3 Must-Do’s When Selling Your House in 2024

If selling your house and embarking on a new journey is one of your objectives for the year, you may find yourself navigating a blend of anticipation for the future and a touch of nostalgia for your current home.

To maintain a harmonious balance of emotions and ensure a confident decision-making process, it’s important to consider these three key practices when the time comes to put your property on the market.

1. Price Your Home Right

The real estate landscape experienced a transformation in 2023 with the ascent of mortgage rates and the return to a more stabilized pattern of home price appreciation. As a seller, it remains crucial for you to acknowledge the significance of accurately pricing your house in alignment with the current market conditions.  Hannah Jones, Economic Research Analyst for Realtor.com, explains:

“Sellers need to become familiar with their local market and work closely with a local agent to make sure their listing is attractive to buyers. Buyers feeling the pressure of affordability are likely to be pickier, so a well-priced, well-maintained home is the ticket to drumming up big demand.”

Pricing your house too high may dissuade potential buyers, while setting it too low means you might not maximize your earnings. Consulting with a seasoned real estate agent becomes essential in establishing the ideal asking price, ensuring a prompt sale at the highest possible value for your property.

2. Keep Your Emotions in Check

Today, homeowners are staying in their houses longer than they used to. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), since 1985, the average time a homeowner has owned their home has increased from 6 to 10 years (see graph below):

This exceeds what was traditionally considered standard. However, the consequence is that the longer you reside in a particular place, the stronger your emotional connection to that space may become. Whether it’s the initial home you purchased or the residence where your loved ones experienced significant moments, it likely holds special meaning for you. Each room is filled with memories, making it challenging to detach from the sentimental value.

For certain homeowners, this heightened emotional attachment makes it more challenging to objectively assess the fair market price of the house. This is why enlisting the assistance of a real estate professional becomes crucial in navigating negotiations and devising the most effective pricing strategy. Rely on professionals who prioritize your best interests throughout the process.

3. Stage Your Home Properly

While you might love your decor and the personalized touches you’ve added to your home over time, it’s essential to recognize that not every potential buyer will share the same sentiment about your style. This emphasizes the significance of prioritizing your home’s initial impression to attract a broad range of buyers.

Prospective buyers seek to envision themselves living in the space. This involves visualizing their furniture and cherished items rather than being surrounded by your personal pictures and decorations.

As Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist and Vice President of Research at NAR, says:

“Buyers want to easily envision themselves within a new home and home staging is a way to showcase the property in its best light.”

A real estate professional can help you with expertise on getting your house ready to sell.

Bottom Line

If you’re considering selling your house, let’s connect so you have help navigating the process while prioritizing these must-do’s.