6 Things You Must Consider Before Putting Your Home on the Market
No matter the reason for your move, it can be a very stressful experience trying to determine everything that goes into selling your home. For instance, you need to decide where you want to move, when you want to sell, how much to list for, and so much more. In fact, selling your home is so much more than just putting a For Sale sign in the front yard and waiting for an offer. If you have thoughts about moving, then here are six things you must consider before putting your home on the market.
- Renovations and Updates
Before listing your home, take a good hard look at it and determine if it’s in need of any renovations or updates. After all, making small updates to your home, such as fixing a broken faucet, will allow you to get more money for the home and make it more appealing to buyers. Don’t list your home for sale if you have a laundry list of things to do first. Go room by room and determine if you have projects ahead of you before listing your home.
- School and Work
If you are selling your home because you got a new job in another town or state, you need to factor this into your moving plans. For instance, is your company giving you time to sell your house and move to a new location, or are they requesting you start at the new location right away? All this information will help you determine what kind of timeline you’re working with.
In addition to work, paying attention to the school schedule is also important. For instance, if you don’t want your child to switch schools in the middle of the year, then you’ll want to ensure you’re putting your home on the market well before school would start so you have ample time to get it sold and into the new place.
- Weather
You should factor in the weather when determining when to list your house. For instance, finding a place to live when moving to Chicago would be much easier during the spring and summer months than during the brutal winters. If you’re trying to sell in Chicago, it may be a good idea to list it either before or after winter is over to give people better weather to see your home. This is the same for those who live in extremely hot places, as putting your home for sale during the cooler months may be more beneficial to potential buyers.
- Price
Determining the price is another factor you must consider when possibly selling your house. If you are in desperate need of moving, then you’ll want to keep the price low to attract more potential buyers. However, if you’re not in a rush, then you can be more strategic about the price of your home without turning people away. Be sure to look at other homes in your area that have sold and compare your home to those. Then, use this information to determine the best asking price for your home based on what people are selling for in the area.
- New Town Factors
Moving to a new town will come with changes to your current schedule and budget, so you want to be fully aware of what this will bring. For instance, while you may be attracted to another home because it has lower property taxes, you may have higher school fees, spend more money on gas for commuting to work, or even pay more for babysitters or other everyday items. Be sure to fully consider the price of the new town versus what you currently spend to determine if it’s a financially smart decision for you to make.
- Timing
Aside from school and work, you simply need to factor in the timing of your move. Keep in mind that home closings are taking longer and longer, which means while you may agree to an offer, it could be months before you actually close on the house. If you must sell a house to buy a house, this contingency could make it more difficult for you to make something happen on your schedule. Just be sure you factor in everything to stay on the right possible path.
Moving can be stressful and exciting at the same time, but no matter what you’re feeling, be sure to consider all these factors before making your final decision.
