The stress of selling your house can be overwhelming. There are logistical challenges like scheduling showings, the uncertainty of when you’ll sell, and if you’ll be satisfied with the outcome.
Here’s a list of strategies to help you through the selling process and minimize the stress along the way.
Contact an agent 90 days before listing
It’s important to plan ahead when selling your house. Contacting a real estate agent a few months before you plan to list your home is one of the best steps you can take to reduce stress in the selling process.
This allows time for your agent to walk through, suggest any improvements or repairs, and schedule any work to be done on the house as necessary. Housing-related projects have kept contractor schedules full in the last couple of years, so be sure to get a head start.
Reduce clutter
If you’ve lived in your home for quite a while, there may be lots of stuff to sort through from over the years. If you’re downsizing, you’re probably wanting to get rid of some stuff anyway. Decluttering your home can mean moving some stuff to a storage unit, selling furniture you won’t need anymore, or donating it to charitable organizations.
Not only will this step make your move easier, but it will also simplify your home before listing photos and showings. If a potential buyer can visualize their family and their items in the space, it can help to seal the deal for them.
Refresh your home
Performing major renovations on your home before you sell it can be stressful, and it can be a bad move financially. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2021 Cost vs Value Report, the average cost recouped on 22 common home improvement projects is only 60%, with returns on major bathroom and kitchen overhauls being some of the lowest.
Rather than spending lots of money on complete bathroom or kitchen renovations, you can refresh parts of your home for a fraction of the cost. Some easy projects include:
- Deep cleaning & decluttering
- Improving your curb appeal (refresh landscaping, powerwash sidewalks, siding, or patios)
- Replace old cabinet hardware
- Replace old light fixtures
Communicate your comfort level during the pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic may be adding additional stress to the process of selling your home. Be sure to discuss your concerns with your agent so that they can assist you and share all available options with you.
You may have the option to reduce in-person showings by adding a virtual tour, 3-D walkthrough, or aerial video to your listing. REmote showings or virtual open houses are also tools that agents have used during the pandemic.
Create a checklist for showings
Physical showings are still happening even in a pandemic. Maintaining a neat and clean h0me throughout the listing period can be stressful. To help make things easier, create a pre-showing routine that you can complete before each showing. This may include things like:
- Wipe down all countertops.
- Put dirty dishes in the dishwasher.
- Empty all garbage cans around the house.
- Make the beds.
- Close toilet lids.
- Shut closet doors.
Once you have a good checklist, you will be able to confidently get ready for showings even at a short notice.
Expect the unexpected
The current low home inventory has created a seller’s market, but each house and local market is different. If your house isn’t selling as quickly as you’d hoped, it can add stress to the process.
But, it can be equally as stressful if you are flooded with interested buyers and offers as soon as you list your home. Prepare yourself for all potential outcomes and lean on the guidance of an agent to help you through the process.
Team Melton has over 50 combined years of real estate experience to assist you through every step of the process. Contact us today to get started on selling your home!