By Maijia Donovan, Home Stager & Realtor with eXp Realty
So, you’ve decided it’s time to part ways with your beloved home and send it off to woo a new owner. Exciting, right?! But if you’re feeling a tad overwhelmed about what to do next, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with a fun, step-by-step guide to selling your home that’ll make the whole process a breeze. (And yes, there will be sprinkles of kooky wisdom along the way!)
Step 1: Declutter Like You’re Going on a Minimalist Retreat
Before you even think about snapping those listing photos, it’s time to embrace your inner Marie Kondo. The goal? Make your home look like a sanctuary that anyone could imagine themselves in. Less is more when it comes to prepping your home for sale. Get rid of (or hide) anything too personal or, ahem, cluttery. Think bare countertops, clean floors, and spacious closets. Not sure where to start? Try this: if it doesn’t spark joy or help sell your house, tuck it away.
Step 2: Hire a Rockstar Real Estate Agent (Hint: That’s Me!)
Not to toot my own horn (okay, maybe a little), but a great real estate agent is your new best friend. We’ll help you set a realistic price, guide you through the market, and take care of all those pesky details like paperwork and negotiations. Plus, we have a sixth sense when it comes to spotting potential buyers. Think of us as your personal home-selling ninja. 🥷
Step 3: Staging to Make the Home Shine!
Now that we’ve decluttered, let’s give your home that irresistible glow-up. Home staging is all about making your space look as appealing as possible to buyers. This could mean rearranging furniture, adding a few stylish accents, or even borrowing pieces to make a room pop. (That’s right, sometimes your couch is the problem, but don’t worry—we won’t tell.) If you’re feeling lost, I specialize in staging too, so we’ll make your home look so good even you’ll want to move back in.
Step 4: Set the Perfect Price—Don’t Get Greedy!
Pricing your home is one of the most crucial parts of the process. Price it too high, and your home might sit on the market longer than you’d like. Price it too low, and you might leave money on the table. Your agent (hello again!) will pull comparable sales in your area to help you set a competitive, realistic price that’ll attract buyers. Remember, a well-priced home gets attention, and attention leads to offers!
Step 5: Capture the Magic with Professional Photos
In this digital age, first impressions happen online. That’s why professional photos are non-negotiable. No smartphone shots with bad lighting, please! A pro photographer will know how to highlight your home’s best features, making it look like it belongs on the cover of a real estate magazine. Buyers will be swooning before they even step inside.
Step 6: Time to List Your Home (and Brace Yourself for Showings)
Now that your home is looking fantastic, it’s time to get it listed! Your agent will market your property on the MLS, social media, and other places where buyers are hunting. Be prepared for showings, and remember: a clean, clutter-free home is a must. Keep the atmosphere light and airy—open curtains, fluff pillows, and maybe even light a subtle candle (but nothing too strong, please!).
Step 7: Open Houses—Channel Your Inner Host(ess)
Get ready for some foot traffic! Open houses can be a great way to show off your home to multiple buyers at once. It’s like speed dating, but for your house. Make sure the place is spotless, smells fresh, and feels inviting. If you’re working with me, we’ll plan an open house that’s equal parts professional and Pinterest-worthy!
Step 8: Field Offers Like a Pro
Once the offers start rolling in (yay!), it’s time to strategize. Your agent will help you compare offers, considering factors like price, contingencies, and timing. Not all offers are created equal, so we’ll carefully evaluate each one to find the best match. Remember, the highest price isn’t always the best deal—it’s all about finding the offer that works best for your needs.
Step 9: Negotiate, Baby!
Negotiation is where things get interesting. Whether it’s hammering out repairs after an inspection or countering an offer, this stage is crucial. Luckily, your real estate agent (still me!) is a negotiation ninja, working to get you the best possible deal. Be flexible, but know your bottom line. It’s a dance, and we’ll lead you through every step.
Step 10: Close the Deal and Hand Over the Keys
After all the inspections, paperwork, and negotiations, it’s time to close! This is where you’ll sign on the dotted line, hand over the keys, and (probably) take one last stroll through your home. Closing can take a bit of time, but your agent will guide you through the final steps, making sure everything goes smoothly.
Selling your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following these steps and teaming up with the right real estate pro (seriously, call me!), you’ll be popping champagne and celebrating your sale in no time. Ready to get started? Let’s make your home the star of the market!
Stay true to yourself, stay fabulous, and let’s get that SOLD sign up!
Reach out at (413) 475-2779 or email me at maijia.donovan@exprealty.com to get started!
