SPRING is right around the corner and it marks the start of home buying and selling season.
If you want to get top dollar for your property, it’s time to take steps “now” so you’re ready for the “for sale” sign in your front yard.
Spring signals warmer temperatures and people will soon start venturing out to begin their house hunting process.
For buyers with children, the goal is to be in their new home over the summer and ready for a new school year.
There are simple tips to streamline the selling process and make a great first impression.
Most importantly, the goal is to get top dollar for your home.
In our latest Let’s Get Real installment, The U.S. Sun spoke with Clare Trapasso, executive news editor at Realtor.com.
She shared her home selling tips to get you on your way to listing.
1. DECLUTTER
It’s time to do spring cleaning before it’s officially spring.
Trapasso said this is the time to get rid of unnecessary items.
It’s best to simplify your home, so that people can envision making this their new place and it includes taking down family photos.
“Families can really see the possibilities when they’re touring a home,” said Trapasso.
“Remove anything that could potentially be offensive.”
2. PAINT AND REPAIR
If you want your home to have value, it’s a good investment to make repairs.
If paint is peeling, a fresh coat will go a long way.
“You really want to make your home as attractive as possible. So definitely make it look incredible,” Trapasso added.
3. LANDSCAPE
This is a good time to consider putting as much into the outside of your home, as you are inside.
After all, potential buyers who may drive by will see your exterior. It’s the first impression before they even consider stepping foot inside.
This is what’s called curb appeal.
Trapasso suggested mowing the lawn and planting flowers.
It doesn’t hurt to stand at the front door and take a look around to see if there are any cobwebs that need to be removed or a crack that may need to be sealed.
4. PICTURE PERFECT
Once you take care of cleaning up the inside and tidying up the outside, you’re ready for the next step.
Trapasso explained some sellers hire a professional to stage the home. This could include taking out excess furniture or bringing in pieces to give your home an update.
She also said to consider hiring a professional photographer to take photos for your home listing.
It’s another investment which could go a long way than photos you take with your phone.
5. PRICING
Pricing your home is a big consideration.
“It is a seller’s market,” Trapasso said. “You still have the advantage because there aren’t that many homes for sale.”
Trapasso explained you don’t want to price too high, leaving people to think they cannot afford it.
You also do not want to price too low where you’re leaving money on the table.
“I really recommend working with a real estate agent to look at comps and how similar homes have sold in the last six months,” said Trapasso.
Working with a realtor will give you an idea where your home should be priced.
6. THE REALTOR
Finding the right real estate agent to sell your home is an equally important part to your home selling journey.
Trapasso suggests getting recommendations from people on agents they’ve used.
Then, you want to interview the realtors and look at their online reviews.
“You want to make sure the person that you’re going to be working with has the same vision as yours,” explained Trapasso.
BOTTOM LINE
When it comes time to sell your home, there are ways to make the process more fluid. Taking small steps can help alleviate some of the stress.
The length of time it will take to sell will depend on many factors, starting with your personal motivation.
You can get a home ready to go in a few weeks or a few months.
“Buyers want something that’s move-in ready. Prices are so high and interest rates are so high that they’re looking for something they can just move into and not have to finger lift a finger,” added Trapasso.