How Do I Prepare to Sell?

When you’re preparing to sell your home, there is a lot more to it than fixing and staging your home. Your mental state plays a huge role. The more informed and prepared you are, the less stress you’ll feel, better decisions you’ll make, and the better you’ll negotiate. So, take some time to get your head in the game. It’ll make the whole selling process a lot less chaotic and save you from wasting a lot of time, money, and stress.  

First of all, don't waste your energy worrying about factors that are not in your control, like location, age, economic factors, neighborhood reputation, etc. It’s best to concentrate on manageable tasks that are in your control, which make significant difference in your financial outcome and overall experience. Here are thirteen tips I want to share with you. I also made supplemental videos for some of these items.

1. Be clear about your financial goals. You need to figure out what is the net cash you will have on hand after you pay off your remaining mortgage, all the sales fees, realtor commissions, taxes, and money you will spend to get your house ready to list. When I first meet with my clients, I run all the numbers for them and explain each line item and confirm if they still want to move forward with their decision to sell their home.  

2. Approach your home sale as a business transaction and your home as a product - not your personal space. This mindset will help you detach emotionally, allowing for better decision-making and ultimately leading to a stronger financial outcome. Throughout the process, you'll need to make numerous decisions and navigate negotiations with your family, realtor, and potential buyers. By maintaining an objective perspective, you can manage these challenges more effectively and achieve your goals with less stress. 

3. Transparency is essential. Hidden issues can derail inspections and negotiations, so honesty is key to a successful sale. Clients who address most issues before listing or explicitly disclose them in the listing tend to secure better deals and experience smoother transitions to the closing table. Being upfront about your home's condition builds trust and helps avoid surprises, leading to a more prosperous outcome. 

4. Time the market to maximize your sale price. Typically, spring and summer are peak seasons for selling homes. While I understand this is part of the “In Your Control” list, and you may not always have the luxury of waiting several months, it’s wise to at least avoid listing your home during major holiday weeks. If you have more flexibility, consider waiting for a seller’s market, as the balance between a buyer’s or seller’s market significantly impacts your sale price and contract terms. 

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5. Price it right. Of course nobody wants to leave money on the table, but overpricing can lead to longer market times and lower sale prices – it can be devastating. Before you call a realtor do your own research and have some idea about your home value. You can use a real estate app such as Zillow, Redfin, or Homes.com and look up your address. Once you have a realtor, they will provide you with Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). Because you’ve done your research, you’ll be looking at the CMA with some knowledge, which will help you better strategize your price with your realtor. 

6. Professional photographs are essential. Your realtor should arrange for a professional photographer to capture your house at its best, including detailed floor plans and virtual tours. They should also guide you on how to prepare your home for the photoshoot, ensuring everything is in top condition. Research shows that 96% of buyers first look at photos before deciding to tour a home, making quality images a critical component in attracting potential buyers. 

7. Choosing the right realtor isn't just about convenience — it's pivotal to both your stress level and financial success when selling your home. Remember, you'll be paying them thousands of dollars to handle one of your biggest financial transactions. It's crucial to interview multiple agents until you find someone you genuinely trust, with the competence and integrity to act in your best interest. A good realtor might even advise against selling if it isn't right for you. Avoid unnecessary stress by steering clear of agents who lack transparency or recommend hiding known defects. Always verify their credentials through the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) and ask for references.