Five things to do when you're ready to sell your home.

Selling your home is a big step, and with so much at stake, it's crucial to start off on the right foot. Whether you're a seasoned seller or it's your first time navigating the real estate market, taking the right initial steps can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and successful sale. Here are the five most important things you should do first to set yourself up for success.

Tip #1 -Find your realtor

I know. This sounds a bit self-serving, but selecting the Realtor who will guide you through the sales experience is critical. They will save you time, money and stress. The easiest way to accomplish this is to get it right from the beginning.

Tip #2 - Consider pre-inspections

It's normal to sell a home in "as is" condition in our market. However, it is also normal for buyers to have the right to inspect your home after their offer is accepted. If they find any safety hazards or defects, they might ask you for a repair or a credit. You can always say "no," but that is not always in your best interest.

If you pre-inspect your home, you can identify any necessary repairs and address them in your initial negotiations with an interested buyer. This is the time when you have the most leverage in the negotiation.

At Real Estate Property Shop, we realize how important the pre-inspection is; that's why it is included in our listing package.

Tip #3 - Prepare your home

You don't need to remodel your home in order to sell. Many homeowners can sell their home with some simple de-cluttering and cleaning. Here are some high-profit improvements:

• De-Clutter your home. This is a 100% money maker. I know - if you had the space to put all of your stuff, you wouldn't be moving in the first place! Just think of de-cluttering as pre-packing for your move. Call me for tips on de-cluttering, and I will share some very affordable local resources to help you.

• Paint. Painting is a high-profit item. Painting instantly increases the perception of quality and overall condition. Consider painting your exterior trim and front door too. It's a money maker!

  
  

• Landscaping. Don't forget landscaping! Remember: Mulch is Magic. It makes everything look brand new. Be sure to trim, thin, and remove dead plants. Plant a lot of colorful, seasonal-appropriate plants. If possible, plant orange and yellow flowers. They stand out and catch the eye.

  
  

Tip #4 - A word about staging

It's not hard to find a listing agent who will offer complimentary staging. But is it worth it? Yes. If you work with a professional stager with a large inventory, they can tell a compelling story, and your ideal buyer will pay top dollar. But there are almost as many stagers as there are Realtors. The price and quality vary widely. BEWARE of free staging. Oftentimes this is less professional "staging" and more "bringing in some stuff." Professional staging is expensive, but there are ways to take advantage of professional staging while minimizing the cost. Contact me for more staging information.

Every home and every situation is different.

The best way to maximize your home's sale is to request a consultation. We'll look at your home and consider your goals. Then we create an easy, affordable plan.

Contact Sue at 920-286-2084 to schedule an appointment.