02 Jan Selling your home this year? Start the process now
Selling your home this year? Start the process now
Planning on selling your home this year? This is the time to start the home selling process, here are some suggestions of tasks that you can do now. In fact, you’ll save yourself a lot of work and get ahead of the game if you start planning now. What’s that old saying? The early bird gets the worm! In this case, by starting the process this month, you’ll be in excellent shape when you’re ready to list this year.
Here are just a few examples of what you can do to get the process started:
- Before the snow starts to pile up, walk your property and note any maintenance issues that need attention. For example if you notice some cracks in the foundation, sunken interlock/patio stones, fence posts or decks that need some maintenance. Even garage doors that are starting to rust, a front door that needs a fresh coat of paint or a sticky door handle, these are good items to make note of or address weather permitting. Remember catching some items that need attention sooner than later, as well as, noting items that will add to curb appeal are important. The same applies to the inside of your home, make a to do list for each room. This will give you time to prioritize and decide whether to complete the work yourself or get quotes from professionals.
- Decide which items to store or sell to declutter your home. Start with one room at a time and make a timeline. Click here for a list of Ottawa organizations that you can donate items to.
- Determine what improvements you’ll need to make in order for your home to look great to buyers. We can help you with this list, determining which improvements will appeal to potential purchasers and which improvements will give the most return. If you are going to sell your home within the year, taking on major renovations is not the best way to spend your dollars nor time.
- Find out approximately how much your property will likely sell for. Contact us to complete a detailed home evaluation.
- Clarify the kind of new home you’d like to move into, including ideal neighbourhoods.
- Look into your financing options, so you’ll know the price range you can afford. Now it the time to speak to a mortgage broker and make a plan to get your detailed pre-approval.
- Connect with any professionals you may need, such as contractors, a mover, and a real estate lawyer. We can provide some suggestions for professional contacts. This will remove stress later one and also give you a better idea of closing costs.
- Take advantage of any shopping deals for products you may need, such as home improvement project materials, packing supplies, etc. January is a good month to take advantage of sales.
As you can see, the earlier you start preparing for selling your home, the more stress-free and successful the home selling process will be when you are ready to sell.
As experienced Ottawa Realtors® we would be happy to prepare a home evaluation for you and make a plan to help you get ready for market, whether for next month or next year.