Selling your home is one of the most life-changing decisions you can make. Having made the decision you will need to meticulously prepare for the transfer by taking steps to ensure that your property is sale ready and that you are aware of the intricacies involved in the process.
These 15 Action Steps will help you to prepare your home and yourself:
- Find your legal papers, such as the deed, insurance, mortgage documents, etc.
- Call a title company and ask for a complementary title report to check for discrepancies that may be present.
- Check your credit rating.
- Speak to your bank about pre-approval whether you need a mortgage or not.
- Have a look at other homes in your neighbourhood that are up for sale - how does your home compare?
- Do an honest, reality check - make a list of areas that need upgrading, both minor and major.
- Determine your budget for fixing and redesigning.
- Consult with a professional who can advise you on the areas that will bring a real return for the money you will spend fixing.
- Hire a staging consultant to prepare your home (statistics show that staged homes sell faster and for a higher price).
- Hire a home inspector.
- Check with family and friends for referrals, re a Real Estate Salesperson.
- Interview at least three salespersons, then choose the one you find most compatible.
- Be sure to ask for specific steps that will be taken to market your property.
- Don't sign a long term contract, make it three or four months, which will give you wiggle room.
- Pay it forward, make a list of services available in your area for the new owner.
Prospective home buyers may not understand how much work went into preparing your home to make it as inviting as it now appears, but they feel comfortable and at home - so much so, that they are willing to purchase it.
It pays to be proactive.
Joanna Parris, CSP, cSMM is a certified Home Staging Expert, a member of RESA, (Real Estate Staging Association) & SEA (Staging Excellence Alliance)
Published Author, Speaker & Staging Expert.
Joanna can be reached at: E: effectivestaging@rogers.com
W: http://effectivestaging.com
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