With home values on the rise, many people are thinking about selling their homes for the first time. Selling a home takes time and effort. You need to get your home in listing condition by decluttering it, cleaning it, and making it inviting right when you walk in the front door. The goal is for potential buyers to be able to envision themselves living in your home when they are walking through.

Being a first time home seller can quickly get overwhelming when you do not know where to start. Here is some tips on where to start.

1. Do Your Research.
The first thing that you need to do as a first time home seller is to do your research. There are many things that you should know as you prepare to sell your home. You want to research what homes are selling for in your area to get a general idea of if selling is the right decision for you. You should also research knowledgeable real estate agents in the area and have a list to interview.

2. Minimize.
The best thing that you can do when preparing to sell a home is to minimize as much as possible. Go through and see what you can donate, what you can throw away, and what you can pack away in boxes until your move. Buyers want to see a clutter free home. Reducing clutter also makes it easier to keep your home clean in between listing photos and showings.

3. Renovate or Repair.
If there are major things the house needs completed, or if there are visible items that need to be repaired, now is the time to start these projects. Also, if your home has not been updated it might be worth doing a few upgrades that will yield you more money when the home sells.

4. Perfect Your Curb Appeal.
The outside of your home is the first impression potential buyers have when driving up, it should be in tip top shape. Walk up to your house and look at it from a buyers perspective. Check out things like siding, roof, landscaping, and driveways. Then spend some time perfecting your curb appeal.

5. Hire an Agent.
Lastly, all home sellers can benefit from hiring a real estate agent. Not only do they know the current housing market, but they also have tips to sell your home quickly and for top dollar. An experienced agent can also help you every step of the way, from industry contacts, to negotiating, to helping you find your next home.

Bonus Tip: I understand that this is your home and you have an emotional connection to it. Remember that buyers are always trying to get the best deal possible, so try not to take it personally if you don’t get as many offers as you had hoped for or if the offers are lower than you would have liked.

When you are ready to take the next step in selling your first home, reach out. I understand how overwhelming it can be and I am here to help ease the process.