Prepare Your Home Now for a Successful Spring Sale
Thinking about selling your home this spring? Start preparing now with expert tips from Engel & Völkers on decluttering, enhancing curb appeal, and maximizing your home’s value. With the right strategy, you can attract top offers and enjoy a smooth, stress-free selling experience. It’s almost time to spring forward, and many homeowners are beginning to consider the possibility of listing their home for sale. It's a time when the real estate market starts to awaken after the winter lull, making it an ideal moment to plan your move. If you're thinking about selling your home this spring, there are several steps you can take now to ensure a smooth process and optimal outcome. While your real estate agent will handle the specifics of marketing and selling your home, there are personal preparations and considerations that can significantly enhance your experience. Organize and Clean Spring cleaning comes just in time for the home-selling season. Deep cleaning, organizing rooms, and maintaining key areas like kitchens and bathrooms show that your home has been well cared for. This not only helps in demonstrating the value of your home but also makes it more appealing to potential home buyers. Declutter, Declutter, Declutter Starting the packing process early can make your eventual move much smoother. Begin by sorting through your belongings to decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. Tips for Holding a Successful Garage Sale Plan ahead: Choose a weekend with a good weather forecast and no major community events that could steal traffic. Begin organizing items a few weeks in advance, and be sure to advertise your sale in local groups, on community boards, and via online marketplaces like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Price to sell: Remember, the goal is to declutter. Price items reasonably to encourage quick sales. Use color-coded stickers to categorize items by price range, making it easy for buyers to make decisions. Display effectively: Organize items into categories (kitchenware, books, toys, tools, etc.) and display them on tables or clean tarps to make them easily accessible. Make sure everything is clean and presentable to attract more buyers. Be prepared for negotiation: Many garage sale shoppers will haggle, so be ready to negotiate. Decide beforehand the lowest price you're willing to accept for items, especially larger pieces. Selling Items Online For items that might not sell well at a garage sale or are worth more, consider selling them online. Platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or specialized apps like Poshmark for clothes can be great places to sell higher-value items. Take good photos: Sharp, clear photos sell products. In good lighting, take several high-quality photos of each item from different angles. Write clear descriptions: Be honest and detailed in your descriptions. Mention the condition of the item, specifications, and any defects to avoid disputes later. Set fair prices: Research what similar items are selling for and price yours competitively. Consider if you’re willing to ship items or if you prefer local pickup. Stay safe: When meeting buyers for pickup, choose a public location if possible. If buyers need to come to your home, make sure someone else is there with you for safety. Decluttering effectively not only helps you prepare your home for sale but also reduces the load you'll need to move to your new space. By selling or donating items you no longer need, you streamline your moving process and can even earn extra money to help with moving expenses or new home furnishings. This can also help depersonalize your space, which is essential for potential homebuyers to envision themselves living there. Get Home Records Together Having relevant documents and records available can be immensely helpful during the sale process. Information on repairs, maintenance, warranties, and any upgrades done to the property can be useful for answering potential homebuyer questions and providing proof of the home’s condition. Stay Informed While your real estate agent will guide you through the pricing and negotiations, staying informed about the process can help you make better decisions. Understanding the basics of local market conditions and what your agent is doing to sell your home can make you a more effective participant in the home-sales process. Focus on Curb Appeal First impressions count, especially as the weather begins to improve. Enhancing your home’s curb appeal can make a significant difference in attracting potential homebuyers. Simple actions like maintaining the landscaping, painting the front door, or ensuring the walkways are neat and inviting can set a positive tone for showings. Additionally, your real estate agent can provide expert recommendations for exterior and interior improvements that could further enhance your home's appeal. Their insights can help prioritize which enhancements will offer the best return on investment and appeal most to potential homebuyers. Partner With Real Estate Professionals Choosing the right real estate agent to sell your home is crucial. Your real estate agent is instrumental in identifying which improvements will deliver the most significant return on investment. They can guide you on aesthetic updates and functional upgrades that resonate with current homebuyer preferences. This might include modernizing kitchen fixtures, updating bathroom elements, or improving the home’s lighting — all aimed at boosting the property’s appeal and functionality. Engel & Völkers’ network of advisors is dedicated to providing superior service and leveraging their extensive knowledge and resources to help you navigate the complexities of the home-selling process. If you’re looking for more detailed steps and strategies to prepare your home for sale, don’t forget to check out our Engel & Völkers Property Sellers Guide. It’s designed to complement the support you receive from an Engel & Völkers advisor and enhance your understanding of the selling process. Engel & Völkers is committed to delivering exceptional results with professionalism and integrity. Contact me to learn how I can help you achieve a successful sale and prepare you for the next chapter in your life.
How Long Does It Take To Sell a House? Real Estate Timelines Explained
Selling a home takes time, but understanding the key stages can help you plan effectively. From preparation and pricing to marketing and closing, discover what impacts the real estate timeline and how Engel & Völkers advisors can help you sell with confidence. One of the most common questions homeowners ask when they’ve decided to sell their house or condo is, "How long will it take to sell my home?" The answer varies based on several factors, including market conditions, location, property condition, and the selling strategy used. Below, we break down the typical real estate timeline and explore the factors that influence how quickly a home sells, with insights from an Engel & Völkers advisor. Typical Home Selling Timeline As of June 2024, in the U.S. it took an average of 58.2 days to sell a home from listing to closing.* Some properties can sell in as few as 14-30 days, others may take as long as 90 days. This latter range doesn’t include the time required for preparation before listing or closing Here’s a detailed look at each stage. Preparing Your Home for Sale (2 weeks-several months) Before listing a property, homeowners often need time to make necessary repairs, thoroughly and deeply clean the property, and stage the home. Here are steps this phase may include: Repairs and renovations: Addressing minor or major repairs, repainting, or updating fixtures can take a few days to several weeks, depending on the work needed. Decluttering and staging: Organizing and staging the home to make it more appealing to buyers can take a week or more. Professional photography: High-quality listing photos are crucial and usually take a few days to schedule and process. Pre-listing inspection (optional): Some sellers opt for a pre-listing home inspection to identify potential issues beforehand. “We want to see a well-manicured property, especially the front entrance and lawn,” says Engel & Völkers advisor Kim Marion, Barrington East Bay, Rhode Island. “We want curb appeal. If there are no plantings [shrubs, flower beds], it would be really nice to put a few in. I need to make sure all the rooms are painted and there are no dark spots on walls or ceilings. If the carpets are terrible, they should be removed or at the very least cleaned.” Staging is extremely important, she says. “And that involves everything from the smell in the air to the feeling of the rooms. If you have a $500,000 house to sell, you’ve moved into your new place, and your old house is vacant, you can invest $300 to $5,000 in staging. “When buyers come to a house on the market, they’re looking for their home, not for four walls. It's an emotional purchase,” Kim adds. “They want to walk into the home and feel something. And when you walk into a home and it's either shabby or smells like a plug-in linen air freshener, I have a huge issue with those things. It shouldn't smell like you cooked something fabulous the night before. There are things that people connect with. Smell is one of them.” Listing the Property and Marketing (2-10 days) Once the home is ready, it needs to be listed and marketed effectively. This includes: Working with a real estate professional: Finding and partnering with a professional agent takes a few days. Creating and posting listings: Writing the listing description, uploading photos, and posting on multiple platforms can take a few days. Hosting open houses and showings: Depending on market conditions, showings and Receiving and Negotiating Offers (2 days to a month or more) The time it takes to receive an offer varies significantly based on market conditions: Hot seller’s market: Homes can receive multiple offers within a few days. Balanced market: Offers typically are received within a few weeks. Buyer’s market: It may take longer to receive an acceptable offer, sometimes a month or more. Negotiations: Once an offer is received, negotiations for price, contingencies (i.e., legal bases — inspection, appraisal, financing — that allow buyers to withdraw from a prospective deal) and closing terms can take several days. Under Contract and Closing (30-90 days) After an offer is accepted, the home enters the closing process, which involves several key steps: Home inspection (7-14 days): Buyers typically schedule a home inspection, which may lead to further negotiations if repairs are needed. Appraisal (7-14 days): If the buyer is financing the purchase, the lender will require an appraisal. Mortgage approval (30-45 days): Buyers who require financing will need to go through the underwriting process for their mortgage. Title search and closing preparation (2-4 weeks): A title company verifies legal ownership, and final closing documents are prepared. Final walkthrough and closing (1-3 days): Before closing, buyers do a final walk-through, and the transaction is finalized with document signings and fund transfers. Factors That Influence the Home-Selling Timeline Several factors can either speed up or delay the process: Market conditions Seller’s market: Homes sell faster due to high demand and limited inventory. Buyer’s market: More competition and longer listing times due to increased housing supply. Property location and condition Desirable neighborhoods sell faster. Well-maintained homes attract more buyers quickly. Unique properties or those requiring extensive repairs may take longer to sell. Pricing strategy Competitive pricing leads to faster offers. Overpriced homes may remain on the market longer and require price reductions. Kim’s approach to pricing is a two-step process. “I meet with a client and take a property tour. Then I research the area for similar properties and come up with what I think is a reasonable list price,” she explains. “We want a list price that’s in line with market value, not way below, not much higher, because we want to encourage interest in our market, where we don’t have many available homes. “Pricing strategy for me is right at market value. Right now, we're in a good place for sellers, but I don't want to price a house too high because we want to encourage multiple offers,” she adds. “That’s going to help my seller get the most money. And it's also going to encourage people to say, ‘This house looks great. Maybe I don't need a home inspection.’ For my buyers, I don't encourage that. I want my buyers to have a home inspection. But for my sellers, if they can get multiple offers and as few contingencies against those offers as possible, they're in a really good place.” Seasonality Spring and summer are peak seasons for real estate, leading to quicker sales. Fall and winter generally see slower sales. Financing vs. cash buyers Cash offers: Can close within 7-14 days. Financed offers: Usually take 30-60 days due to loan processing requirements. Tips To Sell Your Home Faster Price it right: Work with a real estate agent to set a competitive listing price. Boost curb appeal: A well-maintained exterior makes a great first impression. Invest in professional photos: High-quality images attract more buyers. Be flexible with showings: Accommodating potential buyers' schedules can lead to faster sales. Market aggressively: Utilize online listings, social media, and real estate networks. Though the time it takes to sell a house depends on various factors, understanding the general timeline can help you plan accordingly. With proper preparation, effective marketing, and realistic expectations, you can streamline the process and achieve a successful sale. If you're considering selling your home, consulting with a local real estate professional, like me! I can provide personalized insights to help you navigate the market efficiently. *U.S. News & World Report magazine
What Real Estate Agents Really Do to Sell Your Home: A Behind-the-Scenes Look
Discover what real estate agents really do to sell your home with this behind-the-scenes look at their expertise. From understanding your goals to closing the sale, agents guide you through pricing, staging, marketing, and negotiations, ensuring a seamless process. Learn how Engel & Völkers advisors go above and beyond to deliver personalized service and exceptional results for homeowners. Selling a home can be a complex process due to a variety of factors. Real estate agents play a vital role in making it as smooth and successful as possible. From understanding your goals to closing the sale, their expertise helps ensure a seamless experience for homeowners. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what real estate agents really do to sell your home. Understanding Your Goals The journey begins with your real estate agent understanding your goals. Whether you’re looking for a quick sale, aiming for the best possible price, or need assistance navigating a unique situation, your real estate agent will tailor their approach to align with your objectives. Pricing and Competitive Market Analysis Real estate agents perform a comprehensive comparative market analysis (CMA) to determine the right price for your property. By researching similar properties (or comparables) in your area and analyzing local market trends, agents develop an accurate and competitive pricing strategy for your home. “A CMA plays a primary role in determining a property’s listing price,” says Karla Leahy, an advisor with Engel & Völkers Charleston. “We review the market around the property and determine where the property falls within that market.” Adds advisor Jennifer D. Holmes of Engel & Völkers Dallas Southlake, “While market analysis is a large part of the historical data of the neighborhood, one thing I also discuss with clients is that many of the other homes were not sold by me. My value add to my clients is my knowledge of the market,” says Holmes. “Making sure that I understand trends, buyer sentiments, and stay current with what’s happening with mortgage programs and rates.” Home Preparation Advice Staging recommendations: Real estate agents may suggest staging your home — which can include decluttering, rearranging furniture, and minor repairs — to highlight its best features. To highlight a home’s features, “During showings I focus on its size, opportunities, and location,” says Leahy. Explains Holmes, “I will often address any elephants in the room such as a dated kitchen by highlighting how well maintained the mechanicals of the home are so the client can focus on putting their own stamp on any design elements they’d like to improve. “It’s okay to pare down and prep the home for sale and for your move,” she adds, “but having moving boxes present in the home is a no-no in my book. Buyers may feel you are in a hurry and offer a lower amount.” For more detailed tips, check out the Engel & Völkers Staging Guide.Tailored Marketing Strategy for Your Home Once pricing is established, your real estate agent develops a comprehensive marketing strategy to position your home effectively in the market. This plan may include: Multiple Listing Service (MLS): Your property can be listed on the MLS, reaching a broad network of real estate professionals and buyers. Online marketing: Your home is showcased on real estate websites and social media platforms. At Engel & Völkers, we understand the importance of making your property stand out in a competitive market. That’s why we offer innovative programs like EDGE, which syndicates your property globally, connecting it with buyers around the world. Locally, your home gains additional visibility through high-impact platforms such as ShopTV and beautifully curated window displays. These strategically designed displays are perfect for capturing the attention of foot traffic and drawing interest from local buyers, ensuring your property gets the attention it deserves. Yard signs: Eye-catching signage helps attract local interest. Advertising: Depending on your needs, this can include digital ads, print advertisements, emails and postcards to consumers interested in buying a home in your area. Professional photography: Real estate agents often arrange for professional photography to present your home in its best light. Open houses and showings: Real estate agents organize and promote open houses and private showings, guiding potential buyers through your home and highlighting its features "The Engel & Völkers EDGE program elevates your property’s exposure to a global audience, while ShopTV and our thoughtfully designed window displays create a strong local presence," says Holmes. "Our displays are intentionally curated to spark interest and leave a lasting impression on potential buyers." “The Engel & Völkers reputation precedes me,” says Engel & Völkers Washington DC license partner Phil Di Ruggiero, “and people either know what to expect or are curious to learn more about what makes us special. Our brand buttresses my efforts.” Networking Leverage industry contacts: Real estate agents use their networks of other real estate professionals, potential buyers, and real estate investors to generate interest and find qualified buyers. Local knowledge: They understand the local market well and can connect with community members who may be interested in buying. By combining their local expertise with the power of a global network, Engel & Völkers real estate advisors can bridge the gap between local and international buyers, creating opportunities that others might miss. “The tools that are provided through Engel & Völkers, in combination with my marketing knowledge, are a winning strategy that has helped me maintain a sold-to-list price ratio of over 100%,” says Holmes. Negotiation Skills Handling offers: Real estate agents present and review offers from potential home buyers, advising you about the strengths and weaknesses of each. Negotiation: They negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive the best possible terms — including contingencies and closing dates — and price. Coordination of Sale Process Managing paperwork: Real estate agents handle the extensive paperwork involved in the sale process, helping ensure all documents are accurate and completed on time. Liaison between parties: They act as a middleman between you, the home buyer, inspectors, appraisers, attorneys if needed (as every market is different), and title companies to streamline communication and avoid misunderstandings. “At Engel & Völkers, as a brand, as a company, as a global network, as individual advisors, we are all committed to excellence,” says Di Ruggiero. “What that means for our clients is what anybody wants but what they seldom receive: exceeding expectations. That means in communication, in the quality of the advice given, the care and attention required, preparation, innovation, consistency, and dedication.” Closing the Sale Inspections and appraisals: Real estate agents facilitate the necessary inspections and appraisals needed before closing, addressing any issues that arise. Finalizing the transaction: They guide you through the final steps of the closing process, helping ensure all transactions are executed correctly. Post-Sale Support Help with transition: After the sale, real estate agents may assist with transition advice (e.g., tips on moving and where to find local services in your new area). Follow-up: Many real estate agents follow up after closing to maintain the relationship and support you with any future real estate needs. Overall, a real estate agent's role goes far beyond merely putting a sign in your yard. Their expertise, network, and organizational capabilities are critical to pricing your home appropriately, marketing it effectively, and navigating the complex sale process efficiently. Engel & Völkers real estate agents are referred to as "advisors" because of their focus on providing personalized, high-level service that goes beyond typical transactional roles. Our advisors offer a consultative, client-centric approach; local-market expertise and knowledge; strategic guidance on pricing, marketing, and property enhancements; and comprehensive services, including market analysis, property management, and relocation assistance, positioning themselves as trusted advisors throughout the entire real estate sales process. If you are thinking of selling your home, give me a call!
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