The start of a new year has us all thinking about what we want to do differently and how we want things to change. It’s not just our waist size or bank account either. Now is the time of year when homeowners decide this is the year to sell their home and move up or down.
If you’ve decided to make 2018 the year you sell your home, here’s what you need to do first.
Tackle Your Delayed Projects
Big and small, you’ve got projects around your home you’ve been putting off, delaying, or forgetting about. Now is the time to work on them. Replace the worn out shower head. Make the ceiling fans stop creaking. Patch that spot on the wall.
And if you’re thinking of doing some major projects like upgrading the kitchen or replacing windows, talk to a Realtor® about your local market. Your upgrades and remodels should stay in a budget you can afford but if you’re going to sell, make sure you offer what buyers want and get some return on your investment.
Check Your Curb Appeal
Plenty of homeowners spend time and money fixing the inside of their home and forget all about the exterior. Whether it’s a lawn you know needs work or old, faded exterior paint, make sure outside projects make the list of things to tackle before you sell. What a potential buyer sees when they drive by is what makes them want to walk inside to see more.
Bigger projects should be done well in advance of selling but just before you put your home on the market, don’t forget the little things. Plant flowers, trim the shrubs, and keep your lawn well-maintained. Doing it now will make life easier once you’re in the hustle and bustle of showings, open houses, and marketing your home.
Learn Your Home’s Value
At Rising Real Realty, we offer a free home value report to give you an approximate idea of your home’s value. This is important in determining if now is the time to sell or what you can do to improve your home’s value. The value of your home also helps determine the price you ask.
You can have this conversation with a Realtor® more than once. Get an idea of your home’s value now and again once you’ve made upgrades and repairs. Also, the market changes over time – currently, it’s moving in a positive direction. Don’t get surprised at market fluctuations when your Realtor® can help you along the way.
Figure Out Where You’re Going Next
Will you sell your current home and buy at the same time? It’s not uncommon but you need to decide before you list your home or accept an offer. Are you staying in the area? You can work with a single real estate agent. If you’re moving out of the area, your Realtor® can refer you to a qualified agent in your new location.
Not everyone can juggle two mortgages while they wait for one home to sell. Sometimes you need to rent or make a contract contingent on buying your next home. Your Realtor® can help you, regardless of how you decide to handle it, but it’s something you need to think about sooner rather than.
Talk to a Realtor®
You don’t have to be ready to list your home tomorrow to talk to a Realtor®. We’re available to help you through the process, even when you’re months away from listing your home. From home valuation to potential pricing and upgrades to curb appeal, a good Realtor® can offer advice to help you make the best possible decisions before you sell and once your home is on the market.
Inventory is low in many price points across the Emerald Coast. Now is a great time to sell your home. Get it ready before you list and price it right, and you may be surprised at how quickly the offers roll in. If you plan to sell in 2018, contact Rising Star Realty today!
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