A Complete Guide to Selling Your Home in a Tough Market

By Jovana Rodolakis

You’ve likely been swamped with advice from everyone around you about putting your home on the market. But how do you sift through all the recommendations to find what actually works? In the midst of 2023’s fluctuating market, high-interest rates, and unpredictable local housing climates, things can get confusing. This guide gathers expert tips from seasoned real estate agents to help you navigate selling your home in uncertain times.

The Value of Partnering with a Skilled Agent

First and foremost, aligning yourself with a skilled real estate agent is one of the most effective things you can do to ensure a smooth sales process. Not all agents are equal, and statistics show that top-performing agents manage to finalize sales more quickly and at higher prices.

If you want to connect with an experienced agent, contact me today.

Why Choose an Experienced Agent?

So, why is an experienced agent so important? These agents have likely navigated challenging markets before and have a sense of what strategies work and what don’t. For instance, while low housing inventory currently favors sellers, high mortgage rates are making buyers more cautious, according to the Summer 2023 Top Agent Insights Report.

Skilled agents like Jovana Rodolakis can help you find that “sweet spot” where your home will receive multiple offers while other homes lag on the market.

Skipping the Agent to Save Money? Think Again. It may be tempting to sidestep working with an agent to save on commission fees, which typically hover around 5-6% of the selling price. However, even if you go the For Sale By Owner route, you’ll still be responsible for the buyer’s agent commission, usually around 2.5% of the sales price. Moreover, statistics from the National Association of Realtors indicate that homes sold without agent assistance sell for substantially less.

Getting Your Home Market-Ready

Before you list your home, a few preparations are in order.

Home Repairs and Upgrades

In a fluctuating market, homebuyers’ expectations can vary. A well-maintained home is universally more attractive to buyers, though. If you’re unsure of what repairs need attention, your real estate agent can help guide you. Often, things like a functioning HVAC system and a non-leaking roof are non-negotiables for buyers.

For additional resources on home repairs before selling, read this article.

The Importance of Deep Cleaning

No matter the market conditions, cleanliness is king. Hiring a professional cleaner for a deep clean is usually money well spent.

Easy Home Upgrades

Your agent may also recommend some simple, high-impact upgrades, like a fresh paint job or replacing worn-out carpeting.

The Curb Appeal Factor

First impressions are everything. Thus, curb appeal can make or break your sale.

Quick Landscaping Tips

Something as simple as cutting back overgrown bushes or adding fresh mulch can do wonders for your home’s exterior.

Useable Outdoor Spaces

If you have a patio or deck, staging it with appealing outdoor furniture can attract buyers. No patio? No problem! You can create a functional and inviting outdoor space right in your yard.

Final Preparations: Stage and Photograph

Before you list your home, ensure it’s camera-ready.

Depersonalize

Remove personal items to allow potential buyers to visualize themselves in the space.

Stage Your Home

Your agent should have contacts with professional stagers who can make your home look its best.

Professional Photos are a Must

Once staged, get professional photos taken. The investment will pay off.

Timing and Pricing

Choosing when to sell your home can significantly impact your sales outcome. Various factors, such as your life circumstances and regional weather patterns, can influence the best time to sell. For more on the best times to sell, check out this guide.

Pricing your home is a complex but critical part of the sales process. An experienced agent will typically perform a comparative market analysis (CMA) to determine a competitive price for your home.

Explore Your Options

If traditional selling methods don’t align with your plans, you might consider receiving an all-cash offer from an investor. However, if you’re willing to put in the time and effort, working with an experienced agent like Jovana Rodolakis, who understands the complexities of your local market, is usually the best course of action.

And there you have it! This comprehensive guide should give you the confidence to sell your home in these unpredictable times. Remember, an experienced agent can make all the difference. To get in touch with a professional, contact me today.

Feel free to reach out with any questions. Here’s to a successful home sale!