One of the common questions presented by a home seller is when should the process be started to actually put the home on the market. It is important that a seller get started well in advance, and not wait until the last minute. There are several guidelines that have been established by real estate experts. At the very least, a seller should start making some preparations at least six months in advance.
Cleaning and Repairs
In order to get the house looking its best, a seller should begin prepping the house for listing around six months before the house actually goes on the market. This includes cleaning up the property, both inside and out. Paint should be refreshed and wild paint colors should be toned down in favor of a more neutral paint scheme. Repairs should be made to the interior and exterior of the home. The exterior of the home should be spruced up, and the yard and outbuildings should also be cleaned up and prepared for viewing. It can take quite a bit of time and elbow grease to clean up a home and make the necessary repairs in advance of potential buyers visiting, so six months is a good rule of thumb.
Packing and Staging
The packing and staging process should be started around three to six months in advance of listing the home on the market. Out-of-season decorations and clothing should be packed up and stored off-site in a storage unit if possible. Most personal effects, such as pictures, decorations and trinkets, should be removed about three months in advance. Potential buyers like to see a home that is neutral and clutter-free, and this process can be time-consuming, so it is important to start well in advance and give yourself time to accomplish the task properly.
Contact a Listing Agent
Again, sellers should contact a real estate agent about six months prior to actually putting the home on the market. There are several reasons for this guideline. The agent will be able to make recommendations on what repairs and improvements must be made before opening the home to potential buyers. The agent will also make recommendations on when the home should actually be listed for sale. And finally, the agent can make recommendations on pricing and other terms of the sale, based on comparable homes in the area, current real estate trends, and expected trends in the local real estate market.
Selling a home can be a stressful endeavor; it is important to ensure that the seller has plenty of time to accomplish all the necessary tasks to cut down on the stress level and ensure a successful sale. To learn more, contact a company like Gilbert Realty.
Share2 February 2016
When I started looking for a new house a few years ago, I realized that I had no idea what I really wanted. I knew that I wanted a place that had been updated recently, but apart from that, I was completely in the dark. After evaluating my budget and considering my options, I decided that it would be a good idea to go around with my real estate agent to help me to find a place. My agent was incredibly helpful, and I was able to narrow down my choices within a few hours. This blog is all about making the ever-important decision of becoming a homeowner.
