7 Steps to Prepare for a Successful Home Sale

Selling your home could seem like an overwhelming and daunting process, especially if this is your first time. But with the right guidance and preparation, it doesn’t have to be. 

Whether you’re looking to sell now or in the future, it’s never too early to get prepared. At the very least, you will have a clear outline of what steps you need to take when the time is right for you.

Here are 7 simple steps you can take to get yourself in the best position to sell your home. 

One of the most significant things to keep in mind when selling your home is showability - how well your home is presented to prospective buyers. First impressions make a huge difference when buyers first see your home, whether online or in-person. And the cleaner your home is, the higher the appeal.

Clear off the messy countertops, put away the toys and trinkets, and wipe down all the dusty shelves. It can be a big project to tackle right before listing your home, so we recommend starting early. Begin to clean your home little by little, and most importantly, make sure you maintain it. 

Just like the interior, the exterior of the home has a big impact on how potential buyers view your home. When it comes to curb appeal, buyers tend to look for a clean, welcoming design and easy-to-maintain landscaping. This doesn’t mean you have to spend thousands of dollars redoing the entire front yard, but it would be a good idea to make sure the lawn is mowed, bushes are trimmed, and weeds are removed. 

Similarly in the backyard, create an inviting environment that buyers can envision themselves enjoying. Pack away the clutter, hose down the patio, and freshen up the landscaping. If you have a pool or spa, buyers are expecting to see it sparkling and clean, so it’s crucial that you keep it well-maintained.

In a recent blog, we explored why many home improvements could cost you more in the long run. But that isn’t to say that minor repairs are a waste of time and money. In fact, certain upgrades could bring you a great return on investment without heavy out-of-pocket expenses.

For example, a fresh coat of paint or replacement of old window shutters don’t cost a lot, but can make a big difference. Even something as simple as patching a hole or switching out broken lightbulbs can shed a positive light on the buyer experience. You don’t have to worry about taking on major kitchen remodels or tearing down walls to create an open-concept layout, but simple cosmetic repairs like these can elevate your home and attract more buyers.

When it comes time to actually list your home, the first thing you should do is get a professional analysis of your home’s true value. Many people rely on automated estimates through Zillow or Redfin, but you might be surprised to see just how inaccurate these online resources can be. Consult with your local real estate expert to see what the actual value of your home is.

This is critical when deciding the listing price for your home. Overpricing it will immediately turn away prospective buyers, and doing a price reduction down the line will raise a red flag for people who assume it is because something is wrong with the property. On the other hand, underpricing your home means leaving money on the table. The key is to price it at the fair market value.

Request your actual home value here!

Once your home hits the market, the showings will start and you will have to keep an open schedule to accommodate private showings and public open houses. Of course, that doesn’t mean you have to move around all of your plans to match every single showing, but keep in mind - the more flexibility you have, the more buyers will be able to view your home, generally resulting in more offers. 

If you are planning a vacation or hosting a dinner party, make sure to let your agent know well in advance so that they can make the necessary adjustments to the showing instructions and prepare accordingly.

As a seller, it’s important to know what’s going on in the real estate market at a national level, but it’s even more critical to understand your local market. Every county, every city, every neighborhood tells a different story. Especially with an industry as unpredictable as real estate, having the right local knowledge and information will allow you to make the best educated decisions when selling your home.

To put this into perspective, let’s take a look at the housing boom of 2021-2022. During this time, we saw a record-breaking market shift when interest rates hit all-time lows and home prices soared to historic highs. Around May 2022, prices started to decline and many people anticipated a market crash. Now, in our local area, the statistics tell a very different story. Home prices are actually higher now than they were during those “unicorn years,” with active inventory in Chino Hills nearly 50% less than the national average. Being aware of the local market will help you set reasonable expectations and formulate an effective game plan. 

It’s not an easy task to do your own research and try to get an understanding of the real estate market. That’s where your agent comes in. As the local experts, they should be able to guide you through the ins and outs of the housing market and explain what that means for you.

When choosing your agent, make sure that they are a full-time marketing agent. Unlike traditional listing agents, marketing agents utilize innovative technology to shine the spotlight on your home. Our professional marketing team (named top 1% in the nation) generates a buzz around our clients’ homes through extensive Coming Soon campaigns before it even hits the market. Once the home is active, we provide high-definition photography and drone footage, then showcase your home on all social media platforms, create a custom webpage, and email blast our network of nearly 30,000 active buyers and local agents.

See how we market our clients’ homes!

Our team is here to help. Whether you’re planning to sell now or in the future, we’re here to answer any questions and guide you through the process from start to finish. To help us get a better understanding of your goals, schedule a no-obligation call with us below!