Step 1: Your Reason for Selling

Selling a home that is filled with so many memories can often be a difficult experience. However, your reason for selling plays a big role in how quickly your house comes off the market. The urgency of the sale may also affect how much the home ends up being sold for.
In addition to your reason for selling, it is important to take other aspects into consideration as they can impact the sale of your home. These features include price, location, size, design, accessibility and the condition that the house is in.

Step 2: The Cost of Selling

Making a list and factoring in all of the expenses of selling your home is very important. Being knowledgeable of these expenses helps you to figure out a good selling price, as well as determines your ability to potentially profit.
The cost of selling your home often includes taxes, real estate agent commissions, cost of advertising, or the need of reports such as property inspection and appraisal.

Step 3: Price Determination

Establishing the right price is by far the most important factor when putting your home up for sale. The price you set your home at can either help you to make a quick sale or make getting a buyer difficult.
It is important to find a good medium when establishing a price. For example, setting the price too high could result in only getting a small number of buyers, and staying on the market for too long could result in lower and lower offers. Additionally, if you set the price too low, you could be losing money on an investment that you have a chance of profiting from, or a buyer could end up offering you a lower amount due to negative perceptions of the property and its surrounding area.

Step 4: Property Location

Where your property is located is a big factor in your likelihood to easily sell. With this in mind, it is important to note the following:

  1. How is your property priced in comparison to others on the market in your area?
  2. What kind of neighborhood is your property located in?
  3. Is the area in which your property is located more urban or rural?

Step 5: Condition of Your Property

Another big factor in your likelihood to easily sell is the current condition that your home is in. The first impression that your home makes can really make an impact on an interested buyer, and it is important to show the buyer that your home has the highest market value in comparison with other homes in the surrounding area. Here are some easy ways to maximize the appeal of your home:

  1. Keep your yard clean and your grass freshly cut.
  2. Apply a new coat of paint to your front door and any wooden fences that could use a touch up.
  3. Make sure windows are clean.
  4. Wash or paint the outside of your home, if possible.
  5. Make sure that all exterior attachments to your home, such as gutters, are clean and attached properly.

Step 6: Staging

Setting up your home so that it looks as appealing as possible can really benefit you in the selling process. Here are some easy ways to show off your home and make it look its best:

  1. Make sure the walls and ceilings look clean. If necessary, apply a fresh coat of paint.
  2. Clean all of your floors, lights, and ceiling fans.
  3. Repair any leaks or plumbing issues.
  4. Take out extra furniture or personal items.
  5. Pull back curtains and turn on lights during showings.
  6. Play some quiet background music and make sure your home smells nice.
  7. Do not stay on the property during showings.

Step 7: Accessibility

The accessibility of your home is another important determining factor in how much your property can sell for. Your agent can help you to highlight the areas in your home that are most accessible to prospective buyers.
Some areas of accessibility that you should take note of are:

  1. Public transportation
  2. Main roads
  3. Shopping centers
  4. Educational institutions
  5. Outdoor areas such as public pools and parks
  6. Entertainment