When you’re ready to list your home for sale there are several important steps to get through in order to maximize your traffic and payout! There’s several ways that you can get your home sold. But, it doesn’t matter if you are looking to sell it yourself or hire a realtor, there’s a proper way to get it listed and SOLD. Here are a few quick tips to get you started.

First and foremost, your home needs to be priced right. Obviously you want to get the most amount possible but your valuation needs to be realistic. Be sure to research all comparable properties that are both on the market currently as well as ones that have sold within the last six months. For additional assistance, you can hire a realtor or pay an appraiser to do an appraisal. Real estate professionals such as agents and appraisals will likely have access to full database system that’s easy to navigate and has the most accurate information available. Online sources may be able to tell you sales prices but a realtor can dig up previous listings, photos, descriptions, and amount of concessions that sellers paid to purchasers. It’s an excellent idea to check out the factual numbers and not just go off what your neighbor told you they sold the home for.

Next, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work on the home. There are several things that will need some attention but perhaps first is your curb appeal. How your home looks from the street and as a buyer is walking up to the door is your first chance to make a great first impression. Although many buyers find their homes first online (through such websites as homes.com), they’ll often drive by your house before contacting their realtor to schedule a showing. Some quick tips on curb appeal: make the doorway inviting, clean the exterior of the home, sidewalks, and driveway, repaint what you can, freshen up landscaping, and keep the yard tidy/cut.

Moving inside, if you are to properly list your home there’s some updating that may need to be done on the inside of your home. You may be asking yourself “Should I paint before I sell?” The answer is almost always, yes. The homes that are fresh and clean with new floor coverings and new paint are perceived as move-in ready and buyers are looking for a turn key home. They’re also looking for updates within the major components of a home; windows, roof, siding, and HVACs. Certainly updating the kitchen and bathrooms is also a desired feature. If there’s been any deferred maintenance on your home BEFORE you list your home is the time to take care of those items.

Once you’ve updated the outside and the inside, time to get the home clean, decluttered, and organized. Thinning out some of your closets and major home furnishings will get you ready to have purchasers walk through your home and envision their belongings in your house. Buyers are traditionally looking for large spaces so the more you can clear out the bigger rooms we feel.

Now that your home is picture perfect, it’s time to schedule a professional photographer. A huge percentage of buyers begin their searches online and most (if not all) purchasers are primarily browsing through photos of homes. It’s critical to have professional pictures taken to highlight all of your best features. The photos should showcase your home. The best photos are going to make the rooms feel big and bright! Traditionally the more pictures the better. Most Multiple Listing Services will limit the total number of photos but it’s best to max out what’s permissible. Professional videography is also becoming more and more popular and should be considered.

Lastly, if your home is ready for showings and the pictures have been taken, you’re ready to get it listed and plastered across the internet. You’ll want it advertised across all the major real estate related websites and you’ll want to make sure that the photos are in full quality, that the description is complete, and that the details are correct. Some websites may allow for additional information that others don’t. Do some quick searching around and make sure the websites represent the home well.

When you are ready to sell your home follow these simple steps and you’ll be well on your way to getting it SOLD. It starts with pricing it right. Then you may need to spend some money to enhance your curb appeal, update the interior, and declutter. Before you hit the button to “go live,” be sure to get professional photos and have a marketing plan to hit the internet! Be sure to browse our site for some other helpful tips like the 4 biggest homebuyer turnoffs and more.