There’s no better time to get organized than January and February, especially if you have a major life change on the horizon. Selling your home is a great example. The process can be long and complicated—but with some careful planning, it doesn’t have to be. From purging your clutter to getting familiar with the local housing market, the steps you take now can help ensure that the process goes smoothly!
If you’re putting your home on the market in 2020, here are some tips to prepare for a successful sale…
1) Streamline your stuff
Most of us have our fair share of clutter kicking around. Unfortunately, when it comes time to sell a home, figuring out how to deal with all our stuff can be both stressful and time-consuming. If you’re like us, you won’t be able to sort through your belongings overnight!
Try devoting an hour or two to decluttering each weekend. Tackle one area at a time, separating the items you plan to keep from those you want to donate or toss away. During this time, resist the urge to buy new things unless they’re absolutely essential.
The good news is, you don’t have to go through the decluttering and home-preparation process on your own. If you need help, there are professionals here on the island who can work with you at every step—get in touch to learn more!
2) Get a sense of your home’s market value
One of the best ways to prepare to sell your home is by getting a good sense of its value. You can take a look at the listings out there for similar properties, but the most accurate way to take this step is by asking an agent. Be aware that it’s not just about your home’s age and square footage. Here on the island, factors such as your property’s view, its proximity to the ocean, and (if you’re in a gated community) the amenities you have access to and the fees you pay can all have an impact when it comes time to set a price.
When you’re ready to find your home’s true value, we can help! You might want to start by hiring a local appraiser—someone who’s uniquely equipped to determine what your property is worth on the Hilton Head market. Next up, we’ll help you take the necessary steps to prepare it so that you can get the best price possible!
3) Have your HVAC serviced and your roof inspected
There’s no place on earth where the climate is always perfect, not even here on the island. That’s why it’s so important to keep your heating and cooling system in good shape—especially if you’re planning to sell soon. The same is true of your roof, which is integral to your home’s structure!
Our advice? If you’re putting your property on the market in 2020, get your HVAC serviced by a professional and have your roof inspected. In our experience, home buyers will ask about these crucial home components. Knowing that they haven’t been neglected is bound to give them peace of mind—and that might help nudge them toward saying “yes” to your property!
4) Track down the paperwork
When you’re selling a home, there’s no shortage of little details to take care of. It’s never a bad idea to tackle them early on. Case in point: finding the documents you’re going to need for your sale. Even if you’re nowhere near ready to list, now is the time to start digging through your papers.
Not sure what you’ll need? It can vary from one deal to the next, but it’s a good idea to round up whatever you can find. From your original sales contract to inspection reports to your home maintenance records, anything that pertains to your property is likely to be useful. Don’t forget about those surveys and elevation certificates!
5) Work with a local expert
Whether you’re ready to sell now, two months in the future, or later in the year, finding the right Hilton Head agent is essential. Start with some basic research. Ask around, do some googling, and peruse social media.
When you find a professional or team that looks promising, set up an interview—and prepare a few questions to ask. From their experience working in Hilton Head to their preferred marketing strategies to the fees they charge, learn as much as you can about the agent you’re considering. Trust us: when the time comes to put your home on the market, you’ll be glad you did your homework!
Planning to sell your home on Hilton Head in 2020? Let us help you find the perfect place. Get in touch—we’d love to answer your questions.
