Selling your Home

You have determined its time to sell your home……now what?

Start by Finding a Realtor

Its important to find a reputable Realtor to help you with the process of selling you most valuable asset. A good agent will listen to your goals and then advise on your options for achaiving them. This should include a marketing plan for your property, stategies for maximizing the selling price, and the current market conditions

Understand the Current Market

Understanding the current market is important, is it a sellers market or a buyers market. Your agent will be able to provide you with the information as well as a comparative market analysis so you have a good understanding of what your house will currently sell for.

Preparing your Home for Sale

Here is an abbreviated list of things to consider when selling your home. Feel free to ask us for specific items to complete for your home.

1. De-personalize – Consider boxing up those personal/family photos. They tend to make potential buyers feel uncomfortable while previewing your home.

2. De clutter – Do you have oodles of miscellaneous brick-a-brack? It may mean something to you, but it’s a major turn off to prospective buyers. If you’re not using it, pack it up.

3. Clean – And by clean I mean clean every inch of your house, top to bottom, kitchens and bathrooms, basements and attics, nooks and crannies, and don’t forget to clear the counters. If you haven’t the time, and you have the extra cash consider hiring a cleaning company.

4. Rent a storage unit – Storage units are well worth the money, and renting one will help you to get rid of those clunky items that make your home look much smaller than it is. List and show your house with the essentials only.

5. Closet space – Cluttered closets leave a negative impression. Buyers want to believe that they are going to have unlimited room for their clothes. If you don’t wear it, donate it. If you just can’t get rid of the beloved shoe collection and you have minimal home storage; hide them in a container under your bed. Buyers never look under beds.

6. Kitchen appliances – If they are broken or dated – replace them. If you’re strapped for cash, try your best to make them sparkle.

7. Polish the cabinets – Dust, Dust, Dust. Polish, Polish, Polish. The kitchen is one of the most important areas of your home.

8. Pets – Do you have Pets? Be prepared to remove all signs of those cute little creatures. Hide their food and water bowls, get rid of excess fur, and try to neutralize odd pet odors (baking soda). Prepare to keep the kitty litter clean and the lawn free of feces.

9. No smoking – Smoke outdoors please. It leaves stains and odors throughout the house, and it’s a major turn off to potential buyers.

10. Paint – If you’ve painted Melanie’s room hot pink with purple stripes you may want to consider covering it with a neutral color. If you’ve painted different colors in every room, your house will probably not show to its potential. It would be in your best interest to keep those walls continuously neutral and welcoming. If you have wallpaper, just remember most buyers dislike it and regard it as a project. Skip the deterrent of wallpaper and paint those walls instead. Also, if the exterior paint is chipping and peeling you may want to paint or touch it up.

11. Curb Appeal – The first impression a potential buyer will have, Curb Appeal. Weed, mulch, flowers, shrubs, steps, door, handle, mail box... they all matter. Take care of your property, and keep your entryway free of debris.

12. Power wash – Power washing works magic on asphalt, concrete, decking and vinyl siding. You want your house to sparkle, the same way your kitchen appliances should sparkle. If you don’t own one, borrow one from a friend or try renting one from your local hardware store.

13. Clean the furnace and chimney – Make sure you have a professional do the cleaning and save the invoice.

14. Passing Title V certificate (MA only) – If you have a private sewer you will need an inspection to receive a passing title V certificate. Most buyers, will need you to have a passing title V to get financing.

15. Electrical – Replace all dead bulbs and make sure all electrical fixtures are functioning.

16. Plumbing – Clear all drains and make sure your water is flowing properly.

10 Things You Must Do If You Are Thinking About Selling Your Home FREE GUIDE