Are you ready to sell your home soon?

With so much to do (like fixing floors, painting, and sprucing up the yard), it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But don't worry, The Williams Team is here to help! We've got 5 essential tasks to make your home stand out to buyers and ensure a smooth sale.

These steps will not only speed things up but also make your home worth more in the end. It’s the best of both worlds!

Whether you're making room for a bigger family, moving for work, or other important reasons, selling your home is a big step in the next chapter in your life.

1. Reach out to a Realtor©

Finding a real estate agent is the most important first step when selling your home. We can't stress enough how vital it is to contact an agent at least 3-5 months before listing your house.

A skilled Realtor©  will give you insider knowledge about your home's value compared to similar properties in the area. They'll also provide personalized advice on any fixes or improvements that are worth making to attract buyers, and what you can likely skip. This allows you to best prioritize and budget for changes to your house before listing it for sale.

A great real estate agent in Louisiana makes the entire selling process smoother. It's crucial to find someone attentive to your needs, not just focused on profit. If you already chat with an agent near your home, that shared familiarity is a big bonus. While it may be tempting to go with the first option, take time to find the best fit since you'll work closely together.

Considering selling your house yourself without an agent? Statistics show only 10% of homes sold in 2021 were direct from the owner, and they sold for 32% LESS on average than agent-assisted homes! Imagine all that you can do with that more money!

Don't skip having a real estate professional guide you - it's an essential first step before selling. If you don't have one yet, be sure to reach out now!

2.) Prepare Paperwork!

The backbone of the entire home buying and selling process unquestionably centers around the essential paperwork, and it's hard to stress enough how crucial it is.

In addition to heeding your realtor© 's advice, it's a wise idea to have these important documents prepared in advance. This will help you steer clear of any unexpected issues when it's time to sell your home:

-Your original Sales Contract / Agreement to Buy or Sell with the previous owner of the home (or from a developer)
-A appraisal report for when you bought your home

-A mortgage payment statement (if you’re not yet done with paying your mortgage)

-Your homeowners insurance statement
-Homeowners/Condo association Documents

-Maintenance receipts of repairs, cleaning, etc.

-Warranty of appliances

-Latest maintenance certificates (termite)
-Flood Zone Declarations

-A copy of your past utility bills (make sure to hide your payment info)

If you're not sure where to find these, it's a good idea to start looking for them now. Your real estate agent can totally help you figure out where to track down these documents.

3.)Get those repairs going!

Remember those cracks in the walls and areas of your home that needed attention but were ignored? Potential buyers would not want to deal with those issues in the future.

As a result, it is essential to begin repairs to improve the overall quality of your home. If it's been neglected for a while, having it inspected might be a good idea. This way, there will be no unpleasant surprises that could jeopardize the deal during the under-contract phase.

Here are some of the things that you can check right now:

If it's been more than a year, have the HVAC system serviced.
Check for any issues with your roof

Check for any signs of termites

Check that major kitchen appliances and bathroom fixtures such as toilets, baths, and showers all work properly.

Replace all air filters.

Check that the windows open and close properly, and repair any that do not.

Repair any drywall holes.

Consider replacing or upgrading your house lighting.

Repair a leaking faucet or water heater.

Once you’re done with the repairs, make sure to keep all of your receipts - recently repaired and renovated homes are a sight in the market!

4.)Declutter your home!

Nobody wants to move into a house that is as messy as their previous one. There's more to it than just buying a new home; most homebuyers want to start over, and it's your responsibility as a home seller to help them achieve that. Start decluttering your home a few months before listing it to increase its marketability and resale value. According to HomeLight's Summer 2023 Top Agent Insights report, a well-organized space, from kids' items to toiletries and mail, significantly increases your home's appeal, potentially adding $8,000 in value.

Begin by cleaning up the countertops, decluttering living spaces and other home offices (you never know how many unused documents are stored there by now!) Detach yourself emotionally from your belongings and pack away items that are rarely used, organizing toiletries, and considering donating excess clothing and linens. Consider renting a temporary storage unit if your home remains cluttered.

Regular cleaning is essential for those living in their home during the selling process, but deep cleaning is critical. Dust ceiling fans and clean doors, closets, cabinets, appliances, and baseboards. These efforts not only improve the appearance of your home but also increase the likelihood of a successful sale.

5.)Plan an exit strategy

This is where your real estate agent can help you - moving from one place to another is one of their areas of expertise, and they can even help you find a decent home along the way!

Make all necessary arrangements, including notifying your employers and, if applicable, your children's schools, especially if you're moving out of state. Make certain that everyone close to you is aware of your plans. After that, make sure to plan your move ahead of time, including getting to know the neighborhood and the vibe of the city that you and your family are moving to. Here's a quick guide to determining whether the location is suitable for you!

Are you preparing to sell your home and feeling overwhelmed by the tasks at hand? The Williams Team is here to make it easy and profitable for you. With expert Realtors©, essential tips, and a personalized approach, we'll ensure your home stands out and sells smoothly. Don't miss out on a better, faster sale – visit www.thewilliamsteam.com today and let us guide you to success in your home-selling journey.