You did it! You decided its time to sell: upsize (or downsize!) your home, shift to a new neighborhood, move closer to a preferred school or ease your work commute – whatever the reason, it’s an exciting decision to put your house on the market. Despite the anticipation of what’s to come, we can still have deep sentimental attachments to the home we’re leaving behind, even as we are thinking of new memories in new spaces. Those emotions can help or hinder a sale depending on how we manage them. And while I could recommend a good margarita with a side of guac ( or a pint of Ben & Jerry’s) that may not be the most healthy way to process our feelings.
Being mindful and prepared for the process of selling your home can not only keep us on track, it will help us avoid costly mistakes from choices made from a sentimental heart. So let’s “namaste” an approach here:
1. Keep Your Emotions in Check
Today, homeowners are living in their houses for a longer period of time. Since 1985, the average tenure has increased from 5 to 10 years (as shown in the graph), several years longer than what used to be the norm. When we stay in one place for so long, we tend to get even more emotionally attached to our abode. And if it’s the first home you bought, or the house where your children grew up, it very likely means something extra special to you. Its hard to detach from the sentimental value when every room in the house holds special memories.
For some homeowners, that makes it even harder to negotiate and separate the emotional value of the house from the fair market price. That’s where I come in: the real estate pro who not only squares away the right price, but is also there to help sooth bubbling emotions (with Ben & Jerry’s if necessary.)
2. Price Your Home Right
When inventory is this low, it’s common to think buyers will pay whatever we ask when setting a listing price. Believe it or not, that’s not always true. There’s a strategy behind setting a list price (and don’t forget that the buyer’s bank will send an appraiser to determine the fair value for your house.) Banks will not lend more than what the house is worth, so we want to price to entice the offers and clear appraisal so we can avoid the need to renegotiate the price in the appraisal comes in lower than the offered price.
3. Stage Your Home
While we may be quite proud of the trinketed kitchen counters, the functionality of our craft room, and our HGTV inspired decor (#nailedit), how we’ve customized our house to make it our own will not likely align with your prospective buyers. That’s why it’s so important to stage your house with the buyer in mind.
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. Stage and declutter so they can visualize their own dreams as they walk down the hall. I have resources and tips to help set the stage and get your home sell-ready.
Bottom Line
Today’s sellers’ market might be your best chance to make a move. If you’re considering selling your house, let’s connect so you have the help needed to navigate through the process while prioritizing these must-do’s.
“Anytime between “now” and “right now” is a good time to take action on shaping your best life, and that includes where you live. Let’s get the ball rolling on your next steps.”
(702) 374-6807. Or drop me a line here.
