Selling a house for the first time can be a daunting process if you don’t know what to expect. Like any other large task, it’s easier to take on if you break it down into manageable steps. This article will walk you through each component of selling a house so that you know exactly what you need to do to get your home ready to go on the market.

Most sellers find that working with an experienced real estate agent is worth every penny that they spend on a commission fee. Your real estate agent will help you choose a price for your home based on how the market currently stands. They will advise you on what upgrades you could make before you put your home on the market that will raise your ROI and help your home stand out to prospective buyers. They will represent you in negotiations with potential buyers so that you receive the best possible deal for your home. You’ll thank yourself for entrusting your sale to a local agent.

One of the first steps in the process of selling a house is choosing a competitive asking price that gives you the greatest chance of maximizing your profits. Your agent will help you run a Comparative Market Analysis that shows you how much other homes are selling for in your area. You’ll use this information to determine what your home’s appraised value might be. You can also look at the current availability of homes on the market in your price range to determine if you can gain a competitive advantage by strategically pricing your home in a range where there aren’t currently any other homes available for sale.

Start by taking down personal items such as family pictures, children’s artwork, and college diplomas. Leaving these items up can create an awkward feeling for buyers when they look at pictures of your home online or see the property in person. You should also clear out any clutter that distracts from the layout and functionality of your home. Less is often more when it comes to effective home staging.

You only get one chance to make a strong first impression. Normally this happens through your curb appeal, since the front of your home is the first thing a buyer will see when they arrive for a showing. Take time to cut your grass and weed your flower beds. Don’t allow overgrown shrubs or trees to hide your windows or a significant portion of the front of your home. Consider planting new flowers to add an extra degree of color and visual appeal to the front of your home. You might also want to repaint your street numbers or replace your mailbox if it’s been a while since you updated them.

Your agent will help you create a thorough marketing plan that helps you attract buyers from a number of different sources. Even though it seems outdated, it’s still a good idea to put a “for sale” sign in your front yard. It will get your neighbors talking and it will force drive-by traffic to take notice. You should also set aside time to develop an attractive online presence for your home that includes a well-written description about your home’s best features along with professional quality pictures of your home’s interior or exterior. Many sellers will outsource this task to a professional photographer, and listings that include professional pictures can sell 60% faster than other homes.

You don’t have to host an open house when you sell your home, but many sellers find that this is a useful tactic to get people inside their homes and increase interest. If you choose to have an open house, it’s a good idea to stay away from the property while the open house is taking place. Your agent can attend on your behalf to answer any questions that buyers may have. If you decide not to have an open house, buyers may request private showings that fit their schedule. You’ll have to make sure your home is clean and ready for these showings as they come up, and you’ll probably want to be away from home while they are happening.

You don’t have to accept the first offer that you receive, especially if it’s below your listing price. You have the choice of rejecting the offer immediately or proposing a counter offer. Your agent will help you negotiate with prospective buyers as offers come in. They will also help you determine what other factors besides listing price impact the quality of each offer that you receive.

The Palermo Properties Team would love to answer any additional questions you have about selling a house. They take time each day to study what the market is doing so that they can educate their clients about how to make the best possible decisions. They are experts when it comes to marketing and staging, and they look forward to sharing their insight with you. Contact their office if you need more information or if you’re ready to move forward.