What's It Like to Sell a House?

by Ann Hayward 07/01/2018

The home selling journey varies from person to person. If an individual prepares for this journey, he or she may be better equipped than others to avoid problems along the way. On the other hand, an individual who is unprepared for the property selling journey may struggle to achieve the best-possible results.

There are many things that an individual can do to enjoy a memorable home selling experience. Now, let's take a look at three tips to help you prepare for the house selling journey.

1. Upgrade Your House's Curb Appeal

How your house looks to prospective buyers can have far-flung effects on your home selling experience. If you allocate time and resources to enhance your residence's curb appeal, you could make your house an attractive choice to dozens of potential buyers.

Upgrading your house's curb appeal can be simple. For example, mowing the lawn and trimming the hedges generally won't take long to complete and can help your residence impress potential buyers. You can always repair or replace any damaged home siding as well.

If you require additional help with home exterior upgrades, contractors are available in cities and towns nationwide. In fact, these professionals can help you quickly improve your residence's curb appeal.

2. Set a Competitive Initial Asking Price

It is important to establish a competitive initial asking price for your residence, regardless of whether you are operating in a buyer's or seller's market. Otherwise, you risk alienating potential buyers – something that may result in a time-intensive home selling journey.

To set a competitive initial asking price for your home, it may be beneficial to analyze local housing market data. Compare and contrast your home versus similar residences that are available in your city or town, and you can use these insights to price your residence accordingly.

In addition, you can hire a home appraiser before you list your house. A home appraiser will provide a property valuation that you can use to establish an aggressive price for your residence.

3. Hire a Real Estate Agent

A real estate agent is a difference-maker during the home selling journey, and for good reason. This housing market professional understands what it takes to sell a home and will do whatever it takes to help you enjoy a fast, profitable house selling experience.

Perhaps best of all, a real estate agent will develop a personalized home selling strategy for you. Thus, if you want to sell your residence as quickly as possible, a real estate agent will help you do just that. Or, if you want to optimize the earnings from your house sale, a real estate agent will go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure you can get the best price for your house.

As you prepare to add your house to the real estate market, there is no need to worry. Take advantage of the aforementioned tips, and you can boost the likelihood of enjoying a seamless property selling experience.

Tips On Selling

Selling Your Home

About the Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]