Your home is one of your most valuable assets, and often houses numerous memories. However, the time comes for most of us when it makes sense to sell and move on, and you’ll want to make sure you get the most out of your investment. Seniors who are planning to use this nest egg for retirement will be especially keen to maximize this investment. Here is a quick guide to staging and selling your home for the best return.
Choose the Right Real Estate Agent
Real estate agents can help you navigate the unfamiliar waters of home selling with ease. First, they will advise you on what home improvements you should make to increase your home’s value and also recommend trusted experts to help, such as home improvement professionals, real estate photographers, stagers and more.
Real estate agents know the key features that buyers are looking for and how to highlight these in your listing. In addition, they understand market expectations and how much your house is worth. They will be able to help you decide on a competitive yet advantageous price compared to your local market. Your real estate agent can also help you list and advertise your home to sellers in various ways – from setting up a “for sale” sign in your yard to listing it on real estate listing websites, and more, they know how to get your home in front of prospective buyers.
Lastly, your real estate agent will work to coordinate open houses and showings, negotiate offers from buyers, schedule inspections and much more. Plus, they will also also be there to answer any questions you have and assist you throughout the process.
Declutter, Clean and Make Repairs and Updates
Your real estate agent will be able to help you determine which updates you should tackle before listing your home and which ones you can leave for the new owner. Oftentimes, they will recommend completing cosmetic updates or repairs to increase your home’s appeal. This may include updating fixtures, paint, lighting or cabinet and door hardware. You may also want to tackle quick fixes, such as the runny kitchen sink or the creaky front door.
Decluttering and cleaning can make a world of difference and set you up for success in the staging process. It can also be especially helpful if you plan on downsizing. Go room by room and sort through all of your belongings, choosing what you want to keep, give to family members, donate, sell and discard. Then, empty the room and clean it from top to bottom. Be sure to enlist the help of family and friends – many hands make light work.
Stage Your Home
Making a good impression on buyers is a key selling tactic. Staging your home can make it look more appealing, and helps buyers visualize what it would be like to live there. Staging also helps you highlight your home’s unique features and key selling points, showing off its potential.
Your real estate agent may recommend a particular stager to make things easier. If you don’t want to hire a stager, you can also do the staging yourself or ask a loved one that has an eye for interior design. If you prefer to keep your house completely empty, virtual staging software easily sets the stage for your online listing.
Once you’ve decluttered and cleaned, you can begin to stage your home. You will want to remove any personal photos or valuables, rearrange the furniture, and add a few new finishing touches, like throw pillows, fresh flowers or decorative accents. Use candles or an essential oil diffuser to make your home smell inviting.
Explore Living Options at Oak Trace
Senior living communities are a great option for seniors looking to live a relaxed, engaging retirement lifestyle. At Oak Trace, our residents enjoy an array of amenities and services that enhance their quality of life – from fitness classes and group outings to gourmet meals to housekeeping and landscaping services, and more.
Contact us today to see what living here is really like!
