Selling Process
If you’ve lived in your home a long time, and are now considering selling, the process may seem overwhelming. Much has changed since you bought your home many years ago. So, before you begin, here are a few good tips you can use to help you get the process started when selling your house after 20+ years.
Find An Experienced Dedicated Sellers Agent
Your home is likely one of your biggest investments. You need to be sure the agent assisting you really knows their stuff. We recommend getting a ‘Dedicated Sellers Agent.’ Although there are many agents that represent both buyer’s and seller’s, we firmly believe that Dedicated Sellers Agents provide the most value to sellers. These agents are dedicated to and skilled at their craft. They have honed in on the effective techniques that best benefit sellers and understand and can prepare sellers for common challenges. In addition, they have often mastered the negotiation skills to get sellers the best deal.
Be sure that the agent you select has the experience you need. It’s critical to effectively market a home for sale and often the difference between selling your home and having your home sit! Ask the agent questions like:
- How many years of experience does the agent have?
- Is the agent full-time or part-time?
- How many homes has the agent sold? In the past year? Past 5 years? In their career?
- How many houses have they sold in your neighborhood?
- Will the agent be your primary contact or will you be handed off to someone else?
- What is their process for negotiations and conflict resolution?
Preparing Your Home For Sale.
Your agent will be able to help you determine what is needed to prepare your home for sale. More importantly, an experienced agent will have the resources you need to prepare your house for sale. For example, your house may need some handyman work to address any deferred maintenance and present the best first impression. Over 20 years, you’ve no doubt accumulated ‘stuff.’ A professional organizer can help you declutter. Your furniture may be 20 years old too! A stager can help store your items and update the home with newer furniture that will appeal to your targeted buyer. Your agent should have all of these resources and be able to refer you to reliable folks who’ve helped their clients over the years.
So, while the process of selling your house may seem intimidating after all these years, it can be so much easier with a reliable, experienced agent by your side. Contact the dedicated seller’s agent team at The Donnelly Group today, and we’ll provide you a Free Competitive Market Analysis. Every team member of The Donnelly Group is devoted to being your guide, your expert, your resource, your advocate!
Don’t forget to check out our latest guide: 10 Ways To Sell Your Home Quickly