Ultimate Checklist for Selling Your Home

Selling a home may seem like a daunting task for many sellers, especially those who are new to the selling game and unfamiliar with the process. Although a home sale is a complex commitment, you don’t have to go through it alone! Your trusted real estate agent is here to be your guide. Read on for a checklist for selling your home without all the stress.

One of the most critical steps in selling a home is to partner up with an expert local agent. Although sellers can list their property themselves, this often leads to disappointing results. Many homes listed as “FSBO” spend longer on the market and close at a lower price. Also, many buyer’s agents are less willing to work directly with a seller.

 

To find an agent, research professionals in the area and interview a few candidates to get an idea of their level of expertise, communication style, and client references. You want to find an agent you can communicate effectively with and count on to represent your best interests.

An agent is an invaluable resource to sellers. Their network of connections is hugely beneficial, as many sellers need services like a home contractor, home inspector, or professional stager to help them on their selling journey. Agents also have access to professional tools like the local MLS to ensure that a listing is seen by the broadest pool of buyers possible.

In addition, agents are in tune with the local market and have the tools and insight to price a listing accurately. Overall, an agent is there for sellers when they have questions or concerns, guiding them toward wise decisions and helping them stay within reach of their goals.

To prepare for a successful sale, it’s often a good idea to order a pre-listing inspection to ensure that there are no unforeseen issues regarding your property. With the inspection report in hand, you can address any necessary repairs or upgrades before buyers begin touring the space. Don’t neglect minor repairs like oiling squeaky hinges, fixing sticky drawers, or filling in any holes in the walls. Buyers will notice these things!

Fixing any issues beforehand minimizes the risk of buyers backing out after their own inspection. In addition, ordering a pre-listing inspection can make buyers more confident in making an offer, as they will see that you took the initiative to ensure the home is in excellent shape.

Your property should be thoroughly clean before it’s ready for professional photos and home showings. Start by decluttering all closets, cabinets, and shelves, as buyers will take a peek inside these areas. This is also a great time to sort through your belongings and decide which items to keep, throw away, or donate. If rooms are still looking cluttered after a purge, consider renting temporary storage to keep these belongings in a secure area.

Deep clean each space by mopping and sweeping the floors, vacuuming the carpets, removing any stains from the walls or furniture, and dusting every nook and cranny. Pay extra attention to high-traffic rooms, like the kitchen and bathrooms, as buyers expect each surface to shine. Sellers should also eliminate any odors concerning pets, food, or shoes.

The next step in the home selling process is to stage the most important rooms. Generally, the rooms that have the most significant impact on buyers when expertly staged are the living room, the primary bedroom, and the kitchen.

To appeal to the most buyers, sellers should focus on decor choices in neutral colors like white, gray, or tan. Create a clean and bright look by letting in plenty of natural light and keeping props to a minimum. You want each space to have a sense of style and purpose.

As part of the staging process, depersonalize the home by taking down family photos, souvenirs, or other items that showcase personal taste. These belongings distract prospective buyers from falling in love with the property.

Set the stage for success with impressive curb appeal. Trim all the trees and hedges, clear off any debris from the lawn, power wash the driveway, clean the windows, and repaint the front door. You want to create a beautiful space that invites buyers to take a closer look at what the property has to offer.

Your agent is an expert at marketing a property, both on and offline. Their insightful marketing tactics will involve creating a compelling listing description for the property, using top-tier professional photos to generate interest, and coordinating tours for prospective buyers.

In your listing, you want to utilize professional photos that catch a buyer’s eye, showcasing all the outstanding architectural details and upscale features of your property. With intriguing images, buyers will be less likely to scroll past your listing; instead, they will likely click for more information or schedule an appointment to see the home in person. Your agent will also help you develop an intriguing property description, highlighting its major features and any renovations you’ve completed.

Your agent will ensure that your listing is on the MLS, which trickles onto sites like Redfin and Zillow, boosting visibility. Your expert agent will also digitally market the listing through their website, social media, and virtual tours.

To garner in-person interest, an agent actively searches for interested buyers and schedules home showings on a seller’s behalf. Agents may also host an open house to boost in-person interest.

When buyers start making offers on your property, you will review each one before deciding to accept, reject, or make a counteroffer. Your agent will help you assess the offer price, contingencies, closing dates, earnest money, and other aspects of each offer. They will professionally represent you during the back-and-forth with the other party. Your agent will also research the buyer’s qualifications and can offer valuable advice to help you determine which offers to respond to.

After accepting an offer, it’s time to prepare for closing. The buyer will order their own home inspection, which may result in further negotiations depending on the contingencies of the offer. Your agent will be by your side every step of the way, ensuring that you are on track and that all paperwork is filled out correctly and promptly. 

Follow these home selling steps to enjoy a smooth, streamlined selling journey, and partner with an agent who knows how to get results. Team up with expert local Realtor Pablynie Calabro when you’re ready to move forward. From King City to Kleinburg real estate, Pablynie is equipped with the knowledge and resources needed to get your home seen and sold. Get started today.

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