1.

Start Packing It may sound crazy to start packing months in advance of your move, but since you’ll eventually need to do this anyway, you might as well get organized now. We’re not suggesting you pack up your kitchen and eat off paper plates, but you can sort through your storage closets, attic, basement or garage to determine what you want to keep, what to give away and what to sell. Boxing up items will make your space look larger and neater when it’s time to show your home.

2.

Clear Away the Clutter If you visit model homes or open houses of homes that have been staged, you’ll never see a stack of unread magazines, children’s artwork loosely hanging on the refrigerator, or a cluster of unpaid bills on a table. While everyone has clutter, buyers want to see a fantasy version of your house, in which they can envision living. Once your home is on the market you’ll need to keep it as neat as possible. One way to make that easier is to reduce the amount of clutter you have on your shelves and surfaces.

3.

Improve Your Home While you don’t necessarily want to do a major, expensive renovation project before you sell, you can make minor repairs and improvements that will make your home look fresher to buyers. Try things such as replacing the caulk and grout in your bathroom, updating old or rusted ceiling fans and light fixtures, and changing switch plates, doorknobs and other hardware for a clean and neat appearance. Consider painting your front door and trim even if your rooms don’t need new paint.

4.

Choose the right agent…US! Your choice of a listing agent will make a big difference in how quickly your home sells and how much of a profit you’ll realize. We provide you with a great marketing plan and deep local knowledge. Don’t just go with someone who tells you they can sell for the highest price; promises, promises. Instead, choose someone who can present you with a detailed market analysis and proven results!

5.

Research Your Market If you plan to buy another home, an important decision to make is whether to sell your home first or make an offer on a new home before putting yours on the market. We can help you evaluate how fast homes are selling in the market and help you estimate how long it will take you to find a home. This decision also depends on your financing, so you may want to consult with a lender to see how you can finance the transition from one home to another if you choose not to sell your home first.