3 Must-Do’s to Sell Your House in 2024

3 Must-Do’s When Selling Your House in 2024

If one of the goals on your list is selling your house and making a move this year, you’re probably both excited about what’s ahead and a little sad to say goodbye to your current home.

A great way to balance those emotions and feel confident in your decision is to make sure you get top dollar when selling by doing these three things when you’re ready to sell.

1. Price Your Home Right

The housing market shifted in 2023 as mortgage rates rose and home price appreciation stabilized again. As a seller, you still need to recognize how important it is to price your house appropriately based on where the market is today. Hannah Jones, Economic Research Analyst for Realtor.com, explains:

“Sellers need to become familiar with their local market and work closely with a local agent to ensure their listing is attractive to buyers. Buyers feeling the pressure of affordability are likely pickier, so a well-priced, well-maintained home is the ticket to drumming up big demand.”

If you price your house too high, you risk deterring buyers. And if you go too low, you’re leaving money on the table. An experienced real estate agent can help determine what your ideal asking price should be so your house moves quickly and for top dollar.

2. Keep Your Emotions in Check

Today, homeowners are staying in their houses longer than they used to. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), since 1985, the average time a homeowner has owned their home has increased from 6 to 10 years (see graph below):

This is much more than what used to be the norm. The side effect, however, is when you stay in one place for so long, you may get even more emotionally attached to your space. If it’s the first home you bought or the house where your loved ones grew up, it very likely means something extra special to you. Every room has memories, and it’s hard to detach from the sentimental value.

For some homeowners, that makes it even more challenging to separate the emotional value of the house from the fair market price. That’s why you need a real estate professional to help you with the negotiations and the best pricing strategy. Trust the professionals who have your best interests in mind.

3. Stage Your Home Properly

While you may love your decor and the home improvements that you have done to your home over the years, buyers will probably not value the improvements the same as you. That’s why it’s so important to make your home neutral, clean, and well-maintained- so it appeals to as many buyers as possible.

Buyers want to be able to picture themselves in the home. They need to see themselves inside with their furniture and keepsakes – not your pictures and decorations. As Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist and Vice President of Research at NAR, says:

“Buyers want to envision themselves within a new home and home staging easily is a way to showcase the property in its best light.”

A real estate professional (like myself) can help you with expertise on getting your house ready to sell.

Bottom Line

If you’re considering selling your house, let’s connect so you have help navigating the process while prioritizing these must-do’s.  There is no obligation to talk to me and get some free advice. but I never turn down a good cup of coffee.