1. Since you lived in your home for a long time you don’t see it the same way other people do. Listen to your realtor’s advice they know what works. If you don’t like what they say, hire someone else to find out if they have the same advice or something else.
2. Get a home inspection to find out ahead of time what the buyer will be asking for in their Request for Repairs. This way there will be no surprises when you are in escrow. Sellers are always shocked when the find out the buyer(s) want tens of thousands of dollars in repairs done before close of escrow or a that much in credit. If you can afford it, get the repairs done before you put it on the market.
3. Selling your home is a huge transaction so this is no time to be learning on the job. Hire a realtor who knows the competition, how to market your home and the correct legal document to keep you out of litigation. 75% of real estate lawsuits are from home owners selling their home without a realtor. If you don’t hire a realtor the buyer will expect a huge discount because you are not paying a commission. It’s a much bigger job than you think and you will end up with more money if you hire a professional.
4. Hire a professional photographer that specializes in real estate. They have special lenses and lighting equipment and know how to use Photoshop to make your home look better than it is, provide Virtual Tours and aerial shots. This is one of the expenses your realtor pays for and knows which photographers are best.
5. Price your home to sell. Either hire a realtor who knows the market or an appraiser. Most home owners think their home is worth much more than it is because they are emotionally attached to their home. That’s where memories were made, right? When a home doesn’t sell it is almost always because it is overpriced.
6. Make your home neat and tidy. Make sure there is no clutter, garbage or eyesores such as broken or mismatched electrical plugs and switches. Nothing should be on the floor except the furniture. If the walls are dirty, need painting or damaged, fix and paint them. Replace worn, stained or damaged carpets. These are things that will increase the value of your home several times more than your cost and make it easier to sell.