How many times have I heard, "But we don't have to sell". A big move usually has origins in other life changes or transitions and can be daunting. The longer you’ve lived in the house, the harder it may be. It can be emotional and stressful. Are you prepared for what's ahead?
Real estate transactions run on time tables, and success in the market often is dependent up market conditions, seasonality of sales and other factors that you can’t control (interest rates for potential buyers for example).
- Are you ready to let go of your attachment to the place and the memories and focus on what your new future looks like?
- Can you commit to a thinning out process, parting or storing excess stuff to allow your house to be the focal point?
Peer into the looking glass – imagine the new things that await you (a larger home for your growing family; a smaller home with less maintenance and lower mortgage payments, a shorter commute, or better schools for the kids? Visualization will help you do the tough stuff.
Having a time table and a game plan will help you get things done effectively - your agent can help you plan this out. Involve all stakeholders in the process. Make sure you've chosen an agent whose communication style matches your needs. Ask them to keep you on task (if deadlines aren't your strong suit.)
Spend some time checking out your competition. Look at open homes (or at the very least online) for houses in your neighborhood or expected price point. Which homes capture your attention and why? If you were on the market today, how would your house measure up? Likely, that's what prospective buyers will be doing. This is where honest evaluation (yours and that of your agent) will serve you best. You don't want the market to give you the feedback after the fact.
- Will you invest the time, energy and or money to get your house ready for market?
- Are you ready for potential buyers and their agents to interrupt your off-work time for showings, or are you agreeable to Broker’s Opens and Open Houses to make the property easy to show?
- Have pets? Do you have a plan for them to make the house easier to show?
Wrapping your head around the things you will need to do (or not do) to achieve your goals will result in less stress for everyone involved.
This post is Part 2 of a Series – 10 Steps To A Successful Home Sale. Read Part 1.
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