Tips for the First Time Home Seller

Selling your first home is an exciting and emotional milestone, but keep in mind, selling a home is nothing like buying your first home. Since it is unchartered territory, you probably have a long list of questions for your real estate agent. In addition to questions, selling your first home can often cause a lot of anxiety if you don’t have the guidance you deserve from a qualified realtor. Here are our top tips for first time home sellers.

1. Interview realtors.

Interviewing multiple realtors is the most important step in selling your first home. When you take the time to interview potential realtors, you are more likely to find one the meshes well with your personality. It is essential that you ask questions about the remaining tips on our list to be sure you hire a realtor who has your best interests in mind.

2. Price it right.

Just because you paid a certain amount for your home ten years ago, doesn’t guarantee that you will get the same when you sell it. Your realtor should compare your home to other homes in the area to calculate and recommend a comparable selling price. Don’t rely on websites like Zillow to provide accurate values, as websites like these don’t factor in changes or relevant market fluctuations.

3. Give it some curb appeal.

Make potential buyers want to look inside by sprucing up the outside. Plant some colorful flowers in the front of the house, paint the front door, and keep your yard well maintained while the home is listed. If it looks rundown, potential buyers will assume the inside is similar and skip adding it to their showing list.

4. Stage the inside for others.

When you decide to sell your home, it is no longer yours. At least, it shouldn’t appear like it at first glance. Remove family pictures, empty closets, declutter, and stage rooms so buyers can easily picture themselves in the home. When you have too much stuff, it is hard for them to see themselves in the home instead of you.

5. Don’t limit showing availability.

When you limit your availability for showings, you are likely to lose it. We live in a world of instant gratification and buyers want to see the houses on their list as soon as possible. Make sure you are flexible and willing to work with agents.

6. Evacuate during showings.

Don’t stay at home or leave your pets at home during showings. This will likely make buyers feel uncomfortable. When they are uncomfortable, they spend less time looking at the great benefits your home offers and are more focused on leaving. By evacuating during showings, you give them the freedom they need to walk through each room, ask questions, and imagine their lives there.

7. Don’t settle for cell phone photos.

Make sure your realtor hires a professional photographer to take pictures. Do not let them take pictures with their cell phones. These pictures will be shared on many different websites, and you want your home to look its very best from day one.

Are you ready to hire a trusted real estate agent to sell your home in New Jersey? Contact Brightstar Realty & Rentals today; we are ready to guide you through selling your first home.