“It’s a Sellers’ Market!” That may be mostly true, but it doesn’t mean that being a seller is without its challenges! So where do you begin?
Determine timing. You have already decided to sell in 2022. But when? After your high school senior graduates? Before next Fall? Keep in mind that if you have been advised to wait for the proverbial Spring market, that can start as early as February. Weather permitting. Did you have outdoor prep to finish before your home is ready? Any last minute painting? Did a heavy snow damage gutters or trees? Take a critical view of your exterior. It may be worth waiting for a warmer day to get those things fixed.
Balancing Showings with Working from home. Be prepared for multiple showings as soon as your home is active on the market. Can you find an alternative work place? Do you need to request all showings after a certain time of day? If so, know the pros and cons of these types of restrictions.
What’s your next move? While it is exciting to be a seller in a low inventory market, this is a challenge when a seller becomes a buyer in that same market. Be realistic. If you are buying, consider finding your NEXT home and THEN selling. If you can afford to buy first, that may give you more flexibility. Some of our sellers were creative: stay at the cabin in between, move in to the home of a friend who winters in Arizona and so on.
Absolutely prep your home for sale. Do all that you can to present your home in its best light. A common misconception is that a Sellers Market equates to desperate buyers. Instead consider this: buyers have a small amount of homes to review. They are well aware of your competition and current pricing on homes.
Stay informed. This year promises to be filled with energy and opportunities. But likely also unknowns. Will the projected higher interest rates affect the market? Will COVID play a role in the trends? Keeping up with this information can make you better prepared when you decide to sell your home!
By Kristin Beise, RE/MAX Advantage Plus
