Three Reasons To Sell Before the Selling Season Picks Up
Looking to sell this year?
Let me guess, you’re thinking of waiting until the spring to start getting ready? That’s when there will be talk that the market is hot and it’s the best time to list.
Many people don’t even want to think about the list of tasks that come with putting their home up for sale – especially after they have just survived the holiday season. Who wants to look at finances in January? The idea of packing boxes and fixing up your home to sell feels daunting; and don’t forget, it’s miserably cold outside.
But what if you could sell faster and for top dollar if you start now?
Don’t believe me? Here are three reasons to get a jump start:
Home Prep Takes Time: Book Your Trades
If you want to get top dollar for your home, you’re going to want to make sure that everything is in tip top shape. Does the trim and walls need to be painted? Is it time to finally fix that leaky pipe? When was the last time the furnace was serviced or the windows were washed?
These are all things that will give buyers greater confidence in your home and you want to make sure they are taken care of before you list. Most of which will require a trades person or handyman. It’s no secret that there is a worker shortage right now and it could take months before you will be able to get someone in to take care of these tasks. Why not beat the rush and start booking your trades now?
First Impressions Are Everything: Purge and Declutter
Just take a moment to put yourself in the buyer’s shoes. You walk into a potential new home for a showing. You turn the corner and you’re standing in the kitchen. Family photos are hung on the walls and the children’s school art is plastered across the fridge. You know, the kind that every parent wants to throw out but never has the guts to? Next you step into the garage and the rafters are full of boxes and old Christmas decorations. A smirk comes across your face because you can just picture the conversation between gritted teeth about how many times she’s asked him to deal with these boxes? The thing is, there are so many clues of this family’s lives lying around that it’s hard to see your own.
You want to make sure buyers can see their lives in your home. This means the spaces are as clean and tidy as possible and a blank canvas exists for them to paint a vision of their lives on the walls. Throw away what’s broken, give away what you no longer use, and put the rest of your belongings, that are cluttering the space, in storage. If you’re on an acreage or have a large yard, you will want to make sure outdoor spaces are cleaned up as well. There is a reason that you have put these tasks off – they are time consuming and easier to sweep under the rug. However, if you are looking at selling you will want to make sure that these spaces are taken care of before you list. Start now.
Sell Quicker and For Top Dollar: Get Ready to Stage
Any caring realtor will tell you that a well staged home is going to make a huge difference for the sale. It will make your sale competitive and give you a greater chance at earning top dollar.
It’s time to replace those old bed covers, deal with those wilting plants in the corner, and look for art pieces for the walls. If you’re like me, you will want to start looking for good deals. Catch the sales now while things are out of season and save money. Or, if you plan to use a staging company, book them before the surge of new listings in the spring. Does this process feel overwhelming? Don’t worry, this is part of my expertise and a perk of working with a real estate agent to help you get your home ready to sell! Did I mention I have contacts?
Planning Is Key
In addition to getting your home into tip top shape and ready for the sale, there are a few other benefits to starting the selling process now.
After your space is ready to sell you will want to book professional photos, and have measurements done for the listing – both of which I will take care of as your agent. Another professional service you need to book is a lawyer to process the sale. These services require being booked in advance and you’re going to want to beat the crowd and book early!
If the idea of getting your home ready to sell is overwhelming and you are considering putting it off for another month or year, I have one last recommendation for you.
Are you ready?
Get in touch with an agent. An agent is going to know the ins and outs of the industry and is here to make this process as seamless as possible for you. In addition to getting your home ready to sell we will do a Market Analysis to find the best price point to list your home. You don’t want to book with just any Calgary real estate agent though, you want one with experience and connections.
I have been in the business for 6 years and pride myself for having connections with trades people, and other vendors to support my clients. I’m not just here to list your home and take care of showings, I am here for you every step of the way. From maintenance to staging, photos and listing details, to lawyers and paperwork, I am here to help.
If selling your home in 2022 is on your list of goals, don’t wait.
Getting started in January is an opportunity to list before the market becomes saturated. Let’s connect today and get your sale started. Coffee on me!