Selling your home can be a tricky process, and selling it for top dollar means working with an expert whom you trust. Questions can, and will, arise throughout the process, and that’s okay. I will be here to make the journey of selling your home as seamless as possible.
Getting Started
#1 Discovery Call
The first step to working together is setting a one-on-one discussion so I can better understand your expectations, timeline, and what that means for you if you decide to put your home on the market. We begin with reviewing your expectations and what you hope to get for your home versus its actual market value.
#2 Determine “Why” You Are Moving
Life changes can lead to big moves, like selling your home. Perhaps you just received a big raise, or you had another baby, and need more space in your home. Or, maybe you are looking to downsize after your kids left. No matter what your “why” might be, we need to discuss what you are looking for and where you would like to go next.
#3 Paperwork
Ugh, the “P” word that no one likes to hear. But the best part about the nitty-gritty paperwork is that it can be completed electronically. I want to make sure that all of your questions are answered with as much clarity as you need to feel comfortable throughout this process to selling your home, so I’ll walk you through step-by-step to get your home on the market quickly.
#4 Timelines for Selling Your Home
It’s important to know when you need to be settled into your new home, because this will directly affect the timing of when to list your home. We can either put your home straight to market or mark it as “coming soon,” depending on your situation.
Prepare To Show Your Home
Getting your home ready can feel like a monumental task, but it doesn’t have to be! Taking a few simple steps can make a huge difference. Before we show your home, I will send you a pre-photoshoot checklist to help guide your home prep. All you have to do is look at your home from a buyer’s perspective. Here are my top suggestions:
- Take down any family photos so the home is stage-ready for the buyers to envision themselves living in the home. And, of course, for security reasons.
- Get some moving boxes and pack what you can ahead of time. Pack those winter clothes if you don’t need them when you’re going to sell them. Try to make those closets feel enormous!
- Clean out the kitchen and remove anything that is not needed (i.e. fine china, extra dishes), because buyers will look through all of the cabinets.
- Take a look at your landscaping and replace any plants or flowers that need some love to bring your front and backyard back to life.
- Clean up any pet mess; this is a big buyer’s pet peeve.
Selling Your Home: Marketing
The more marketing your property gets, the more people will see it and the better offers you will get. When selling your home, we want to make sure that the online presence is up to par and draws attention. I want your home to show in its absolute best light, so I will hire professional photographers and videographers to capture your home in an optimal way. These images and videos will be done professionally every time, at no cost to you, and posted on all social platforms, local MLS, Zillow, and my website. Not only will we highlight the key unique features of your home, but we will also film a virtual walk through so everyone can feel what it’s like to live in the property. When it’s time to show off your home, we will make it front and center on every platform to get the maximum amount of views possible.
Showing Your Home
At this point, your home is on the market; everyone has seen the photos and videos, and people cannot wait to see it in-person. The only thing I always tell my sellers to do is minor house prep right before the big showing. This includes turning on the lights and opening all of the blinds to highlight the home’s natural light and allow for a clear view of the backyard. The best advice I can give is to relax and leave the house so potential buyers can walk through without feeling any pressure. If you have pets, make sure any and all pet mess is cleaned up, and animals are also kept away for a smooth and clean showing.
No matter what happens during the house showing, we will usually receive feedback from people; and honestly, this can be a little difficult to hear. But feedback is GOOD. This will help us analyze, adjust if needed for the next showing, and get insight into potential offers. It’s just another chance to make sure that your home sells quickly and for the best price possible.
Reviewing And Accepting An Offer
The moment we’ve been waiting for: when the offers come in! Before we get too excited, we want to be strategic in what lender we work with. I will contact each one and report back to you, because I know that every lender is not created equal. I will keep you informed at every step so you can be the one to make the right decision for your home.
There is a little caveat when it comes to offers: what if you are getting zero? Your house has been on the market, and no one is submitting offers. There is a chance that you are overpriced. Generally speaking, in a hot market (2021-2022), you should receive an offer after seven days. If this hasn’t happened after 14 days, it’s time to sit down and reevaluate or change our strategy.
Other factors to consider when accepting an offer include the terms requested by the buyer. The terms can include:
- The price
- How much earnest money deposit to put down
- How quickly do they want to close
- Do they want you to pay for closing costs or a home warranty
Think about everything the potential buyer is asking for, because the price is not the only factor to consider when it comes to selling your home. We want to look at the whole picture, including your net profit in the end, and I will be here to help you through that process. .
Selling Your Home: Next Steps
Until next time! Stay up-to-date with new insights and tips here with me. If you are thinking about selling your home, contact me here, subscribe to my YouTube channel here, and let’s connect for a discovery call.