5 Things Every First-Time Seller Needs To Know

First-Time Seller “Setbacks” (and How To Prepare For Them)

Think back to when you bought your current home? There were things that happened during the transaction that sent you into a panic. But ended up being a totally normal part of the process of buying a house. In hindsight, you can probably even laugh at how issues that seemed like a setback. As every first-time seller will tell you, more needs to be considered when selling for the first time.

Now that you’re ready to list your home for sale, you’re about to go through something similar. Selling a home for the first time isn’t as easy as sitting back and having your Realtor rake in offers. Just as when you bought your home, there will be matters that require your immediate attention. Scheduling appointments that have to be made, issues that just might trigger unexpected emotions. 

While this sounds overwhelming, these situations all are perfectly normal. And preparing for them now will make selling your home go so much more smoothly. Here are the five things every first-time seller needs to know.

It’s time to book a therapy appointment, get back in your favorite stress-relieving exercise routine. Make sure your best friend is on speed dial. Even when you’re excited about your new home or have been counting down the days to move out. Selling your home is a life change that will stir up emotions you didn’t expect to have. 

Whether you’re nostalgic about the memories and question if you really want to sell. Remember a potential buyer’s comment about renovating the kitchen you loved dearly is not personal. It may make you deeply angry, but take a breath, calm down and hold off on sudden decisions. Emotional reactions might make you feel better in the short term, but the feeling won’t last. Always think of the big picture and your goals before changing course. 

Even if you feel very confident in your taste in decor. Anything that fills your home is a potential distraction for buyers. It’s nothing personal, though it feels that way. Your agent is going to suggest a thorough decluttering and potential staging. You always want to show your home in the very best light to a buyer. Unless you really are not interested in achieving top dollar?

Any work you can do on your home now will save you time and cost. Go ahead and do the big decluttering project you’ve been meaning to do. Get a storage unit for that big sectional. Organize your wardrobe so your closet looks picture-perfect. Start selecting neutral paint colors for every room. Hire cleaners to do the kind of deep clean you would like when you move into a new purchase.

Remember the short novel-length inspection report that you received? That’s what a potential buyer is going to do with your home. Therefore get ahead of the process.

Acting now to address any issues will save you headaches. Every potential buyer looks to negotiate when they are surprised by an inspection report. A pre-listing home inspection will turn up things you should repair, potential problems you might not even know about. Why not have a clear answer on the exact condition of your home. Concerned about cost? Your agent will advise on the changes worth the money, and what’s okay to leave as-is.

There’s a difference between an offer slightly below the asking price and one that’s tens of thousands below that. The latter will trigger a strong emotion, but will ultimately be rejected outright without thought.

Recognize that low offers are real-life feedback about your home. If there is something about your home buyers consider an issue, it’s an opportunity to address that. Or, this might be a time to address your expectations. While you see all the potential value in the home you’ve loved, others see the property as it is. Simply a property. 

Whether we’re talking about lower offers, a back-and-forth about making changes understand that you have the power as a seller. You can always say no, or you can always counter. 

Basically, everything is a negotiation. It might help to think of this as an ordinary transaction — like buying a car — instead of selling your home. Just as you wouldn’t buy a car without negotiating, a buyer will do the same on this even-larger-ticket item. And just as an auto dealer wouldn’t accept just any offer, you don’t have to give in on every ask. You also have the advantage of an agent who will advocate on your behalf. every step of the way so doesn’t hesitate to let them know your comfort level at any time.

In the end, selling your home for the first time is an opportunity to learn about real estate. The more you know before you sell, the bigger the advantage you’ll have in the end.