Selling your home is going to be a challenging time due to the competitive nature of the real estate market, not to mention the physical and emotional stress you’re likely to go through as you prepare your home for listing. Particularly if it’s your first home, you likely have a strong emotional attachment to it, and it’s never easy to start moving your things out. It’s not all bad news, however. While many markets suffered during the coronavirus pandemic, the real estate market saw the demand for housing shoot up last year. Even currently, you can take advantage of a seller’s market.
Even if you think you’re ready to put your home on the market, it’s a good idea to double-check everything, since you don’t know how fast you’ll need to be able to move if potential buyers are responsive to your listing. Here are three important things to check for before your house goes on the market.
1. Plumbing and Water Systems
It’s always smart (and generally required) to get a complete home inspection before you put your home on the market, but your plumbing system and water purification are extremely important to pay attention to. If you experience a water pressure drop or leaks during an open house or private showing, it will likely ruin the entire event. Likewise, plumbing issues that result in the fouling of odors in the home will drive potential buyers away.
While you’re at it, you should consider an RO membrane cleaning as well. Reverse Osmosis (RO) is a water purification process that relies on a pressure-driven membrane that makes it so that pure water can move through more easily than the contaminants in it. This is an effective cleaning solution, but only when the membranes are cleaned and maintained properly.
If overall water pressure drops or water flow is restricted, it may be because of dirty membranes. This isn’t a process you should handle yourself, since improper use of the clean in place (CIP) system can result in long-term difficulties with the system, so be sure to bring in membrane cleaning professionals.
2. Decluttering and Staging
Prospective buyers want to envision your house as their own home, and the easiest way to do that is by making it look as similar to a new home as possible. This means that you’ll need to start removing as many of your belongings from the home as possible, including family photos and heirlooms. You may need to look for a storage facility to hold your items before you move into your new home yourself.
When you stage your home, you’re basically trying to show off your floor plan and space as well as possible. This shouldn’t be too difficult with most things emptied out, but you’ll want to pay attention to subtle elements, like lighting, to show off your home as well as possible. Don’t neglect the exterior, either. You make your first impression with your curb appeal, so make sure that your roof and siding are in good shape, and you might want to put a fresh coat of paint on the front door as well.
3. Real Estate Agents
Even in a seller’s market, it’s important that you hire the help of a real estate broker or agent who can help you market your home effectively and negotiate the best price. Especially if you live in a competitive market, like the Bay Area, you’ll need the help of recommended professionals like the Joe Dickerson Group.
These real estate agents are recognized by Keller Williams Realty as top agents in 2020 when they managed to sell homes for great prices in the middle of the pandemic. When you’re ready to put your home on the market, they’ll help you come up with a custom plan to fit all your needs as you complete the selling process.
