News: Selling Your Home in Sun Country?
For many homeowners, the decision to sell their home can feel like a big leap. Whether it’s been years since you last sold, or you’re simply uncertain about how things work in today’s market, it’s completely normal to have questions. I’m revisiting this topic because, recently, a client of mine said, “It’s been a while since we’ve done this … remind me of the steps we need to take and how this will work.” I’m sure many of you have similar concerns, so let’s break down the process of listing and selling your home in today’s ever changing market.
Step 1: Choose the Right Realtor
Don’t roll your eyes – hear me out. There are about 600 realtors (give or take a few hundred) servicing the Hummelstown, Hershey and Palmyra area. You have choices; make a good one. You need someone you can communicate with easily, who understands your goals and who will help you execute a plan to reach those goals. Ideally, you want an agent who won’t leave you buried in paperwork you don’t understand or with an overwhelming list of tasks. A good realtor is your partner throughout the entire process – someone who has insight into local market trends, pricing strategies and the best way to market your home. And, yes, someone who can handle the inevitable speed bumps – like when an offer comes in lower than expected or your furnace decides to break the day before your open house (yes, that’s happened more than once).
Step 2: Setting the Right Price
Pricing your home accurately is absolutely essential. If you price too high, your home could sit on the market for longer than expected. Price it too low, and you could leave money on the table. Your agent will conduct a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) – essentially, looking at what similar homes in your neighborhood have sold for recently. Pricing your home isn’t a guessing game; it requires expertise and a solid understanding of the local market. A CMA from a good realtor can often be more valuable than a $500 appraisal, so don’t skip this crucial step.
Step 3: Preparing Your Home
Once your home is priced right, it’s time to make it shine. This doesn’t mean you need to gut the kitchen or call in the crew from HGTV. But a fresh coat of paint, fixing minor repairs and decluttering can make a world of difference. Small touches, like staging, can help buyers picture themselves in the space. A great first impression is key to drawing in serious buyers.
Step 4: Marketing Your Home
Now that your home is ready, your agent will get it listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and across all major real estate platforms. In today’s digital world, professional photos, virtual tours and social media ads are a must. Buyers are browsing online before they even set foot in your home, so the better your listing looks virtually, the better your chances are of getting an offer.
Step 5: Negotiations and Closing
Once offers start rolling in (because you’ve aced steps 1-4), your agent will help you review and negotiate. Together, you’ll craft the best possible deal, all while ensuring the process stays on track with inspections, appraisals and, ultimately, a smooth closing.
The Takeaway
Selling a home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right preparation, it can be a rewarding and even an exciting experience. By following these steps – setting the right price, preparing your home and marketing it effectively – you’ll be on your way to turning your “For Sale” sign into “Sold.” Success isn’t just about luck; it’s about being informed, staying organized and executing a plan that works for you.
Eileen S. Voyles is a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Homesale Realty in Hershey, PA, 501 West Governor Road, Hershey, PA. She is the founder of Hello- HersheyPA, a Pennsylvania Benefit Company that promotes commerce and happy living in Hershey and beyond. Eileen can be reached at 717-533-6222 or eileenvoyles@gmail.com. Hummelstown | Hershey | Palmyra
Read more at: https://news.thesunontheweb.com/articles/selling-your-home-in-sun-country/
