You know selling your home is in your future, but you're not sure where and how to begin. You've accumulated so many possessions over the years, and your home could use a little TLC, too. Just thinking about getting started has you feeling anxious and a bit overwhelmed.
The good news? With the right plan and the right team, it doesn't have to feel this way. Here are some helpful tips from our team that will help you minimize your stress and approach your sale with calm confidence.
(photo courtesy of Step Inside Media)
How to prepare your home for the market: five tips from our team
1) Begin a year or more before you need to move.
Being proactive will give you the time you need to approach your sale thoughtfully and at a manageable pace. The simple act of scheduling a consultation with our team will give you the clarity you need to proceed confidently. We'll lay out next steps and a timeline with you, so you have a solid plan for moving forward.
2) Tap into outside experts who will lighten your load and simplify the process for you.
You could tackle all of your decluttering work on your own — rummage sales, Facebook Marketplace, donations, landfill runs — but that approach can be physically and emotionally draining. Alternatively, you could hire a local company who will help you donate, recycle, and responsibly dispose of the items that you will no longer keep — and for a fair fee, too.
Our advice: Outsource at least some of your decluttering work to reduce your stress and lighten your physical and mental load.
3) Address simple cosmetic tweaks and deferred maintenance.
With nearly the cost of everything on the rise, today's buyers are wary of projects that they will need to tackle after they own the home. They'll discount the home that needs obvious repairs and updates, but on the flip side they'll pay a premium for the home that's move-in-ready.
This is where we can help. We'll help you identify the low-cost projects that will maximize your return on investment, and connect you with reputable tradespeople who charge a fair fee for their work.
Our advice: Focus on the simple projects that eliminate obvious objections -- like paint, flooring, light fixtures, window treatments, and cabinet hardware. This recent blog post shares a few examples.
4) Schedule your projects during the slow season.
Many contractors are more available in the fall and winter months, and sometimes offer seasonal pricing. For example, a painter who's booked solid in June might have openings in November and for a lower cost. The colder months can be an excellent time to schedule your projects and make real progress on your home.
Our advice: Obtain your estimates this summer and book your projects for this fall. Reach out if you'd like a personalized introduction to a few of our recommended contractors.
5) Capture exterior photos and aerials when your yard is looking its best.
Even if you're not sure exactly when you're going to sell, capturing your exterior photos when your yard is lush and in full bloom will ensure a beautiful presentation when your home hits the market. Let us know when your yard is ready for photos this summer, and we'll schedule your shoot with one of our trusted photographers.
More important steps in the home-selling process
At Mad City Dream Homes, we specialize in helping homeowners prepare for a successful sale. In addition to guiding you through all of the steps above, we also assist you with your pricing, staging, deep cleaning, visual media, marketing, negotiations, and much more.
Call us when you're ready for a helpful consultation. It would be our pleasure to meet with you at your home, and help you take your first steps toward a smooth and profitable sale.