Let’s face it, we all get super excited when the new year rolls around! It brings with it the promise of change, new ventures, and — we can always hope — things looking up in the world in general. Do your plans include selling your house this year?
Parting ways with a home, even while you are totally stoked about making a move, can be emotional. It’s a big thing after all! Ensuring you feel confident in your real estate decisions will go a long way in soothing those butterflies of uncertainty. Here are some things to keep in mind:
1. Price Your Home Right
There were some shifts in 2022 as mortgage rates rose, buyer demand eased, and the number of homes for sale grew (but not past pre-pandemic levels). Though homes are still selling quickly, you’ll need to make sure that the price takes into account all the fun shifts that have happened.
Talk to an awesome real estate agent (I may have one in mind …) who can ensure this part of the process is taken care of. If you price your house too high, you run the risk of deterring buyers. And if you go too low, you’re leaving money on the table. Don’t worry, we’ll find the right price and the right buyer!
2. It’s Okay to Be Emotional
Despite the crazy game of real estate jenga that went on in previous years, recent reports show that homeowners are living in their houses longer. From 1985 to 2008 the average tenure in a home was 6 years; however, since then it has nearly doubled to 10 years.
It’s no surprise that the longer you are in a home, the more familiar it is and you become emotionally attached. Especially if it is your first home, where you grew up, or raised your family. There’s the little quirks that belong only to you — the drawer that sticks, that mark on the wall where something accidentally struck it, or the garish chartreuse room that you never got around to painting. You love to hate it, but when it comes down to it, it’s hard to walk away.
To ensure your attachment isn’t affecting how you price your home, or the offers you are accepting, turn to your real estate professional — they’ll be sure to cheer your through the process.
3. Stage Your Home Properly
While you may love the way you have decorated your house, it may not be for everyone. Because this is so important, I have not one but two posts about both curb appeal and staging your home (there’s even a checklist! Yeah!).
When it comes down to it, buyers want to envision themselves in the space so it truly feels like it could be their own. They need to see themselves inside with their furniture and keepsakes – not your pictures and decorations. Getting your home ready is essential. Your agent may also choose to virtually stage your home, giving empty rooms a bit of flair online.
Bottom Line
So, if you are considering selling your house this year, let’s connect so you have the help you need to navigate through the process while ensuring any anxieties you are facing stay low.