6 Tips For Selling Your Home

Thinking about selling your home? Whether it’s for a lifestyle change, a career opportunity, or simply to move closer to loved ones, selling a house involves more than just listing it on the market. From determining the right price to preparing your home for showings, each step requires careful planning. While the process can seem daunting, having a clear strategy can help ease the journey. In this blog, we’ll provide essential tips for how to sell a house so you can feel confident and prepared every step of the way.

Should You Hire a Real Estate Agent?

So, you decided to sell your home. Now what? Do you list it privately or go with a real estate agent? The direction you choose to go will depend on various factors, such as your timeline, energy, asking price, and the amount of commission you're willing to pay.

Relying on a realtor’s guidance can greatly reduce stress and save you time. For example, they will arrange all the showings and navigate negotiations with any potential buyers. Working with an experienced real estate professional can increase your home’s appeal to potential buyers. They also have a network of trusted contacts that you can leverage throughout the entire process, such as inspectors, contractors, attorneys, home stagers, etc. Not to mention, a real estate agent will handle all the paperwork when it comes time to sell your home - making your life much easier.

Whether you decide to sell your home yourself or go with a realtor, keeping the following tips in mind will make for a smoother process.

Tips for Selling Your Home #1: Know the Market

Understanding supply and demand is essential when selling your home, as it directly impacts how quickly your property sells and at what price. In a seller's market, where demand exceeds supply, buyers are often willing to pay a premium, and homes tend to sell quickly with multiple offers. Conversely, in a buyer's market, where there are more homes for sale than interested buyers, you may need to price your home competitively and invest in staging or improvements to attract offers. Monitoring local real estate trends and knowing whether supply or demand is driving the market can help you set realistic expectations and craft a strategy to maximize your sale.

Tips for Selling Your Home #2: Deciding a List Price

Setting the right list price is a critical step in selling your home. To determine your home’s value, consider using a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). If you work with a realtor, this is often provided at no additional cost. A CMA evaluates key factors such as your home's unique features, significant upgrades or renovations, the property’s tax-assessed value, and the recent selling prices of comparable homes in your area. This data-driven approach ensures your list price aligns with current market conditions, helping you attract the right buyers and maximize your sale potential.

Tips for Selling Your Home #3: Pick the Right Season

Timing plays a significant role in the success of selling your home, and choosing the right season depends on your personal circumstances and goals. Here's how real estate market trends vary by season:

In winter, lower inventory can make it easier for your home to attract attention, but snowfall may hide key features like the foundation and landscaping. Listing before the first snowfall can help showcase your property more effectively.

Spring and summer bring the busiest market activity, meaning more potential buyers but also greater competition. If you're selling during this time, pricing your home competitively can help it stand out and generate more interest.

If you're not in a rush, autumn is often an ideal time to sell. The market typically has fewer listings, reducing competition, and the pleasant weather combined with vibrant fall colours can enhance your home's curb appeal.

Tips for Selling Your Home #4: Staging & Marketing

Before listing your home, it’s crucial to make a lasting first impression on potential buyers. This begins with effective staging and a well-crafted marketing strategy. Staging helps buyers visualize the space as their future home, so start by decluttering and removing personal items like family photos to create a neutral, inviting environment. While some homeowners prefer a DIY approach, hiring a professional staging company can elevate your home’s appeal.
Once staging is complete, it’s time to focus on your listing. High-quality, professional photos are essential, along with images of your home’s exterior and yard. If possible, include photos from different seasons to highlight its year-round charm. Consider using aerial photography or videography, as this can significantly boost buyer interest. Be sure to highlight standout features such as a fireplace, finished basement, or custom cabinetry, and don’t forget to mention nearby amenities like parks, schools, and shopping. A compelling listing can make all the difference in attracting serious buyers.

Tips for Selling Your Home #5: Showing Your Home

After listing your home, the next step is to showcase it in the best possible light to attract serious buyers. Most potential buyers will want to see the property in person or virtually before making a decision, so it’s important to be flexible and prepared. There are several ways to show your home:

1. Private Showings: Allowing individual buyers to book private appointments offers a personalized experience, giving them time to explore the space at their own pace. Ensure your home is clean, decluttered, and well-lit for every showing.
2. Open Houses: Scheduling an open house can bring multiple buyers through your home in a short period, increasing exposure and possibly creating a sense of competition. Choose a time that works well for potential buyers, typically weekends, and make sure your home is staged and welcoming.
3. Virtual Tours: In today’s digital world, virtual tours are becoming increasingly popular. High-quality 3D tours or video walkthroughs provide a convenient way for remote buyers to explore your home. Virtual options can widen your buyer pool, attracting interest from those who may not be able to visit in person.

No matter how you choose to show your home, be sure to create a warm, inviting atmosphere by keeping it tidy, eliminating odours, and highlighting its best features. A little preparation can go a long way in making a positive impression and helping you secure the best offer.

Tips for Selling Your Home #6: Offer Time

If all goes well, your home will attract significant attention, and you may find yourself receiving multiple offers from interested buyers. At this stage, you’re in control—you can accept, counter, or reject any offer based on what works best for you. Keep in mind that some offers may include conditions that must be met before the sale can be finalized. Common buyer conditions include a home inspection, an appraisal, securing financing, or the sale of their current home. These conditions can influence the strength and timeline of the offer, so it’s important to weigh them carefully.

Once you receive an offer that aligns with your expectations, take the time to review it thoroughly with your lawyer. In addition to the price, offers may include additional terms, such as requests for appliances to be included or repairs to be completed before closing. Your lawyer will guide you through the process, ensuring that the agreement is fair and legally sound. They’ll also handle the necessary paperwork to facilitate a smooth transfer of ownership. Taking the time to review every detail ensures you’re making the best decision and helps prevent potential issues down the road.

Does moving impact your home insurance?

Yes, moving can impact your home insurance in several ways. When you move to a new home, factors such as the location, size, age, and construction materials of the property can affect your insurance premiums. For example, moving to an area with higher crime rates or increased risks of natural disasters like floods may result in higher premiums. Conversely, close proximity to fire stations or fire hydrants can lead to more favourable home insurance costs. Additionally, your policy will need to be updated to reflect the new property and its specific coverage needs. 

Protect Your Home With BIG

By following these real estate tips and understanding the steps involved in how to sell a home, you can approach the process with confidence and ensure a successful sale. If selling your home means you are in the market to purchase a new property, our trusted partners at Rocket Mortgage can provide the advice you need to secure a mortgage. Simply, complete this form with information about the property you are hoping to buy and you will be connected with a mortgage specialist who will walk you through your options! Don’t forget, you should also contact your BIG broker or request a home insurance quote as early as possible so you can enjoy seamless coverage during and after your move.