glitterpunkrealtor blog
Home Selling Process
September 01, 2024
Preparing Your Home for Sale: A Step-by-Step Guide
The most important thing to remember is that this is your house and you can choose how you want to sell it. You are not required to use a real estate brokerage to represent you when selling your home. You may choose to do-it-yourself and it is recommended that you follow, at a minimum, the list provided below. And if you want to hire a real estate agent, then you should prepare to hear these recommendations and collaborate with your agent to complete the tasks in addition to the work they’ll do to market the listing, negotiate offers with you and general support in the whole process. I, of course, recommend that you hire a real estate agent whether buying or selling. Either way, check out these recommendations to prepare a property for selling to earn the highest and best offers in the market.
1. Declutter and Depersonalize:
Remove excess belongings: This will make your home appear larger and more inviting to potential buyers. No buyer wants to look past your clutter to image their family or belongings in the space.
Neutralize decor: Consider painting walls a neutral color like white or light gray. Colors can evoke emotions and not always the warm and fuzzies. Keeping the palette neutral allows the buyer to relax in the space and image on the blank canvas.
Personal items: Store away family photos, personal collections, and sentimental items. Now is a good time to remove any attached or installed items that you may not want to leave in the home once it’s sold - light fixtures, appliances, security systems or any other pieces that may have been installed on the walls. Anything that is a fixture to the home must be stated if it will stay or go if it will be in the home during showings.
2. Deep Clean:
Professional cleaning: Consider hiring a professional cleaning service for a deep clean. If you choose to do this task yourself, be sure to pay attention to details like baseboards, windows, and appliances. The cleaner every surface is, the better! You want people to feel like they could immediately move in with little effort.
You can select whatever is the best fit for you and your budget but be honest with yourself if you’re capable of professional level quality of a deep clean. Depending on the severity and size of your home, this can cost up to $2000.
3. Curb Appeal:
Landscaping: Maintain a well-manicured lawn, trim shrubs, and add fresh mulch. This includes refreshing desert landscape rocks so that the colors match and look intentional.
Exterior details: Repair any damaged siding, paint, or fencing. The exterior is the first and last impression of your property when it is shown to buyers so you want it to look its best.
Entrance: Make sure your front door is clean and inviting. A fresh coat of finish or paint can go a long way to create an inviting welcome.
4. Staging:
Furniture arrangement: Arrange furniture to maximize space and create a flow. Hiring an interior designer may be helpful if you don’t have a real estate agent or contact who can help with this impactful presentation of your space.
Declutter and depersonalize again: Review your home and remove any remaining clutter or personal items.
Add finishing touches: Consider adding fresh flowers, plants, or scented candles to create a welcoming atmosphere. You may also share facts about your home and neighborhood that may be helpful for the buyer to know. (Be mindful of fair housing regulations!)
This is where the ability to do it all on your own, and still get top-dollar, is difficult. One of the main benefits of an agent is their network and knowledge of how to efficiently get the job done. Paying for an agent may get you all the support below as well as home staging depending on who you hire. It’s worth consideration of your available time and determine if you have enough, and are willing to dedicate free time to selling your home. Now, let’s get back to the list!
5. Pricing Strategy:
Market analysis: Work with your real estate agent to determine a competitive and fair selling price based on recent sales in your area.
Pricing strategy: Consider factors like the condition of your home, the local real estate market, and your timeline for selling.
Property condition Be honest about the condition of your property when compared to the recently sold homes. Note any necessary repairs or replacements that are needed or have been completed already.
6. Reviewing Offers:
Understand the terms: Carefully review each offer, paying attention to the purchase price, closing date, contingencies, and financing terms.
Negotiate: Whether you receive one or multiple offers, you may have the opportunity to negotiate terms like the purchase price, closing date, or earnest money deposit.
Consult with your agent: Your real estate agent can provide guidance and advice on evaluating offers and negotiating terms. You will want to consider your entire situation before entering into a contract with a buyer and be in a position where you can’t honor the terms.
7. Closing on the Sale:
Paperwork: Be prepared to sign a significant amount of paperwork at the closing table with a notary.
Final walkthrough: Conduct a final walkthrough of the property to ensure that everything is in order. Both you and the buyer have an opportunity to look over the property for issues.
Transfer of funds: At closing, the buyer will transfer the purchase price to the seller, and the title will be transferred to the buyer.
Moving out: Once the closing is complete, you can officially move out of your home. Remember to leave everything promised in the purchase contract.
Remember, selling a home can be a stressful process, but by following these steps and working closely with your real estate agent, you can increase your chances of a successful sale. Check out my blog discussing how to find a great real estate agent and what questions to ask to make sure they are a good fit for you: Find an Agent
Would you be willing to list your house without an agent?
Tell me about it online! @glitterpunkrealtor
I am a local Las Vegas real estate agent. If you are in the Las Vegas area and need real estate help, I’m happy to be of service! Send me a text to schedule an appointment today. Or you may book an appointment online here.
