When selling a longtime home, start by deciding what to do with personal belongings and addressing any necessary repairs.
If you’ve lived in your home for several decades and are considering selling, you might be wondering: Where do I even begin? The process can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Over the years, I’ve helped many clients through this exact situation. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you start this journey:
1. Dealing with personal items. The first step is figuring out what to do with the personal items you’ve collected over the years. After living in a home for a decade or more, it’s normal to accumulate a lot. Start by deciding what you’ll keep and what your family or kids may want. Then, categorize everything else into sell, donate, recycle, or toss.
2. Addressing home updates. If your home feels a little outdated, don’t stress because there’s no need for a full renovation. Once you start, it’s easy to get carried away. Instead, focus on necessary repairs. Pricing your home as-is and addressing deferred maintenance, like fixing leaks or broken windows, is often enough. Buyers prefer a home in good working condition and are typically happy to handle cosmetic upgrades on their own.
3. Navigating property disclosures. A key part of selling is filling out the required property disclosures. Start by listing everything you know about the home, including any improvements or updates you’ve made over the years. Even minor details are important. Your agent will assist in ensuring all the necessary information is included so nothing gets overlooked.
Lastly, when interviewing potential agents, you must ask how they plan to help you get your home market-ready. Overall, the preparation that happens before listing is crucial for securing a quick sale at the best price. If you’re ready to sell or need guidance, just contact me at (914) 548-6179 or ted.holmes@raveis.com. Let’s make sure your home is market-ready!
