Thinking About Selling Your Home? Start Here.
Selling a home is a big decision. There is a lot of emotion saturating a residential real estate transaction. Aside from the stress associated with packing up your personal life to relocate, homeowners want to be sure that they are getting the best price for their property within the timeline that works for their situation. The steps you take before listing can make a meaningful difference in your results. Whether you’re planning to sell soon or just starting to explore your options, a little preparation and clarity upfront can help you move forward with confidence.
Here are three of the most important things homeowners should know before putting their home on the market.
1 - Preparation Matters More Than You Think
First impressions happen fast. Most buyers form an opinion of a home within seconds. Often this will happen online, before they ever walk through the door. Homes that are clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully staged tend to attract more interest, sell faster, and experience fewer issues during inspections and negotiations.
Preparation doesn’t mean major renovations. Simple steps like decluttering, deep cleaning, completing minor repairs, and improving curb appeal can go a long way in helping buyers see the home’s full potential.
Today’s buyers are looking for homes that feel move-in ready. With stretched budgets given the current housing market and inflated cost of living, they may not have additional funds for immediate updates. Most buyers will value a fresh, clean pallet that allows them to move right in and personalize over time. Neutral colors, open spaces, and good natural light help buyers imagine themselves living in the home.
Professional photography is key. Many Realtors will include photography as part of the marketing services they provide. Almost all buyers will start their search online, and strong visuals can help your home stand out from the start.
DOWNLOAD A FREE HOME PREP CHECKLIST
2 - Understanding Market Value
Appraised value does not always equal Market Value. Appraised value is determined by a licensed appraiser who is primarily hired by a lender and is tasked with confirming that the purchase price supports a loan amount. Market value is what a buyer is willing to pay for a home in the current market. Their perception of a home’s value is influenced by factors like location, walkability, proximity to transportation/amenities, overall economic conditions, and the age and condition of major systems such as the roof and HVAC. Understanding how buyers view your home in comparison to others on the market is essential for pricing your home strategically.
Your Realtor will be able to provide you with a detailed comparative market analysis for you to review. Look at properties similar to your home that have sold in the past 3-6 months. How does your home compare in location, condition, size, and amenities (parking, garage, pool, finished basement, etc.)? How long did your neighbor’s home sit on the market? What was the final closing price compared to the initial listing price?
Real estate markets vary by neighborhood, price point, and season. Data such as inventory levels, buyer demand, and timing all play a role in how homes perform. That’s why local insight is so important. What works in one area or price range may not apply in another.
*Emily Woods Group can provide a CMA for homes located in the Greater Philadelphia and South New Jersey regions.
3 - The Value of the Right Guidance
A strong agent and professional brokerage does more than simply place a For Sale sign out front of your home. They help you prepare strategically, price accurately, market effectively, and navigate any surprises that may come up along the way.
Your agent will provide you with the relevant reports to help you have a strong understanding of the market data to support your listing strategy. When pricing a property based on current local trends, you can set realistic expectations and ultimately maximize your proceeds. (OVERPRICING A HOUSE in anticipation for potential low-ball offers is not the best strategy. It likely will result in price reductions that will ultimately net you less than market value.) Pricing correctly from day one, with a data supported number, is your best opportunity for the most favorable results.
A listing agent should respect the emotional reality of this transaction while providing the expert guidance you need to make educated decisions. At the Emily Woods Group, we truly feel honored when our clients trust us to guide them through their home sale.
We see ourselves as partners in your transaction. It is YOUR goals that are the priority.
The goal is to maximize the fair market proceeds and minimizes stress.
Learn more about our team here.
Thinking About Selling? Let’s Talk.
If you’re considering a sale, the next step is researching and understanding how your specific home fits into today’s market. Our team is happy to provide a consultation and a comparative market analysis to help you understand your home’s value, discuss your preferred timing, and prepare a strategy tailored to your property.
A little clarity now can make all the difference later.