Don't List Your Home Without Reading This First!

Ask any real estate agent how the market is and you’re almost sure to get the same answer: “Great!”

Even if the market is great, it still may not be a great time for you to sell.  Many real estate agents will tell you that NOW is the right time to sell your home when in reality, they can’t know that without knowing the specifics of your situation.  Before going down a long and potentially stressful journey, take a look at whether selling your home right now is a mistake.

What’s true about relationships is also true about selling your home: When it’s time to make a big decision, go with your gut feeling. But like anyone who has ever put off a breakup, it’s amazing how easy it is to talk yourself out of what you really want to do. You’ll say you’ll get around to addressing the ‘80s curb appeal, that you can live with your shoebox-sized closets, and you don’t mind that the location limits your job opportunities.  Really, you’re fine.

Yet, you still can’t shake the feeling that it’s time to go. Though there are many ways to justify staying put, some of the most common doubts can be particularly persistent — and some may even masquerade as logical reasons. 

Here’s how to identify these hang-ups so you can finally move on and own the home you truly want:

“What if my home ends up being worth more a year after I sell it?”

Markets are about timing — yours could be on an upswing and selling could mean you’re missing out on receiving more for your home later.  However, markets can also just as dramatically swing the other way, just like they did in 2008.  

The lesson?  You can’t really time the market.  Instead, focus on easy (and inexpensive) tasks in your control that can help your home sell for more whenever the time is right.  Decluttering, painting your rooms neutral colors, and even cleaning up your yard can sometimes raise a home’s value, regardless of what the market is doing.

“I don’t qualify for a different home.”

If your credit has gotten worse, you’ve spent all your savings on the home you’re currently in, or your financial situation is just tight overall, it might be a mistake to sell your home right now.

This is one of the trickiest thoughts about selling because it seems reasonable. You know your budget and you’ve probably even looked up what homes have been selling for in your neighborhood.  But after researching, you honestly know you just don’t qualify for a new mortgage right now and would have to go back to renting if you did sell.

“My friend who’s a real estate agent told me I should sell now.”

Working with close friends and family may not be the best decision. At first thought, it seems like a great idea because they know you,  your current situation, and you can (in most cases) trust them. But imagine what it will feel like five months from now when your home is still on the market with zero offers...

Take time to think hard about who you’re hiring to sell your home.  If it feels like your friend or family member could best represent you, go for it.  Working with the right real estate agent can take the stress out of the selling process.  That said, consider this decision like you would for anyone else who would provide a service for you and take the time to interview other prospective agents.

This can help you screen the ones that may not be the best fit for your personality or even your home (especially if you have a unique property such as a vintage home).  Focus your questions on their past experiences selling in your area, how long they’ve worked in your market, how well they know your neighborhood, and whether they have worked with sellers whose homes have similar values.  By speaking with several real estate agents, you’ll get a sense of how they communicate, if you're compatible, and if they offer the scope of services you expect and need.

"Working with the right real estate agent can take the stress out of the selling process."

“I have to make a lot of costly repairs before I can sell my home for as much as I would like.”

Depending on the age of your property, your agent may suggest making a few repairs in order to command the highest price. The extent of repairs needed often has to do with how your home will measure up against the competition.  For example, if there’s a home exactly like yours on the market, but that one has a brand new roof, the agent may suggest replacing yours, if it's nearing the end of its useful life.  You don’t necessarily have to make expensive repairs if you don’t want to — you can always sell your home as-is.  Some buyers like the idea of updating and customizing a property to exactly suit their needs. Others don't have the cash or time to tackle costly repairs.

“I’m afraid to start over in a new location.”

This is often the underlying fear when you have doubts about selling and moving to a new city or state.  Even if you’re staying in the same town, your neighborhood will be different, your proximity to places like the grocery store or gym will change, and you’ll have to go through the process of getting to know new neighbors. 

Is it a change?  Yes.  Look at it as an adventure. It’s a chance to start fresh, meet new people, find new favorite restaurants, and maybe even start a new career.

Even if you're still in the early stages of thinking about a move, I would love to have an opportunity to meet with you to talk about next steps, give you an idea of what your home is worth, and show you how I'd work with you to get you the best price.