Before you put your home on the market
The decisions you make before your home ever hits the market will affect how quickly it sells, how much it sells for, and how stressful the process feels.
This guide will help you prepare so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Buyers evaluate homes based on price, condition location, and features.
You, can only control one out of the three; condition. Price is solely driven by what someone is willing to pay for it and what a seller will agree to accept. Features and location are fixed and a matter of buyer preference. Condition is up to you.
Step 1: Is Now the Right Time to Sell?
Before You Decide to Sell
Before you start preparing your home, evaluate your goals. Then develop a strategy from there.
Ask yourself:
Why am I moving? Is there external pressure to move and how will that effect my decision making
as well as buyer leverage?Can I be objective? If there is external pressure, there will be more emotion. Divorce, death, new babies, new marriage, downsizing etc. may affect your objectivity. Do you have a trusted person(s) to
help ground your decision making?Have I consulted my financial planner, a lender and a trusted Realtor?
Where am I going next? Do I know that market? Am I connected to a knowledgeable Realtor?
(Our buyer’s guide and videos can help you think through this)Do I need to buy another home? Is it in your best interest to buy immediately or is it better to rent first?
(Our buyer’s guide and videos can help you think through this)Do I know approximately how much equity I have?
Are there financial constraints? What are they, have you worked through those?
What's my ideal timeline? Is there immediate decision making pressure or do you have time
to sort through this?Do I need to sell and buy at the same time? (This topic will be covered separately. It can be done but you need to know how and if that makes financial sense)
Step 2: Understand What Your Home Might Be Worth
Many homeowners start with online estimates.
They can be a useful starting point—but they don't know:
Your home's condition
Recent updates
View or lot
Floor plan
Neighborhood nuances
Current buyer demand
A professional market analysis gives you a much more accurate picture.
Thoughtfully crafted to elevate what matters most.
