How can you prepare for selling your home in 2024?

If you’re selling your home in 2024, is there anything you should be doing to get ready now? As it turns out, there are several items you can cross off your list ahead of time for an easier experience in the new year. Here are some of our top suggestions in terms of planning and preparation arrangements you can take on now!

Plan a time to sell

Part of selling your home includes deciding when to put it on the market. There are pros and cons to every season in terms of listing a property. Selling in the winter months will likely mean your home will be part of a smaller group of properties up for sale. People tend to buy and sell less in the cold months, so you may not encounter much competition in terms of other sellers. However, this also means there may not be as many buyers out there. This could impact the speed you can sell, as well as the price you might receive. 

On the other hand, the spring and summer market are far more busy, with a larger number of buyers and sellers making an appearance. The good news is this will increase the number of potential buyers interested in your property. However, it also means there will be more properties for sale to compete against. You should talk with your real estate agent to determine what might make most sense for your property.

Prep your home

Your home needs to make a great first impression once people come to view it. With that in mind, it’s essential that you give your house a deep clean to ensure it is in the best possible condition. When buyers step into your house, they should feel like they are entering a well-maintained and super clean area. You also may want to take on some home renovations if there are parts of your house that need upgrades. For example, old bathrooms or dated decor can take away from the charm and value of your property. You can choose a few key areas to improve (we recommend focusing on the kitchen and bathrooms), which will boost the vibes in the rest of the house. Finally, don’t forget about curb appeal! The outside of your property is a buyer’s first impression. Make sure your driveway, lawn, and front walkway are all in good shape. 

Work with an agent to find the right asking price

Your real estate agent will play a key role in selling your home. One of their most important jobs will be helping you determine the value of your property. This will influence your asking price in the market! Your agent will have experience selling homes, and if they are local, they should know a good deal about the listing prices of similar properties in your area. You might also have an appraiser come in to break down what your home is worth. It’s important to make informed decisions here, to avoid listing your property for a price way higher or lower than is reasonable.

Consider staging your home

This is an optional step, but it can definitely have a huge impact on how your home presents itself to buyers. Staging your home helps depersonalize it while still making it look beautiful and attractive. A professional stager will bring in furniture, art, and decor that is designed to appeal to the majority of buyers. They will also ensure there is nothing on display that is personal to you, such as family photos. This is so buyers can more easily imagine themselves living in the home. You can ask your agent if they think this service is something they recommend for your home.

Think about your next steps

If you’re selling your home, does that mean you’re buying another? Will you start renting, or perhaps move into a retirement residence? Your future plans are important to work out ahead of time. It’s important to know where you’re going before your home is sold. Otherwise, you risk being caught in a situation where you don’t have any firm living arrangements set up. Be sure to contact the right professionals who can help you with your next moves. If this involves buying a home, a mortgage broker is a great place to start!

Selling your home might seem like less work than buying on the surface, but it requires just as much thought and care. This is a huge move, so it’s essential that you plan it out properly and take your time getting everything in order. You can reach out to a broker if you’re ready to start thinking about purchasing your next property! We can help you navigate this side of the market with confidence.

If you have any questions about your mortgage, get in touch with us at Clinton Wilkins Mortgage Team! You can call us at (902) 482-2770 or contact us here.