Selling your home

 You've made the big decision to sell your home. Congrats! This is a major life event that requires careful consideration.

One of the first questions you might be asking yourself is, "How do I get started and create a plan that will benefit my family the most?"

The best first step is to reach out to a professional, local real estate agent. In fact, it's a good idea to contact a few of them to compare their services and expertise.

 Ask friends or family who have recently bought or sold a home about their experiences with their real estate agent. Find out if they had a great experience and if they can recommend someone. If so, contact the agent and meet in person to discuss your needs.

It's also a good idea to get a second or third opinion by reaching out to a local real estate firm and asking for a respected agent who specializes in your desired area. You should receive a call from an educated, friendly, and ambitious agent within a few hours.

 Selling your home without a real estate agent can lead to complex and expensive legal issues if you're unfamiliar with your state's real estate laws and practices. Professional agents provide valuable expertise and keep families on track, avoiding potential problems.

  For those who don't frequently buy or sell homes or know any agents personally, it's easy to underestimate the amount of work that goes into the home-selling process. Agents perform these tasks at no charge until a closing takes place, which is impressive considering the time and money involved.

  A local professional real estate agent can provide valuable advice on preparing your home for sale, including pricing, market conditions, and staging. Staging can significantly impact the appeal of your home to potential buyers and may help it sell more quickly and for a higher price 

When the real estate agent arrives, guide them through your home and share what you love about it or how it has served your family. Highlight any unique features, square footage, or nearby amenities such as shopping, schools, or events.

Be sure to inform the agent of any upgrades or repairs you've made and when they were completed, as well as whether they were done professionally. This information is crucial for the buyer's lender to provide clean title and lien waivers.

If you have any concerns about your home's condition, make the agent aware immediately and consider hiring a certified inspector to assess the property. 

 Today's home buyers are more educated and expect more than ever before, thanks to reality TV shows and easy access to information online. They look for functional, clean spaces, trendy color palettes, powerful appearances, tasteful upgrades, and smart storage.

You don't need to completely rehab your home to attract buyers. Simple clutter removal, a thorough cleaning, and rearranging furniture can make a big difference.