SELLING YOUR HOME

How you can get more for your home when you decide to sell.

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Click on each box …

Your REALTOR®’s marketing efforts and considerations will include advertising, showing the property, how long the house has been on the market, and whether you’re buying another home. Your home should be listed, whenever possible, through a Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

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Advertising and Promotion

Properties are commonly advertised through real estate agent websites, Internet home search/listing services, classified advertising, and real estate guides. Promotion through office and MLS tours is a good way to get other buyer agents to view your home and promote it to the buyers they represent.

Even with all these advertising options, “For Sale” signs on front lawns are still very effective. With your permission, your REALTOR® may also send mailings to neighbors, which can sometimes lead to a buyer through word-of-mouth.

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Showings and Open Houses

To prepare your home for viewing, make it as bright, clean, cheerful, and serene as possible. Always look at your home from the buyer’s point of view.

Quick tips for showings and open houses:

• Clean or replace dirty or worn carpets.
• Open all curtains and blinds.
• Replace burned out bulbs and turn on all lights.
• Clear clutter and countertops.
• Wash and put away dirty dishes.
• Put fresh towels in the bathroom.
• Leave the house during showings when possible.
• Put pets in cages or take them elsewhere.

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How Long Has Your House Been on the Market?

Buyers determine value. If your home has been on the market for months without serious interest, it may be priced too high. If you truly need to sell, discuss a schedule for gradually lowering the price until you attract buyers.

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If You’re Buying Another Home

Selling one home while buying another is common, and REALTORS®, lenders, lawyers, and title companies can help coordinate both transactions. In some cases, short-term bridge financing may be available if needed.

A house that sparkles on the surface will usually sell faster than a shabby neighbor, even if both are structurally sound.

REALTORS® know that a well-polished home appeals to more buyers and often sells faster and for a higher price.

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How Much Should You Spend to Prepare Your House for Sale?

Spend as little money as possible while making meaningful improvements. Small updates like fresh neutral paint, new cabinet knobs, and touch-ups are often more effective than major renovations.

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Maximizing Exterior and Curb Appeal

• Keep the lawn edged, cut, and watered.
• Trim hedges and weed flowerbeds.
• Make the front entry feel welcoming.
• Paint the front door.
• Repair peeling paint, damaged shingles, or loose siding.
• Clean and align gutters.
• Store RVs and old cars elsewhere while the home is on the market.

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Maximizing Interior Appeal

• Deep clean every room and remove clutter.
• Use a professional cleaning service if needed.
• Clear counters, dressers, closets, basement, and attic spaces.
• Make kitchens and bathrooms look bright, fresh, and odor-free.
• Repair dripping faucets and showerheads.
• Paint dingy or bold-colored walls with a neutral shade.
• Inspect plumbing, heating, cooling, and alarm systems.

Setting the list price for your home involves evaluating market conditions and financial factors. Your REALTOR® can help you decide based on pricing considerations, comparable sales, market conditions, incentives, and estimated net proceeds.

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Pricing Considerations

If you price too high, buyers may never choose your home to view. If you price too low, you may short-change yourself. The goal is to find the right balance.

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Comparable Sales in Your Neighborhood

Buyers compare your home to everything else on the market. A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) from your REALTOR® can help you understand recent sold, active, and expired listings in your area.

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Market Conditions

Your REALTOR® can help determine whether it is currently a buyer’s market or a seller’s market and guide your pricing strategy accordingly.

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If You Price High, Set a Schedule for Lowering the Price

If you decide to test the market with a higher price, create a clear plan with your REALTOR® for when and how to reduce the price if interest is low.

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Offering Incentives to Hasten a Sale

Sometimes incentives such as paying some of the buyer’s closing costs can be just as effective as lowering the price.

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Estimating Net Proceeds

Once you have an estimated market value, you can calculate approximate net proceeds by subtracting your loan payoff, commission, taxes, closing costs, repairs, and any other applicable fees.

A real estate agent can help you understand everything you need to know about the home selling process.

REALTORS® are held to a Code of Ethics and are expected to maintain a higher level of knowledge about the process of buying and selling real estate.

1. Your REALTOR® can provide up-to-date market information on pricing, financing, and competing properties.
2. Your REALTOR® can suggest repairs or cosmetic work that may improve salability.
3. Your REALTOR® markets your property to both agents and the public.
4. Your REALTOR® knows when, where, and how to advertise your property.
5. Your REALTOR® can help you evaluate offers objectively.
6. Your REALTOR® can help resolve issues and guide the sale to closing.