Selling your Marin home requires a good deal of planning. Depending on its condition, a home may require time and investment in improvements before going on the market. To get the ball rolling, choose an experienced and trustworthy real estate agent – he or she will guide you each step of the way and recommend reliable tradespeople to complete any work that needs to be done.
These are the key things you’ll need to do:
Decide on timing – Think about when you want to put your house on the market. With low inventory in Marin, anytime except November and December is a good time to sell. Your choice may depend on when you’d like to move out. For a properly prepared and carefully priced home, you will probably need to move out 30 to 60 days after you offer it for sale. (See more about how long it may take to sell your home.) You may want to make plans to move out before the house goes on the market to accommodate staging and make access easier for interested buyers. However, you can delay the move with a rent-back. Plan for your next home – You should have a plan for obtaining your next home. Your agent can help you locate that home or find temporary housing. Talk to a recommended mortgage broker about what you can afford to spend on your next home. Inspections – Marin home buyers expect to receive inspection reports before they present offers. These inspections serve the seller by increasing the sale price and shortening the listing period. They alert you to issues, and your real estate agent will advise as to what should be repaired and what can simply be disclosed to prospective buyers. Your agent can recommend and arrange for inspections, as needed, of the structure, pests and dry rot damage, the roof, drainage, and the sewer line. Disclosures – Prospective buyers will also want to read your disclosures about the condition of your home, history of issues and repairs, and reports on possible natural hazards, building permits, and more. Your agent can apply for some of this information and assist you in filling out mandated reports. Full disclosure assures you a successful sale and avoids possible legal issues after the sale. Make necessary repairs – These are repairs that will increase the value of your home. Most buyers do not want to buy a home that needs major repairs. If these items are addressed before the sale, buyers perceive value in a home that has been well maintained. Cosmetic updates – These may or may not be advisable, depending on the condition of your home. Buyers prefer homes that fit the images they see on the internet and magazines. These cosmetic updates often start with fresh paint colors inside and out, new countertops and kitchen appliances, and clean, simple landscaping, Your real estate agent will advise you on how to get the best return on your investments in updates. Clean your home – make sure the house is spotless inside and out. It’s a good idea to hire professional cleaners. Stage or style – Your real estate agent may recommend that you stage your home to make the best impression. In Marin, this is very important (see a recent example). Since buyers first see your home on the internet, a carefully staged or styled home motivates them to visit in person and submit offers. Staging requires that you remove and store your belongings, although you can continue to live in the house if you wish. If your home is styled using your own furnishings, you will need to declutter and possibly put items in storage. Improve curb appeal – First impressions count! Walking up to your home, buyers form an instant impression that stays with them through the tour of the house. This includes the color of the front door, exterior fixtures, and landscaping.Landscape maintenance – Hire gardeners to ensure that all yard and garden areas surrounding the house are neat, open, and attractive. Your realtor may suggest adding plantings, opening areas that can be used for outdoor living, recreation, and play areas for children. Your stager may add outdoor items that suggest attractive uses.
Paperwork – Locate the documents you will need for the sale, including plans and surveys and a list of improvements during your ownership. Your agent will provide a preliminary title report at no cost to you that defines your ownership and easements on the property. Talk with your financial advisor – Learn the implications of your home sale; for example, the possibility of capital gain taxes and changes in your property taxes. An experienced agent can facilitate this process.Madeline Schaider Real Estate has been helping Marin homeowners prepare their properties for sale for over 30 years. They can guide you easily through this process to realize the very best price for your home. Contact Madeline if you’d like to discuss selling your home.