Thinking about selling your Colorado Springs home? Whether you’re downsizing, up-sizing or want to be closer to work or schools, listing your home for sale is a big decision. As a Colorado Springs real estate agent, I understand the importance of proper preparation and strategic planning to ensure a successful sale that is easy and profitable. In this post, I’ll share some insights and tips to help you prepare for the process of listing your home for sale.
1. Develop A Plan: Before listing your home, take some time to develop a plan for the sale and after. Where will you live, Where do you want to move to, is this a primary residence or investment, what lenders should I speak with, when can I expect the home to close, how can I leverage this sale to improve my situation etc. Understanding your reasons for selling and having a plan on how to achieve your goals will help guide your decisions throughout the process.
2. Set Realistic Goals: It is a good idea to have an understanding of your local market, down to your local neighborhood and understand average price, average days on market, what type of buyers are in your neighborhood? (Cash, Financed etc.) You also want to know your homes value. Price it too high and it will sit with no showings or offers and can ultimately net you less than listing it at the appropriate price. I can assist you in determining your home value by providing a detailed pricing report that answers all above questions.
3. Prepare Your Home for Sale: First impressions matter when it comes to selling your home. Invest time and effort in sprucing up your curb appeal, de-cluttering and depersonalizing so that home buyers can imagine themselves living there. A little cosmetic work goes a long way in making the home have good vibes and feeling welcoming. Touch up baseboard paint is one that really stands out and can change the feel of a home, power wash exterior and patios to make it look clean and new.
4. Create High-Quality Marketing Materials: Working with a good agent who will provide this for you is extremely beneficial. They should provide high-quality photography and professional marketing materials to showcase your home online and in print. There should be a good mix of online marketing strategy and tried and true methods like open houses, fliers, neighborhood prospecting etc.
5. Be Flexible with Showings: Make your home readily available for showings, even at short notice. Being flexible with scheduling can help attract more potential buyers and increase your chances of a quick sale. You never know when that one buyer who loves your home will be walking through your door.
6. Negotiate Wisely: When it comes to negotiating offers, lean on your real estate agent to guide you through the process. Often times most contracts toughest part for home sales is negotiating on inspection items. Often times buyers will ask for almost everything to be fixed. But just because they ask doesn’t mean it all needs to be. Start with health and safety items, then insurance provided repairs such as new roof, siding etc. (if necessary) then move on to smaller items from there. By taking this approach it is reasonable and acceptable to all parties.
7. Stay Informed: Stay informed about market trends and changes in your local real estate market throughout the selling process. Your real estate agent can provide valuable insights and updates to help you make informed decisions.
Selling your home is a significant undertaking, but with the right preparation and guidance, you can achieve a successful and profitable sale in no time. If you’re considering listing your home for sale, don’t hesitate to reach out to me for expert advice and assistance. I’m here to help you navigate the process and achieve your real estate goals.