You want a stress-free sale in which you simply list your house, quickly get a qualified buyer, collect the cash and hand over the keys. If only it were that simple! In reality, selling a home involves many moving parts — some that you can control, and some that are out of your hands.
For example, geography might influence how long your house lingers on the market or how much mark-up you can get away with. Where competition is high and inventory is low, odds are you’ll sell faster and command a higher price. Conversely, in places where home sales have cooled, homeowners will likely have to work harder to attract the right buyer.
Given the unprecedented growth in the housing market since the coronavirus pandemic, there has been an uptick in pricing and bidding wars, and extremely low levels of inventory, over the past two years. However, the market has settled down a bit — due to rising interest rates (including for mortgages) and recession fears.
So, you’ll want to be prepared as a seller and control the factors that could have a big impact on your bottom line. Things like hiring a great real estate agent and maximizing your home’s online appeal can translate into a more seamless closing — and more money in the bank.
Hire an experienced professional agent who knows the market
Set a timeline for selling your home
Get a pre-sale home inspection
Let your agent advise you on what upgrades have a good return on investment
Get professional photos and usually drone photos too
Get pricing strategy from your agent
With your agent’s help review and negotiate offers.
Anticipate seller closing costs.
