Whether you’re a seasoned seller or moving for the first time, the process of selling a home requires a lot of thought and preparation. Here are some helpful tips to get you started.

Find a trusted real estate agent

Search for an expert agent who has local knowledge and understands the ins and outs of your area’s market. Good agents know the best times, price points and tactics to list a home in order to sell it as quickly as possible – for a price you’re happy with. Before committing to an agent, take the time to interview a few so you can ensure you’re comfortable moving forward. It’s always better when you and your agent get along and can communicate openly throughout the process – things will go a lot smoother.

Whether it be over a cup of coffee, during a home tour or through a video call, our real estate team at Homewise prioritizes building a strong relationship with every client right from the start.

Invest in improvements that will add value

It might be difficult to determine which home improvements are worth the money, especially because they can be costly. Our best advice is to invest in home improvements that will provide the most return. Many times, sellers will opt to finish their basement, remodel their kitchen, spruce up their bathrooms or install a backyard deck. And if your budget is a little tighter, know that even the smallest of changes can make a big difference. This could be adding a fresh coat of paint or replacing old windows and garage doors.

Spruce up your curb appeal

You’ll want to ensure that your home is in tip top shape – not just on the inside but on the outside too. During the winter season, windows, roofs, gutters and other external systems of a home aren’t always given the attention they deserve. As the weather begins to warm up, here’s some things you can do:

  • Wipe away any dirt, pests or dust that may have accumulated
  • Rake up leaves, branches and any debris on the property
  • Determine if any exterior repairs are needed
  • Plant some flowers and freshen up your landscaping
  • Water your lawn and ensure your grass is looking green and good!

While outdoor maintenance can take time, it can easily set you apart from your competition and make a huge difference in a buyer’s first impression.

Get a home inspection before you list

Schedule a home inspection before putting your property on the market to avoid any unwanted surprises. It’s best to find out beforehand if there are issues with the home so that you can fix them before buyers find them on their own. If a buyer comes across any problems, it could give them greater negotiating power to request a lower price or a reason to back out of the deal altogether.

Never underestimate the power of staging

Home staging is a great way of speaking to buyers’ emotions and making the property more visually appealing. You really only get one chance to make a first impression, so remove all of your personal belongings and clutter and show buyers what the space is fully capable of! Hiring a professional stager has proven to be a valuable investment because they know how to showcase a home and highlight its best features. When buyers are able to visualize their own aesthetic and see the potential of a space, it could help to secure a sale a lot sooner.

Prepare to buy while you’re selling

It’s common for sellers to focus all of their attention on selling their home and forget about the process of moving out. A big mistake some sellers make is waiting until their home sells until they start looking for their next home. This can become a huge burden and add unwanted stress to the process. Instead, be prepared and work with your agent simultaneously to find your next home purchase without feeling rushed or pressured at the last minute.

Selling a home is just as exciting and emotional as buying one. In order to ensure the process goes smoothly, it’s a good idea to get in touch with an experienced real estate agent who can guide you in the right direction. Connect with our team at Homewise Real Estate today to learn more about how we can help you sell with confidence and search for your next home.