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A Seller’s Guide: Things to Know Before Putting Your Home on the Market

Selling your home property is a big financial decision that requires a solid plan and preparation. It becomes even more critical when you are dealing with a market like California, where home prices are twice the price of typical homes in the US. That’s why if you do not rightly evaluate the price of your home and don’t understand the selling process, you’ll fail to maximize returns on your home sale.

So, if you’re thinking about selling your home in California, don’t do it before considering the following things.

1.    Consider the Reasons for Selling

Before you make the final call to put your property on sale, it’s better to be clear about your reasons for selling it. You must have a clear idea about why you’re selling your home. Selling a home is quite different from buying one and is often more complex due to various motivations. Here are some common reasons:

  • Relocation for a new job or lifestyle change.
  • Upsizing or downsizing due to family needs.
  • Financial gain from market appreciation.

When you’re clear about your reason for selling, you will know how quickly you need to sell and at what price.

2. Costs Involved in Selling

When you’re selling a property, you should know that it comes with several costs that you need to consider upfront to avoid surprises later. When you know these expenses, you can ensure that you maximize your profit. Typically, the costs of selling may include the following things:

  • The Real Estate Agent commission is negotiable, Consumer Real Estate gives the homeowner (seller) the option of a flat fee of $3,195.00 paid to the sales Agent or 2-3 % of the sale price.
  • Escrow and title fees.
  • Property taxes till the date of sale.
  • Home warranty (optional but can make your property more attractive to buyers).
  • Inspection and repair costs, especially if any significant issues are found during the buyer’s inspection.

When you consider these costs earlier, you’ll have a clearer picture of how much you’ll walk away with after the sale.

3. Determining the Right Price of Your Home

One of the most obvious things that you will have to consider to maximize your returns is its price. If you set an overprice, your home may be sitting on the market for longer, and you will fail to attract buyers. Similarly, if you’re underpricing your home, you’ll have to stomach a loss of value.

Here’s how you should go about it:

  • Carry out market research by looking at recent sales of similar homes in your area.
  • Work with your agent to do a comparative market analysis (CMA) for a comparison of your home to others in the same area, factoring in size, condition, and location.
  • Consider if the market conditions are favorable for buyers or sellers. In a hot market, you may be able to price higher, but in a slow market, a competitive price is essential.

4. Location and Accessibility

To check the marketability of your home and set the final sale price, consider the location and accessibility.

  • Consider the neighborhood by looking at if it’s an up-and-coming area, an established community, or a rural region.
  • Proximity to schools, shopping centers, parks, and public transportation can make your home more appealing to buyers.
  • Highlight access to highways, public transportation, and entertainment options. The more accessible your home is, the more attractive it will be to buyers looking for convenience.

5. Condition of Your Home

No matter what you do, you have to make strong first impressions and maintain the condition of your home to sell it quickly. Work on the curb appeal and interior presentation to attract your potential buyers. Here’s what you can do about it:

  • Keep your exterior neat, fix broken fixtures, and make sure the house looks well-kept from the street.
  • Declutter, depersonalize, and clean the interior. Giving a fresh coat of paint or fixing small interior issues can make a big difference in how buyers perceive your home.
  • You can also work with a professional to stage your home. Well-placed furniture and neutral décor can make rooms look bigger and more inviting, helping potential buyers envision themselves in the space.

6. Staging and Presentation

When you are putting your home on the market, you have to perfectly stage it for buyers to create a good perception of the home. You have to make your home view likable for the buyers so they can imagine themselves living there. Here’s how you should go about the staging part of the home-selling process.

  • You need to remove personal items and excessive furniture to make rooms appear larger.
  • You can use neutral colors that appeal to a broader range of tastes.
  • Let in natural light by opening the blinds and curtains. It can make the space feel more open and airier.
  • If your budget allows, professional staging can increase the home’s appeal and value.

7. Accountability with Your Real Estate Agent

Consumer Real Estate always recommends you work with a seasoned and trustworthy agent. Your agent must keep you informed and guide you throughout the selling process. However, you should keep the agent accountable for a few things, including:

  • Ask the agent about how they plan to promote your home and what the entire marketing strategy will be.
  • Keep you updated on potential buyers’ interest and inform you about home showings and open houses.
  • Help you understand and respond to offers by effectively negotiating the offer.

Make an Informed Call with Consumer Real Estate

Selling your home for maximum profit in the housing market of California is a complicated process that requires a clear understanding of the market state and a solid plan. But often, home sellers lack informed guidance, which prevents quick sales at the best prices.

Consumer Real Estate is here to solve the problem for you. We help you easily list your property and help it get seen by the right buyers. You can use our platform to give all the details of your property to potential buyers and digitize the entire selling process. Besides, you get insights from Californian real estate experts who understand the dynamics and help you set the best price.

Meet Consumer Real Estate agents today and streamline the home-selling process!