5 Key Steps for Selling Your Home (And Getting Top Dollar)

When it comes to selling the home you're actually living in (opposed to a rental or investment property) there are some note-worthy differences to take into account. If you're considering selling the home you currently live in, keep reading for some key tips!

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As one homeowner to another - I get it. Your home has meant so much to you. The way it’s decorated, furnished, painted, landscaped, etc… it all reflects upon you and the life you’ve led within its walls. But, now that you’re listing it, it’s time to shelve your emotional attachment to it as a home - and instead begin viewing it as a house. Or better yet, as an asset.

With that in mind, let’s get down to the nitty gritty. As I’m quite sure you've heard - it's currently a seller's market. This is especially true in the Boise real estate market. With that said, a booming homebuying market doesn't necessarily award all sellers with top dollar offers for their homes. There are some key steps you (and your trusted real estate agent) can - and should - take to ensure you're on the right track to getting as much for your home as possible.

1. Pre-Inspect Your Home & Make Necessary Repairs
Be prepared to walk through your house with your Realtor® to ensure that every issue is noted and then fixed. If your house is older, your agent should be able to advise you on whether or not it makes sense to get a professional pre-inspection. Inspections aren’t just due diligence - they can provide immense re-negotiation leverage. While the thought of “fixing everything” may sound daunting, your real estate agent should be able to provide you with a fresh set of eyes, and very clear and tangible steps to making your house market-ready.

2. De-clutter
Have you ever noticed that the rooms featured in commercials for new furniture or home appliances always look fantastic? So clean, and fresh, and well - so clutterless. There’s a couch, a gorgeous coffee table, a couple end tables with lamps, and maybe a cashmere throw - that’s it.

Now glance around your living room. Chances are there is, well, maybe “just a bit” more going on, right? While it may be hard to make your home look like a commercial (unless you are planning on moving out entirely and having it professionally staged) decluttering to the best of your ability will help tremendously. To showcase your house, potential buyers need to see your house (not your grandfather’s coin collection, or your kid’s Lego masterpiece, or your stockpile of old National Geographics). They not only want - but need - to be able to focus on the house.

Try to think of this process as a kick-start to moving. EVERYTHING in your house is going to be making its way out eventually, right!? Might as well get a head start! A good real estate agent will be able to check things out as an “outsider” and should be able to point things out to you that you likely don’t even “see” anymore.

3. Set a Great First-Impression - Leverage All 5 Senses
Similar to many other business transactions, your house has a one-shot chance at setting a great first-impression. Work with your agent to ensure that potential buyers want to stay (and therefore BUY) your house. Along with being clean (and clutter-free), incorporating items that engage the potential buyer’s other senses will do wonders to make a lasting impression. Work with your agent to form a plan to best showcase your house. For example: put out fresh flowers, turn on background music, light a candle, run an air diffuser... the options are truly endless (and should be determined to emphasis the qualities and style of your unique home).

And don’t forget the power of curb appeal! When prospective buyers pull-up to your house make sure that they like what they see. Ideally, they should feel both interested and intrigued (even before they walk through the front door).

4. Professional (and Creative) Photography
Make sure your agent is using a professional photographer who knows how to showcase your home in the best light possible. Along with clear, appealing photos of the interior of your home, it’s important to also think outside the box a little. You can do this by highlighting the interesting and appealing things that are going on outside of your home. It’s always intriguing to potential buyers to see some key attributes of your neighborhood (such as access to trails, a community clubhouse, etc.). 

A strong real estate agent will make certain that every prospective buyer looking for a home in your price range and location will take notice of your listing!

5. Be Ready!
In this market, it’s increasingly important to ensure that you’re ready when the call comes! If a potential buyer wants to view your house, they will likely want to soon. Your Realtor® should be provide you with a handy checklist that you can use to ensure your home is “show-ready” before every single showing.

The key is flexibility and availability to have it shown. You may even want to consider a weekend getaway that first weekend on the market. Getting out of town will take the stress off you and will maximize availability for interested buyers to see the house.