MEET WITH A TRUSTED REALTOR. Ask friends and family who they have used and have trusted. Interview realtors over the phone or in person and make sure you’re comfortable with them. We work as a team, just my husband and I, so our clients get us every time they call. Some agents have a “team,” and you will sign up thinking they’re your realtor, but will only talk to team members after you sign on. Read reviews for experiences working with the realtor.
MEETING AT HOME: The realtor should meet you at your home to evaluate your home and compare with current and sold listings. They should ask for your input and make sure you’re comfortable with the list price. We provide a list of optional things to do, such as removing items, clearing out furniture, or painting. The list includes interior and exterior items. You can do some, none, or all of the items. By completing items on the list, it will help sell your home and possibly bring in a higher price.
TIMELINE: The realtor will discuss a timeline that works for you, such as having a “coming soon” where people will see that your home will be for sale soon (up to 21 days), but prospects will not be able to view the interior of your home. That way they can get prepared with their financials and agents to be ready to purchase your home when it goes active on the MLS.
CLEAN AND PURGE. Clean, clean, clean. Start with the front door – is there peeling paint? Is the door dirty? Add a fresh pot of flowers to brighten up the space, add a new door mat to welcome guests. Clean out and purge what you don’t need in the home, garage, and yard. This is a time to sell unwanted items. Many of our clients in high traffic areas have garage sales. They put a price on several items, place them at the curb each day, and sell right from there. Other options are bringing items to donate to places like Good Will or some companies like DVAM pick them up for free. Your realtor should assist with this part and let you know what items should be removed or moved to a different location in the home.
BE READY WITHIN AN HOUR: When your home goes active, be prepared to show it at all times. You can let your agent know a perimeter of times that it will be available, such as 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The more access you provide, the more convenient it is for buyers to view the property. This means making beds in the morning and keeping everything picked up before you leave. Some clients leave for the weekend when the home is going active so showings can happen anytime during the weekend.
