Steps to Selling

Our agents will help you prepare, price and advertise your property. We’re experts in the real estate industry, and will work tirelessly to sell your home for the best price possible with the shortest closing time.

Selling Tip #1: The first impression is the only on that counts!

No matter how good the interior of your home looks, buyers have already judged your home before they walk through the door. In today’s digital word, your online presence matters just as much as the in-person walkthrough. Ensure your agent is providing top quality photography and online marketing strategies. It’s also important to make people feel warm, welcome and safe as they approach the house. Spruce up your home’s exterior with inexpensive shrubs, brightly colored flowers and a fresh pressure wash. Entryways are also important. You use it as a utility space for your coat and keys. But, when you’re selling, make it welcoming as possible.

Selling Tip #2: Be ready to show anytime!

Your house needs to be "show-ready" at all times because you never know when your buyer is going to walk through the door. You have to be available whenever they want to come see the place and it has to be in tip-top shape. Don’t leave dishes in the sink, keep the dishwasher cleaned out, the bathrooms sparkling and make sure there are no dust bunnies in the corners. It’s a little inconvenient, but it will get your house sold quickly.

Selling Tip #3: The kitchen comes first!

You’re not actually selling your house, you’re selling your kitchen, that’s how important it is. The benefits of remodeling your kitchen are endless, and the best part of it is that you’ll probably get 85% of your money back. It may be a few thousand dollars to replace countertops where a buyer may knock $10,000 off the asking price if your kitchen looks dated. The fastest, most inexpensive kitchen updates include painting and new cabinet hardware. Use a neutral-color paint so you can present buyers with a blank canvas where they can start envisioning their own style. If you have a little money to spend, buy one fancy stainless steel appliance. Why one? Because when people see one high-end appliances, they think all the rest are expensive too and it updates the kitchen.

Selling Tip #4: Take the personalization out of your house!

One of the most important things to do when selling your house is to de-personalize it. The more personal stuff in your house, the less potential buyers can imagine themselves living there. Get rid of a third of your stuff, put it in storage. This includes family photos, memorabilia collections and personal keepsakes. If unsure how to decorate or arrange, consult your agent for assistance or recommendations on a professional.

Selling Tip #5: Don’t over-upgrade your house!

Quick fixes before selling always pay off. You probably won’t get your money back if you do a huge improvement project before you put your house on the market. Instead, do updates that will pay off and get you top dollar. Get a new fresh coat of paint on the walls. Clean the curtains or go buy some inexpensive new ones. Replace door handles, cabinet hardware, make sure closet doors are on track, fix leaky faucets and clean the grout.

Selling Tip #6: Conceal the critters!

You might think a cuddly dog would warm the hearts of potential buyers, but you’d be wrong. Not everybody is a dog or cat lover. Buyers don’t want to walk in your home and see a bowl full of dog food, smell the kitty litter box or have tufts of pet hair stuck to their clothes. It will give buyers the impression that your house is not clean. If you’re planning an open house, send the critters to a pet hotel for the day.

Selling Tip #7: Pick the best real estate agent for you!

A secret sale killer is hiring the wrong broker. Make sure you have a broker who is informed and educated about your region. They must constantly monitor the multiple listing service (MLS), know what properties are going on the market and know the comps in your neighborhood. Find a broker who embraces technology, a tech-savvy one has many tools to get your house sold. Last, but not least, you need to feel comfortable, confident and secure with your representation.

Selling Tip #8: Upgrade Lighting!

Maximize the light in your home. After location, good light is the one thing that every buyer cites that they want in a home. Take down the drapes, clean the windows, change the lampshades, increase the wattage of your light bulbs and cut the bushes outside to let in sunshine. Do what you have to do make your house bright and cheery, it will make it more sellable.

Selling Tip #9: Clean out closets!

Storage is something every buyer is looking for and can never have enough of. Take half the stuff out of your closets then neatly organize what’s left in there. Buyers will snoop, so be sure to keep all your closets and cabinets clean and tidy.

Selling Tip #10: Pricing it right!

Find out what your home is worth, have your agent perform a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). Then review the results and discuss the best price to bring in buyers and get the best return on your investment.