arhome realty blog

3 questions to ask before selling your home

Selling your home is a significant decision, one you need to prepare for. From determining your home's value to preparing it for the market, there's a lot to consider. Whether you're a seasoned seller or it's your first time, keep in mind these 3 questions when you begin:

1. what's my home value?

This seems like an obvious question, but it is often overlooked in importance. It’s the first question you need to ask because you need to stack up your home’s potential sale value against your loan payoff and costs. If your payoff and expenses exceed value, your plan might change a bit.

There is no need to stress - talk to one of our professionals first. It’s important to get an accurate market analysis from us, because an online, computerized estimate is often unreliable. Once you get a professional evaluation, we can help guide you through your next steps.

Keep in mind that the right professional can sell your home faster and for a higher price with the right marketing and preparation. Make sure your Realtor® is experienced and well-trained.

2. is my house ready for a sale?

First impressions matter! According to the "Psychology of House Hunting" report by BMO Financial Group, 80% of buyers know if a home is right for them within seconds of stepping inside. Properly preparing and staging your home for the moment a buyer walks in is a real game-changer. In a recent survey from the National Association of Realtors®, well-staged homes sell, on average, 88% faster and for 20% more than nonstaged homes. A well-staged, well-prepared home can skyrocket your profits on a sale.

3. what am i leaving in the house?

Sellers, you might think you can worry about this at the very end when you move out — but that is far from the truth. Knowing what stays with the home and what you want to keep is a critical first step BEFORE listing your home.

Legally, anything attached to the wall or ceiling is part of the house and stays with the property. Overlooking this detail can cost you arguments and money if you later realize you wanted to keep something that the buyer is legally entitled to take. So, if you want to take your favorite light fixture to your new home, it’s best to just swap it out before you even list your house for sale.

We always recommend asking a professional for advice on these critical questions and more before you list your home for sale. Our agents are experienced, trained, and locally informed to provide you with the best guidance. Don’t settle for less — let your first step be a free market analysis with one of our Agents.

Contact us for a free market analysis