I’ve Been A Realtor for 28 Years. Here Are 5 Tips for a Smooth Home Sale

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Are you ready to sell your home? Don’t make a move without these must-know tips for a smooth home sale that could help you sell your home faster and for more money! 

After 28 years in real estate, I’ve discovered that selling a home doesn’t have to be stressful. With an expert real estate agent by your side and clear preparation, you can have a smooth home sale!  I always talk to my clients about focusing on the things we can control.  There are a lot of factors that impact selling a home that we can’t control, such as interest rates, supply and demand, and the overall economy.  Focus on what you can control, such as the condition of the home, online exposure, and the listing price. By paying attention to these areas, you can set the stage for a successful and stress-free home sale.

Tip 1: Declutter and Depersonalize

When we live in a home, we personalize the space with our personal pictures and items to make the home comfortable.  However, when selling a home, you want to pack up those items.

Take down personal photos, pack away knick-knacks, and clear countertops. The goal is to make your home feel open and neutral so anyone who walks through can see its potential and envision themselves in the home. 

During the initial meeting with your real estate agent, walk through the home, go room by room, and discuss what needs to happen in each room for a smooth home sale. An outside set of eyes is an asset to identify areas that need modification.

Kitchens and bathrooms are the most important areas of the home.   In the kitchen, remove items from the counters, such as blenders, toasters, and paper towel holders.  You can leave a few decorative items, but mostly have clear counter space.  The same goes for the bathrooms.  Potential buyers want to envision themselves living in their space, and clutter can be a huge distraction.

Tip 2: Stage for Success

Staging is one of the most important things you can do for a smooth home sale. It’s not about spending a fortune, but rather, making your home look its best.  If you have a lot of furniture in a room, move some out.  If a room feels empty, think about how you can rearrange the furniture that you have in the home to fill it.

Walk through your home and look at it through the eyes of a buyer.  If the back of a couch is the first thing you see when you walk in a room, consider rearranging the furniture to make it feel more open.

Show the buyer how they will enjoy your home.  You can place a throw blanket and book on the edge of the sofa, arrange a breakfast try on the bed, or set up a coffee bar.  These little touches help buyers imagine themselves living in the home.

A new welcome mat is a cost-effective yet impactful first impression, implying that your home is clean and inviting.  

If your home is vacant, then have the professional photos virtually stages.  Or consider hiring a professional stager. 

Tip 3: Don’t Ignore Minor Repairs

If your home has minor repairs, like a leaky faucet or peeling paint, take care of those before listing. While they might seem small, these things can stand out for potential buyers and give the impression that the home hasn’t been well-maintained.

A small investment in repairs can lead to a much smoother selling process.  A buyer will deduct 3 – 5 times what they perceive is needed in repairs. 

If they see minor repairs that have been neglected, they may assume larger hidden items also have been neglected. 

Two of the items I recommend having completed (if needed) are a fresh coat of paint and replacing worn carpeting.  Improving these items can make a big impact on how well the home shows.

Tip 4: Maximize Marketing and Exposure

Marketing is your agent’s job! Getting your home in front of the right buyers is key to selling it quickly and for the best price.

Over half of buyers start their search online, so a strong presence is a must!   Talk to your agent and ensure your home is featured on all major real estate platforms, social media channels, and YouTube.

I also recommend using targeted digital advertising to reach buyers who are actively looking in the area. Open houses, email campaigns to buyer agents, and even good old-fashioned networking are also part of the strategy. The more eyes on your home, the higher the chances of finding the right buyer quickly.

Tip 5: Price It Right from the Start

Getting an offer on your home is a mix of joy and relief. However, you set yourself up for disappointment if you don’t price the home correctly from the start.

One of the biggest mistakes sellers make is overpricing their home. Pricing your home too high can result in it sitting on the market too long, which can make buyers think something’s wrong with it.

Your agent should use a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to help set a realistic price.  Research the recently sold homes that are similar to yours to develop a reasonable idea on your home price.

In addition, look at the comparable listings that are sitting on the market.  The available inventory tells you more about what is currently happening in the market.  Trust your realtor’s guidance here—pricing it right from the start is crucial for attracting serious buyers. 

You will get a lot of initial momentum when the home goes on the market.  Buyers see a new home for sale and are often eager to check it out. The initial days are crucial to capture the excitement of buyers and negotiate an offer.

Work with an Expert

If your home shows well, has a lot of exposure, and is priced accurately, you’ll increase the chances of selling close to the list price.

Selling your home can feel overwhelming, but by working with an expert agent and focusing on the things you can control, you can have a smooth home sale and get top dollar.