Factors to Evaluate Before You List a Home

by Jeanne Turnock 02/24/2019

Adding a house to the real estate market should be simple. However, a home seller must consider various factors before listing a home, or risks missing out on opportunities to stir up interest from potential homebuyers.

Some of the top factors to consider before you list a residence include:

1. Your Home's Interior and Exterior

Ultimately, your home only gets one chance to make a positive first impression on homebuyers. If a home seller dedicates the necessary time and resources to update a house's interior and exterior, he or she may be able to increase the likelihood of a quick home sale.

To improve a house's interior, it is important to declutter as much as possible. Remove any non-essential items from a home; these items can be sold at a garage sale or online or put into a storage unit until a home sells.

Furthermore, to enhance a home's exterior, a home seller should mow the front lawn, trim the hedges and perform assorted home exterior maintenance projects. With a dazzling home exterior, a home seller can help his or her residence stand out from other available houses.

2. The Local Housing Market

How does your home stack up against the competition? Study the local housing market closely, and you should have no trouble establishing a competitive price for your home.

Examine the prices of available residences that are similar to your own. Also, take a look at the prices of recently sold houses in your city or town. With this housing market data in hand, you can understand whether you're preparing to operate in a buyer's or seller's market and price your residence appropriately.

3. Home Appraisal Results

When it comes to getting a home ready for the real estate market, it never hurts to conduct a home appraisal.

During a home appraisal, a property inspector will assess a house's condition. After the appraisal is finished, this inspector will provide a homeowner with a copy of a home appraisal report.

A home appraisal report offers valuable insights into a home's condition and enables a home seller to prioritize myriad home improvement projects. As such, the report may help a home seller find ways to enhance a residence before he or she adds it to the real estate market.

Lastly, if you're looking to list a house in the foreseeable future, working with a real estate agent is key.

A real estate agent is happy to help you prep your residence for the housing market. He or she will offer honest, unbiased home selling recommendations and ensure you can upgrade your house as needed. Plus, this housing market professional will set up home showings and open houses, negotiate with homebuyers on your behalf and do whatever it takes to help you sell your residence.

Get your house ready for the real estate market – consider the aforementioned factors, and you can transform an ordinary residence into an awe-inspiring home.