logo
Contact Us

home seller resources

Home Seller Resources

Get your home in top shape and maximize your return! This guide will provide you with practical steps to get your house ready to sell and appeal to today’s real estate buyers.

Eleven Ways to Prepare Your Home for Sale

  • ✔ 1. Paint the interior: Fresh paint in neutral colors can enhance your home’s appeal and make rooms look larger and brighter.
  • ✔ 2. Paint the exterior: First impressions matter! Curb appeal is crucial, and a fresh coat of exterior paint can significantly increase your home’s marketability.
  • ✔ 3. Clear outdoor clutter: Clean up debris and ensure your lawn and outdoor space are tidy. A clean exterior sets a positive tone for buyers.
  • ✔ 4. Declutter the interior: Remove excess furniture and decorations to make rooms look more spacious and inviting.
  • ✔ 5. Open blinds and curtains: Let in as much natural light as possible to make your home feel bright and welcoming.
  • ✔ 6. Avoid playing music: Keep distractions like background music off during showings to allow buyers to focus on your home.
  • ✔ 7. Price your home right: Setting the right price from the start is critical. Overpricing can lead to your home sitting on the market too long.
  • ✔ 8. Clean carpets and floors: A small investment in professional carpet cleaning or floor polishing can go a long way in improving your home’s overall presentation.
  • ✔ 9. Consider staging your home: A professional stager can help maximize your home’s appeal to potential buyers, making it feel more spacious and inviting.
  • ✔ 10. Update linens and towels: Fresh linens in bathrooms can help create a polished, clean look.
  • ✔ 11. Wallpaper carefully: If using wallpaper, stick to neutral colors and simple patterns that won’t overwhelm a space or make rooms feel smaller.

Homeowner’s Step-by-Step Guide to Selling

Selling your home can be a complex process. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth and successful sale:

  • ✔ Step 1: Interview REALTORS® and get a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to understand the value of your home.
  • ✔ Step 2: Prepare your documents—such as a Real Property Report, repair receipts, home warranty papers, and spare keys.
  • ✔ Step 3: Get your home in top shape by addressing major repairs and decluttering. A clean, organized home shows well.
  • ✔ Step 4: Review and sign the listing documents. Ensure you understand the terms, your rights, and your responsibilities.
  • ✔ Step 5: Work with your agent to develop a marketing strategy that highlights your home’s best features.
  • ✔ Step 6: Be flexible with showings. It’s best if you’re not present during showings to give buyers space to explore.
  • ✔ Step 7: Assess the strategy after a few weeks and make any necessary adjustments to the marketing plan or pricing.
  • ✔ Step 8: When offers come in, negotiate with the buyer to find a win-win solution for both parties.
  • ✔ Step 9: Manage any conditions, such as home inspections or financing approvals. Keep the timeline realistic to avoid delays.
  • ✔ Step 10: Prepare for possession. Book your lawyer’s appointment, complete any agreed repairs, and prepare for closing.
  • ✔ Step 11: Possession day! Be prepared for the final walk-through, and once the funds are transferred, the new owners will receive the keys.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to a successful home sale. At EXA Realty, we are here to support you through every stage of the selling process.