You’ve made the first step—you’ve decided to say good-bye to your home. You’re excited, nervous, and maybe a little overwhelmed with your seller’s to-do list.
It’s OK! That’s why we’re here. Yes, there is a lot to do when preparing to sell a house. Fortunately, we’ve created the ultimate checklist for selling your home.
1. Research The Market
You’re selling your home. Have you looked at what else is for sale in Charlottesville? Researching the local real estate market will help you determine a fair price for your home and when it might be a better time to list your home. Tap into the expertise of a local real estate agent who understands factors that might impact your sale price, for example, trends in the job market, increases in property taxes or if the market shifts to a buyers/sellers market in Charlottesville.
2. Assess Your Property
Look at the inside and outside of your property with a critical eye and consider what work you might need to do prior to selling the home. Make a list of repairs and maintenance to accomplish before the “For Sale” sign goes up. A real estate agent can help you calculate your expenses to determine what items on your list are the most manageable and which will add the most value to your home.
3. Determine Your Strategy
It’s all about time and money! Contemplate questions like:
- How quickly do you hope to sell your home?
- Do you have time to tackle the to-do list you created?
- If a buyer’s market, can you wait for it to be a seller’s market?
- What is your ideal selling price?
These decisions might change as the selling process continues, but they are important considerations.
4. Choose a Local Real Estate Agent
Selling a house is complicated and time-consuming! Make it easier by relying on a real estate agent you can trust. A local agent will walk you through the home selling process, help you determine the fair market value of your home, provide suggestions for home improvements, and more. Denise Ramey and her team are experts on the local Charlottesville real estate market!
5. Consider First Impressions
The curb appeal of your home is important—is the first thing someone will see when they go to your home! These pre-sale home improvements will go a long way in attracting buyers to your home:
- Address any landscaping issues, such as trimming bushes, pulling weeds, mowing, and planting flowers.
- Touch up your siding or trim and potentially put a fresh coat of paint on the front door.
- Invest in a new doormat or wreath for the front door.
- Repair gutters, polish fixtures, and clear sidewalks.
6. Tackle The Interior
Now that you’ve addressed the outside, get busy inside! Remember that less is more. Potential buyers want to see a clean home where they can picture themselves. Here are the best home improvements for resale in 2021:
- Declutter, repair, and clean all living areas.
- Fix cracks, wash windows, and replace light bulbs
- Fix and clean flooring.
- Put away personal items so potential buyers can focus on the features of the home.
- Scrub bathrooms.
- Deodorize.
- Replace old caulking in bathrooms or kitchens.
- Dispose of trash and clutter.
- Clean, clean, clean!
7. Freshen Up The Walls With Neutral Paint
You may love a pink bedroom and green bathroom, but not everyone shares the same color palette. Appeal to the masses with fresh paint in neutral colors.
8. Stage Your Home
Freshen up your home with plenty of open space and furniture or fixtures that are simple and classic. If you’re not up to the task, ask your real estate agent or a professional to stage your home. Sometimes it takes a simple declutter and reorganization; other times some simple purchases can brighten up your space.
9. Hire a Photographer
You’ve spent all this time sprucing up your space, make sure the photos show off your hard work! It’s important to hire a professional photographer to showcase the best features of your home. Do a quick Google Search. Charlottesville has tons of great local photographers. Sometimes the best feature isn’t on the inside, especially in Charlottesville. High-quality, well-lit photos attract potential buyers.
10. Market Your Home
You’ve cleaned, you’ve pruned, you’ve painted, you’ve staged. The photos look great, the price is set. It’s time to let everyone know your home is for sale! Of course, this is where your real estate agent will make the magic happen. They have the connections to get your beautiful home on the MLS listing, the realtor’s website, and social media. Post those “For Sale” signs, get flyers ready and share among friends.
Now that you know what you need to do to sell your home, get busy! And remember that your local real estate agent can help you through the process of preparing your home for sale. Denise Ramey and her team provide you with one-on-one attention throughout the selling process. Their knowledge about the local area, schools, economy, and more will help you move your home off the market in fewer days.
The team at Denise Ramey Real Estate is happy to help. Contact us today!
