Selling a home is an involved, months-long process. There’s a lot of preparation to be done before you even put the property on the market. Follow the checklist below when you decide to sell a house to enjoy a more rewarding and stress-free transaction.

What to Do When You Sell a House

1. Hire a Real Estate Agent

An experienced agent will be the most valuable member of your team. They will analyze your local real estate market to determine a listing price that will get your home exposure and fair offers. They’ll provide input on preparing your home and will negotiate on your behalf. Find an agent who specializes in your area and has years of experience.

2. Schedule Inspections

It’s beneficial to have home and pest inspections done before you have an offer in hand. You can use the results during negotiations, and having the inspections already done ensures a smoother and quicker escrow. It also gives you time to have any significant repairs done before listing the property.

3. Handle Home Improvement Projects

Some improvement projects may be determined by your inspections, but you should also try to complete other low-cost and high-reward fixes. Popular pre-sale projects include painting the walls a neutral color, repainting the front door, freshening up the landscaping, and fixing or replacing any old or loose hardware.

4. Clean

Bring in a professional to clean your home rather than doing it yourself. They will do a thorough job and can address spots that you may have become so accustomed to over the years that you don’t even notice it anymore. If you have carpets, have them deep cleaned as well.

5. Stage Your Home

De-personalize your home so buyers can picture themselves living there when they walk through. Remove all family photos, kids’ trophies, and any clutter. Rent a storage unit to keep these things out of the home. Bring in a stager to add décor or furniture as needed.

6. Schedule Professional Photos

Many people look to buy a house online, so photos are often your first impression. Professional photographs are well worth the investment because they will make the home look brighter, larger, and generally more attractive.

When you’re ready to sell a house, Wright Real Estate Co. is the team to have on your side. Located in Ronan, MT, these realtors are experts on the Polson and Mission Valley real estate markets. They’re proud to have been serving the community for more than 40 years. Learn more about their team online and call (406) 676-8610 to speak with a realtor.