Are you preparing to put up your property for sale? If yes, it is time for you to get ready to work, as there are several things you must do and considerations to make in advance.

Listing your property is not just about having a "for sale" sign outside; it is even more so if you want a quick sale with the best price. But how can you get it right? Below is a list of things we feel are crucial to getting your property ready to sell.

 

 

Conduct Due Diligence on Local Housing Market

First things first. You will need to research your property's value. Do your homework about the local housing/property market and compare the neighborhood sales. This will help you estimate an appropriate listing price. Your neighbor's property may have sold differently due to size variance, so your listing may call for a more expensive or cheaper rate.

Be keen on different real estate comparables (comps), features and locations and see how they compare with your property. This may sound not easy, but it drives us to the next consideration.

 

Source for a Professional Listing/Real Estate Agent

It can be very tempting to want to sell your property by yourself. But we strongly recommend resisting this urge. Not to discourage you, but those "for sale by owner" transactions mostly call for a disastrous experience where you only spend a lot more time and money.

Finding a professional real estate agent will save you a lot. They can provide you with important details like a detailed market analysis and offer insights into current market trends, buyer preferences, and price fluctuations and assist you in determining your property's comps and ultimately help determine its listing price.

Still, don't just go for any real estate agent who may have shared their flyer or a random referral. It is better to do extensive research, have several picks, and narrow down to one knowledgeable about your targeted market through interviews. Professional realtors should give you a well-laid-out plan about selling your property. Be comfortable working with them and confident they will sell your property for the deserved value.

 

Get Your Paperwork in Order

You will be a better-prepared property seller with organized paperwork. Usually, some of the documentation you will require may include the property's tax statements, insurance information, appliance warranties, deed, purchase agreement(s), title report to affirm ownership, loan information//bank statements, and any other documentation you consider essential for listing.

Gathering the paperwork in advance will help steer clear of delays, such as legal matters that may come up.

 

Consider some Upgrades and Add Technology

If you are interested in listing your home, you must consider doing some upgrades. Remember, most clients don't want to spend much time maintaining the existing appliances or finishing materials. No potential property buyer wants to feel like they are stepping back in time due to outdated items.

It is always a good idea to eliminate outdated fixtures, e.g. lighting, and upgrade old-fashioned hardware.

A high-end range hood is a valuable kitchen investment that will enhance the overall quality of your home. Investing in one before listing can help you attract potential buyers and save yourself from unnecessary interior repairs and related expenses. It will make your property appear safer, more pristine, and well-ventilated. Factors most buyers hold in high regard.

As you may have observed, smart homes are in greater demand today than conventional ones; if you can afford to automate your property, e.g., through lighting, security and appliance technology, take advantage of it to sweeten the deal.

 

Repairs and Repainting

Unaddressed property repairs ultimately turn buyers off. It would be best to consider fixing things like leaking roofs, broken/cracked window screens, drippy faucets, wall/walkway/driveway/patio cracks, etc.

We can't emphasize enough about giving your property a fresh paint coat. That said, you will want to gravitate towards neutral colors or tones. Your favorite bold color may not be your prospective buyer's ultimate choice. Neutral colors are relatively safe.

While talking about repairs, getting a home inspector who can let you know of potential but hidden repair needs can be beneficial.

 

Get Rid of the Personalization

Personalization only works for the property's user. Therefore, you should take out any distractions so potential buyers can visualize staying in the property. When listing, remove items you have used to enhance this aspect. For instance, remove personal items like family photos, personalized wall art/photo frames or wallpaper/murals.

Your goal should be creating a blank canvas through which potential buyers can see their vision when living in your property and love it.

 

Clean and Tidy Up/Declutter

Additionally, moving houses becomes more manageable if you have packed your belongings in advance.

 

Enhance your Property's Curb Appeal

Potential buyers will often judge a property by its appearance, so you will want to make sure they get a positive first impression and one that inspires them to want to see more. You will need to invest some effort in easy fixes.

For instance, repaint the entryway, keep away the trashcans, upgrade the mailbox, refresh the landscaping by keeping it watered with well-trimmed vegetation or shrubs and plant beautiful flowers. These simple touches will beckon buyers to view what's inside.

If you are unsure about enhancing the property's curb appeal, a real estate agent can advise you on how you can improve the exterior.

 

Put up Professional Photographs

Usually, most potential buyers look for properties online before viewing. Bearing this in mind, we recommend putting up high-quality photos of the property you want to sell online. Good photo images of your property can help you sell faster.

The lack of high-quality images may make prospective buyers overlook your property, so hiring a professional photographer is an excellent choice.

Make sure the photos highlight the best features of your property, such as natural lighting, spacious rooms, and well-maintained gardens or yards. Staging the property before the photo shoot can also make a significant difference.

 

Start your home search early

One of the top things to do before listing your property for sale is to start your search for a new home early. This is really important, if you plan to buy another home immediately after selling your current one. Delaying this can lead to complications, such as finding yourself without a place to live temporarily.

Begin by choosing a lender and getting pre-approved for a loan, which will provide you with a clear understanding of your budget and the financial market you'll be navigating. Your real estate agent, who is assisting with your home's sale, can offer invaluable insights into the buying market.

 

Final Thoughts

The bottom line is that once you decide to list your property, the hope is that it will sell in the shortest time possible. However, this process requires you to put up an attractive property that will give prospective buyers value for their money.

These preparation tips should help you with the process and trustfully get your property the sale it deserves.