What People Don't Think About When Selling Their Home

For today’s real estate tip of the day, I want to talk about some of the things people often don’t think about when selling a home. Selling a home can be exciting, but it’s also a process that comes with a lot of details—and sometimes, surprises. Let’s dive into a few things you might not have considered.

First, let’s talk about the emotional aspect of selling your home. Your home is likely full of memories, and it can be tough to let go. It’s not just about moving out; it’s about seeing others in your space and realizing it’s no longer yours. This emotional attachment can sometimes lead to overvaluing your home because of the sentimental reasons behind it. One way to help with this transition is to depersonalize the space, even if you’re still living there. Decluttering and removing personal items can make it easier for potential buyers to envision themselves in the home and can help you start the process of letting go.

Next, consider the time it takes to sell a home and how consuming the process can be. From the decision to sell, through preparing the home, to managing showings, selling a home can take a lot of time and energy. It’s not just a matter of listing it and waiting for offers; there’s a lot that happens behind the scenes. Your agent can help by managing many aspects of this process, but keep in mind that selling a home can be extremely intrusive, especially when it comes to scheduling showings and keeping the home in show-ready condition.

Another thing that often surprises people is realizing how much stuff they have. Over the years, we tend to accumulate a lot of belongings, and moving can bring this to the forefront. Packing up and moving all that stuff is challenging, especially if you push it to the last minute. It’s a good idea to start decluttering and organizing your belongings as soon as you decide to sell, so the move is less overwhelming when the time comes.

Now, let’s talk about the financial implications of selling your home. Beyond the agent’s commission, there are closing costs and tax implications to consider. In California, if you’ve lived in your home long enough, you might be hit with a capital gains tax on the profit from the sale. Additionally, your property taxes could increase substantially at your new place if you don’t qualify to bring your tax basis with you under Prop 19 or other tax transfer rules. These are important factors to consider when planning your sale and your next move.

Finally, think about where you’re going to stay while your house is on the market. If you’re not living there, you’ll need to plan for temporary housing, whether it’s staying with family, renting a place, or arranging for a rent-back agreement with the buyer, allowing you to stay in the home for a short period after the sale. Having a plan for this transition will make the process smoother and less stressful.

Selling a home is a complex process with many moving parts, and it’s easy to overlook some of the details. Please download my Power Seller's Guide, which is chock full of tips, insights, and comprehensively reviews the selling process from start to finish.