PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR SALE: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – PART 1
Are you thinking about selling your home in the sought-after neighborhoods of Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA? It’s a big decision that can sometimes feel overwhelming. I’m Melissa Shaw of Lewis Realtors, and with over 21 years of experience assisting sellers, I understand the frequent questions that come up in this journey. Today marks the first part of our three-part series addressing sellers’ most frequently asked questions to ease your process of preparing your home for sale.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO PREPARE MY HOME FOR SALE?
This is the number one question I often receive. Preparing your home for sale isn’t just about cleaning up; it involves strategic planning. My best advice is to get in touch with your real estate professional. They’ll give you a personalized home enhancements list.
* Personalized Consultation: Invite your real estate professional to take a look at your home. Their insights will be tailored to your specific needs, abilities, and budget.
* Home Enhancements: Their suggestions might involve minor repairs, decluttering, or even staging to ensure your home looks its best.
WHAT IS MY HOME WORTH?
Determining your home’s value accurately requires a nuanced approach. While an initial home evaluation can be done remotely, having a professional on-site visit is crucial.
* Preliminary Evaluation: Provide as many details as possible over the phone or via email for an initial assessment.
* On-Site Assessment: A professional visit will take into account your home’s condition, location, and amenities, culminating in a final, well-rounded valuation.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR SHOWINGS?
First impressions matter immensely during showings. Here are some practical tips to ensure your home is appealing to prospective buyers:
* Create Ambiance: If you have TVs, use them to play soft, relaxing music with calming visuals throughout your home.
* Emulate Photo Settings: Ensure your home is as tidy and well-presented as it was for the photos.
* Light It Up: Keep all lights on and blinds open to let in as much natural light as possible.
* Staging: While staging should be discussed beforehand, maintaining a welcoming environment will help potential buyers visualize themselves living in the space.
HOW LONG SHOULD I BE GONE FOR SHOWINGS?
This depends on your property’s size and the type of amenities it offers. Generally, expect to be out for 30 to 60 minutes to allow buyers to get a thorough feel of your home.
* Standard Duration: For typical homes, 30 to 60 minutes is sufficient.
* Larger Properties: If your home has acreage or additional buildings, the viewing time may be longer.
IS MY SELLER’S AGENT GOING TO BE PRESENT DURING SHOWINGS?
Generally, the seller’s agent won’t be present to provide a comfortable environment for potential buyers. However, as a seller’s agent, it’s my responsibility to ensure all essential information about your home is readily available to the buyer’s agent and their clients.
* Information Availability: I ensure that all questions can be promptly answered and that necessary information is accessible to buyers during their visit.
If you found this information helpful, stay tuned for the next part of our series on sellers’ frequently asked questions. And if you’re ready to explore your options or have more questions, feel free to book a call with me: https://calendly.com/lewisrealtors
