Advice For Today’s Home Seller

​Advice For Today's Home Seller

If you are thinking of selling your home soon here is some sound advice to take note of. Selling a home is an emotional process for many sellers, especially first-time sellers and those who have lived in their homes for a long time. People sell for many reasons; whatever yours is, here’s how to handle it.

For All Sellers:

The first time you sell a home, you may be anxious about the process. After all, you don’t know what to expect. However, with the market always changing, even experienced sellers may encounter uncertainty. To help make the process worry-free, follow these tips and be sure to ask any questions that arise.

Prepare Your Home:

Make any necessary repairs and get your home move-in ready. If possible, hire a home inspector so you know what to fix. Buyers today (even home investors or companies that Buy homes for cash) will have several home inspections performed (general, pool, AC, termite etc...) and want homes that need little to no repairs. If your property is in need of repairs ask your professional REALTOR® about different options available and what matters to Buyers most. Sometimes repairs can be done and paid at closings instead of out-of-pocket.

Prepare your mind

Remove the sentimental or emotional value you have in your home and see it as it is: a place to live. Buyers do not pay extra for sentimental or emotional value.

​Make Your Home Available To Show:

Improving the accessibility of your home to buyers and buyer’s agents will help it sell faster. Home buyers often want to “see it now” so if you can have your home ready to show in 30 minutes to 60 minutes, it will greatly increase your chances of getting an offer. Have your home available to show all day if possible into the early evening and especially on weekends. Keep in mind that you are still in control. If you have having a special occasion at your home or don't want to show on a Sabbath day, then let your REALTOR® know what your needs are.

​If You Are Trading Up:

Families looking to purchase a larger home may only be thinking about the need for additional square footage or bedrooms, but there are a few unique circumstances to consider while going through the selling process.

Buy or Sell First?

You may be wondering, should you sell your current home first or buy a new home and then sell? I can discuss the many different options with you to ensure you make the best decision for your specific situation and help you decide if you should buy first, sell first or how to make a double move easy. Just call Donald Keys REALTOR® Since 2006 at (602) 750-1744.

Price It Right!

I am NOT talking about a gameshow! Ideally, you’ll want multiple offers so you can choose the highest and best offer. Pricing your home correctly will help you target the right buyers who are willing to negotiate the best deal. Setting an accurate asking price will speed up the selling process so you can move on to the next chapter of your life, while still getting the most money. I offer several different PRICING STRATEGIES  call or text Donald Keys REALTOR® Since 2006 at (602) 750-1744 to discuss your options.

Before Buying Another Home

Plan ahead to save time and money. If you sell your home before you buy a new one, lean on me to help you find a new home or short-term rental before you close. I can also recommend some of the best lenders to help you get pre-approved for your mortgage.

Before Buying A LARGER Home:

Continue to shop for a home while your current home is on the market. Use my #1 rated website that is updated every 5 minutes from the MLS and has all of the homes for sale and current status of listings: www.SearchPhoenixRealEstate.com

Create a list of must haves and deal breakers for your next home to make your search more efficient.

​Consider the suburbs. If you want space at a budget price, consider rural or suburban areas where you get more home for your dollar.

If You Are Downsizing or Emptying The Nest:

While the majority of sellers who downsize do so when they retire, there are many reasons homebuyers seek a smaller home. Perhaps you want to save more money with a smaller mortgage payment or you don’t want the maintenance that comes with a large home or want the saving of being energy efficient. Whatever your reasons for scaling down, you may also be focused on selling for a property to pay cash for your next home and stash some extra money in savings.
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Clear the clutter. Since you’ll be moving into a smaller space, you’ll want to sift through your belongings and sell, donate or toss anything you can live without. Remember, you may not have the storage available in your next home to save items that have outlived their purpose.
Update the interiors. Depending on the age of your home, you may not have to undertake an expensive renovation. Instead, update your appliances, make repairs and never underestimate the revitalizing power of a coat of paint.
Hire a professional stager. If you’re selling in a competitive or high-end market, a professional stager can bring out the best in your home to set it apart from similar homes on the market.

Before Buying A Smaller Home:

Don’t write off a fixer upper. Depending on how much you sell your home for, you may have the money available to hire a good contractor to improve the look and functionality of a bargain home.
Reconsider paying all cash. Instead of using home profits to pay for your new house outright, allocate a large amount for the down payment and take out a small mortgage for the remainder. Doing this gives you the liquid flexibility of cash in your financial plan as you get settled in your new home.
Try before you buy, if you’re moving out of town or downsizing considerably. Renting a much smaller space in your desired location will help you determine the ideal size and exact place to buy your new home, before making a large investment.

For all of your real estate needs (buying or selling) call or text
​Donald Keys REALTOR® Since 2006 at (602) 750-1744 because Your Agent Matters!