There is so much to love about living in Watercolor. From its easy beach access to its resort-style community amenities, life in Watercolor is a dream come true for many people. Yet, there may come a day when you need to sell your home. Whether it’s to be closer to friends and family or to downsize or upsize, selling your beloved home might feel like the right next step.
Whether you have lived in your home for a couple of years or several, moving can feel like an incredibly daunting task. How do you pack up your life, market your home, and search for another home all at the same time? And how do you do this while keeping your sanity? For sellers, organization is key. One of the best ways to stay organized throughout the process is by following a seller’s checklist. Here’s how you can prepare your home for sale without worry or stress.
Hire a local expert to get your home sold
Photo courtesy of ShutterstockBefore putting your home on the market, one of the most essential steps is hiring a Watercolor real estate agent. When hiring an agent, there are two approaches you can take. You can either hire someone you know or an agent who specializes in your area. Each method has its pros and cons, but if you do not have someone in your social network who works in your area, then hiring a local expert is the right call. So how do you know you are working with a local expert? Your prospective agent should have:
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Previous experience working in your neighborhood
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Extensive industry expertise
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Clear communication skills
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Strong values, such as honesty and integrity
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A comprehensive marketing plan for your home
Don’t be afraid to ask your prospective agent questions. One of the most critical elements of any successful relationship is trust. Nothing is more important than working with someone who feels comfortable and confident all around.
Prepare a marketing plan to get your home sold
Photo courtesy of UnsplashOnce you have chosen a Watercolor real estate agent, they will likely come to you with a marketing plan to get your home sold. This marketing plan will be based on successful selling techniques that have gotten comparable properties sold in your community.
Starting with a home valuation, you and your agent will collaborate to determine what your home should be listed for. Then, your agent will present you with a marketing plan to get your home sold faster and for more money. Some things your agent will suggest can include:
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Creating a single-listing website dedicated to driving SEO traffic to your listing
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Hiring a home stager to highlight each room of the home
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Hiring a professional photographer/videographer to get the best images possible
Once you and your agent have come together with a marketing plan, the real work begins.
Your seller’s checklist
At times, the home selling process may feel frustrating and overwhelming, especially when there is so much going on all at once. By working together with your listing agent and staying organized, you can turn your home-selling process into a smooth transaction.
One of the first things that will happen is your agent will likely hire a home stager for your home. Home staging is a crucial first step to setting your property up for success, as staged homes sell much faster and for more money than homes that haven’t been staged.
Once the home staging is complete, you need to get to work on your property, making sure it is fully presentable to prospective buyers.
Photo courtesy of ShutterstockBefore listing your property:
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Clean your home from top to bottom
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Update the curb appeal. Trim any unruly branches or shrubs
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Wash all windows, mirrors, and blinds
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Finish small projects around the house you haven't gotten around to yet, like replacing burnt-out light bulbs, broken blinds, or outlet plates; replacing old hardware; making sure all windows and fans work; checking to make sure all electrical outlets work
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Check all of your faucets to make sure they are running properly
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Check all of the appliances to see if they are working
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Check your furnace, air conditioner, and HVAC system
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Check for any flood damage or other signs of structural damage to the property
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Remove any potential safety hazards, especially chemicals
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Apply a fresh coat of paint to the walls, especially if there are any marks or scuffs
Once you have completed those projects, a professional photographer will take impressive photos of your house to highlight its best features. Once everything is ready, your listing agent will market the home, and soon you will have buyers requesting showings. Once this happens, you will need to take steps to ensure your home is “model home” ready.
Before every showing:
- Remove any unnecessary clutter, especially from communal spaces, like the living room or kitchen
- Keep all important documents in a safe location, especially birth certificates, social security cards, and other sensitive information
- Put away any personal items you don't want buyers to find
- Store money, jewelry, prescription drugs, or anything of value in a safe or store it somewhere buyers will not find it
- Keep the house as clean as possible in between showings. If showings are scheduled, your property should be as neat as a showroom.
- Keep the home at a comfortable temperature, especially during showings. Buyers don't like to stay in houses that are too hot or too cold
- Eliminate any foul odors in the home
- Put away any pet bowls or pet items when not in use
- Put away all toys
- Make the home feel as warm and inviting as possible. Nice smells and natural sunlight go a long way.
- Make sure you are gone before the buyer and their agent arrive
While these checklist items might seem overwhelming at first glance, a seller’s checklist is an incredibly powerful tool to ensure your house is ready for showings. Once your house is market-ready, it’s only a matter of time before the offers come flooding in.
Are you ready to sell your Watercolor property? From luxury homes to waterfront villas, Smith Burke is your trusted authority on all things real estate. When it’s time to sell, choose an experienced Watercolor realtor to get results, and be sure to get your free home valuation. Reach out to Smith Burke today.
*Header photo courtesy of Unsplash
