Moving, whether it’s across town or across the country, can bring a rollercoaster of emotions. If you’re putting your house on the market, you might find yourself facing a massive to-do list of upgrades and repairs. Keep things simple and get the most bang for your buck by knowing which projects you can DIY and when you need to defer to an expert.
Know When To Hire A Professional
A licensed real estate agent can guide you through the process, handling paperwork, negotiations and managing showings. People often look to make upgrades before selling, but major renovations typically won’t make much difference in the sale price of your home. Fresh paint and small repairs can go a long way. Hiring an electrician or plumber for issues that come up during the home inspection will ensure the work is done properly and give your buyer more confidence. The same goes for critters – look for a licensed pest control company.
Become a Minimalist
Remove clutter and bulky or outdated furniture to open up your space and make it inviting to potential buyers. An open, light-filled room makes a great listing photo and your realtor will thank you. If your walls aren’t already neutral colors, consider painting them beige or taupe to help potential buyers imagine the space as their own. Make piles for stuff you want to donate, sell or throw out and keep items you can’t part with in temporary storage. Keeping your home ready for showings is part of the deal, so be ready to embrace the lifestyle, at least temporarily.
Find the Right Price
Take a look at comps in your area, or have your agent help you. Pricing just below the market rate can help entice buyers and with enough bids, bring the price even higher. If you’re not comfortable with the risk involved, just make sure you’re setting the asking price in accordance with other recent sales. If selling is a priority and your listing is getting old, don’t delay cutting the price. One large correction upfront will have a bigger impact than incremental decreases over time. It’s not unusual for a seller to make at least one price correction, so don’t sweat it if you don’t get it right the first time.
With a little planning and the right help, selling your home can be a hassle-free process. Leave the hard stuff to the professionals and only take on projects you can feel good about.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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