional value of the house from the fair market price. That’s why you need a real estate professional to help you with the negotiations along the way.
3. Stage Your Home Properly
We’re generally quite proud of how we’ve customized our houses to make them our own, but not all buyers will feel the same way about your house design and décor. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you stage your house with the buyer in mind.
Buyers want to envision themselves in the space so it truly feels like it could be their own. Stage and declutter so they see themselves inside with their furniture and keepsakes – not your pictures and decorations.
Today’s sellers’ market might be your best chance to make a move. Contact us so you have the help you need to navigate through the process while prioritizing these must-do’s.