6 Steps To Get Your Home Ready To Sell

1. Understand Your Home's Value

When preparing to sell a home one of the first things that you are going to need to do is understand how much your home is worth. The best way to do this is to contact a real estate professional that is adept at pricing and can put together a solid Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) for you. As part of this process the realtor will (or should) meet with you at the property, tour the property, and go over their Comparative Market Analysis with you. This CMA should be very comprehensive and include comparable sales in your area within a set period of time, factors impacting price, etc. When selecting a professional for this task look for an individual who has a proven track record with respect to successful home sales. Ideally that professional will possess the PSA (Pricing Strategy Advisor) designation which is awarded by the National Association of Realtors. Avoid sites like Zillow to arrive at a value. These sites do not take into account the details that are required to accurately price a home can be unrealistic and very misleading.

Additionally, during their meeting with you (the owner) the realtor should review their marketing plan, referrals, compensation, and qualifications.

2. Find The Right Listing Agent

The process of selling a home can be one of the more stressful events in a person's life. Throughout this process numerous obstacles / issues can, and will, arise. The right realtor knows how to successfully navigate these obstacles and make the transaction as stress free as possible. Your realtor needs to be properly equipped with the tools and team to be able to handle any issue that might come your way. A seasoned realtor will have a team of professionals they can call upon for legal assistance, financial assistance, contractors, electricians, plumbers, home inspectors, clean out specialists, home stagers, photographers, etc. The list goes on and on. Without these resources a seller is likely to encounter a failed sale should circumstances arise.

The National Association of Realtors awards realtors with a proven training and track record the SRS (Seller Representative Specialist) designation. In addition the right listing agent will have references from past clients and a proven marketing plan in place to take your home to market and get it through to closing!

3. Depersonalize and Declutter The Home

In general a buyer wants to be able to visualize how the home will look once they move in. This is much easier to do once a home has been depersonalized. As part of this process family photos and personal items should be packed up and put away. Walls should, ideally, be painted in a neutral tone. Clear kitchen counters off (the more visable counter space the better), Clear bathroom counters off and any common area space. Consider the services of a professional stager when appropriate. Remove clutter and personal items from all rooms. It will make the home appear larger and more neutral.

4. First Impressions and Curb Appeal!

First impressions are everything when selling. It is important that your home has curb appeal!

• Gutters should be cleaned out. The home's siding should be clean and any problem paint touched up.

• Make sure your lawn, shrubs, and gardens are looking great!

• If your home has a fence and or walkways make any needed repairs.

• If you have a pool make sure it is clean and functional. If it is winter cover it and tidy up.

• Consider putting a coat of fresh paint on front doors and add plants to walkways to add color.

5. Updates That Will Pay Off

• Paint. Rooms should be a neutral in color as it will appeal to the widest audience, give a fresh look to rooms, and, if done right, will make them look larger. Additionally look for stained, dirty areas and paint or touch up areas as needed. A fresh coat of neutral colored paint in a room is one of the quickest ways to add value without a huge cost.

• Kitchens sell houses! You don't have to spend 10's of thousands to update a kitchen when selling. If you have dated, dark, cabinets and walls consider painting. Cabinets with a fresh coat of paint and new hardware will add value without much cost. You might also want to consider new countertops if your existing counters are old and dated. Today's formica laminate countertops will help to make the kitchen pop and are relatively inexpensive. If your appliances are old and dated consideration should be given to replacing them. Also minimize anything on the counter prior to showing.

• Bathrooms also sell houses! A clean bathroom is a MUST! If possible update any dated fixtures and reapir any plumbing issues that need to be repaired. Paint if needed to brighten up the room and make it look fresh. A new vanity and/or vanity top will go a long way for minimal cost.

• Do any repairs that are needed. Any repairs that stand out will detract from the value of the home. They can also become a source for negotiation once the offer has been accepted

6. Be Aware of Odors

The smell of pets, moldy or musty smells, a smelly garbage disposal, as well as bathroom smells are all turn offs for buyers. A lot of these smells might be addressed by hiring a company like Servipro or Stanley Steemer. These companies can steam clean and sanitize carpeting, hardwood floors, tile floors, etc. A mold remediation company will also be able to eliminate moldy smells. Depending on the reason for the smells these companies can provide big bang for the buck.