Thinking of Selling Soon? Here's What to Do (and what not to do)

Thinking of Selling Soon? Here's What to Do (and What Not to Do) If you're thinking of selling your home soon - whether it's in the next few weeks or the next six months, this is for you. For today's real estate tip I'll go over what to do - and what not to do - to set yourself up for a successful sale. The first and most important step is to define your goals. Are you aiming to get top dollar for your home, or is convenience your priority? Are you staying local or relocating out of the area? Do you need the proceeds from your sale to fund your next purchase? These questions will guide every decision you make, from pricing to preparation, and help you stay on track throughout the process. Thinking of selling your home? Download The Power Seller's Guide for expert strategies, practical tips, and step-by-step advice to maximize your sale and navigate the process with ease. Next, let’s take an honest look at your home. How does it compare to other properties in your neighborhood? Check online listings or visit open houses to see what buyers are expecting. If your home needs substantial work, a cash offer might save you time and effort, but you’ll need to accept a below-market price. If you’re aiming for top dollar, you may need to make updates, tackle repairs, or invest in staging to attract the right buyers. Decluttering is a great place to start, no matter your goals. Pack away personal items like family photos, bulky furniture, and anything that makes your home feel crowded. This helps buyers imagine themselves living in the space and gives you a head start on packing. Don’t forget to declutter closets and storage areas too—buyers will look there! After decluttering, focus on basic repairs and maintenance. Fix leaky faucets, squeaky doors, and any deferred maintenance that could come up during inspections. Brighten your home with LED bulbs, clean windows, and remove heavy drapes to maximize natural light. For curb appeal, tidy up landscaping—mow the lawn, trim bushes, add mulch, and pull weeds. These small changes can make a huge first impression. When it comes to cosmetic updates, be strategic. Replacing light fixtures, updating hardware, and painting in neutral colors can add value, but avoid big projects without consulting a Realtor. What buyers want may not match your personal style, and every dollar spent should support your sale. Don’t forget your living situation. If you can move out temporarily, it’s often easier to stage your home and handle repairs. But if that’s not an option, consider how you’ll manage showings and disruptions while living in the home. Short-term housing, staying with family, or even taking an extended vacation are all options worth considering. One thing to avoid is tackling big projects yourself or hiring unvetted contractors. DIY projects and unpermitted work can create issues during inspections and hurt your bottom line. Instead, work with trusted professionals. I have a vetted network of contractors and access to programs that allow you to finance repairs interest-free until closing, ensuring the work is done right. Finally, get your paperwork in order. Gather bills, permits, and records of repairs or upgrades, as well as any disclosures you received when you bought the home. Having these documents ready simplifies the process and builds trust with potential buyers. And here’s the most important step: hire the right REALTOR®. A great REALTOR® will guide you through every stage of the process—from setting your goals to prepping your home, pricing it competitively, and negotiating the best deal. I offer custom sales plans, access to trusted vendors, and expert market knowledge to make selling your home as smooth and profitable as possible. If you're considering selling your home, check out my Power Seller's Guide. It’s packed with expert insights and practical advice, providing step-by-step guidance for every stage of the selling process. Want more real estate tips and insights? Subscribe to my YouTube channel for regular updates! Subscribe to My YouTube Channel

List It or Renovate It?

List It or Renovate It Hi, it’s Sean Engmann with today’s real estate tip of the day. Today, I want to talk about a dilemma that many homeowners face at some point: Should you love it or list it? In other words, should you upgrade your current house to meet your needs, or is it time to find a new home? This is a big decision with a lot of factors to consider, so let’s break down the key points to help you decide what’s best for you and your family. First, take a close look at your current home and what’s motivating you to consider a change. Is it the layout, the size, or maybe just a few features that no longer suit your needs? If your home has good bones and you generally like the location, it might make sense to renovate or make some upgrades. However, it’s important to understand the challenges that come with renovations. Getting the right permits can be a complicated process, depending on the scope of your project. Managing the renovation itself—coordinating contractors, dealing with unexpected issues, and having strangers in your home for an extended period—can be stressful and disruptive. Considering selling your home? Download The Power Seller's Guide for expert strategies and tips to maximize your sale and navigate the process with ease. Another thing to consider is the current market conditions. If it’s a seller’s market, you might be able to sell your home for a good price and quickly find a new home that suits your needs. But in a buyer’s market, you could face challenges both in selling your current home and in finding a new one that meets your criteria. Understanding the market dynamics can help you make an informed decision about whether to renovate or move. Lifestyle and timing are also important considerations. Renovations can be disruptive, especially if you’re planning significant changes like a kitchen remodel or adding square footage. Consider how long the renovations will take and whether you’re willing to live through the construction process. If you’re pressed for time or simply don’t want to deal with the hassle, moving might be a better option. On the other hand, if you love your current neighborhood, have great neighbors, or are close to schools, work, or other amenities, staying put and upgrading your home might be worth the temporary inconvenience. Think about the future, too. How long do you plan to stay in your current home? If you’re looking for a long-term solution, investing in renovations that will improve your home’s functionality and comfort might be the right choice. However, if you’re not sure how long you’ll stay, or if you anticipate other life changes in the near future—like a growing family, a new job, or even retirement—moving to a home that already meets your needs could be a smarter move. Finally, think about the emotional attachment you have to your current home. If your house holds a lot of sentimental value, and you’re happy with your location and community, upgrading your home can allow you to stay in the place you love while making it more functional for your current lifestyle. However, if you’ve been feeling increasingly dissatisfied or if the home no longer suits your needs despite your emotional attachment, it might be time to list it and find a new place that better aligns with your future goals. Deciding whether to love it or list it is a big choice, but by carefully considering your needs, your budget, and your long-term goals, you can make the best decision for your family. Whether you choose to upgrade your current home or find a new one, the most important thing is that your home works for you and supports the lifestyle you want. If you have any questions about whether to renovate or move, or if you'd like to learn more about the selling process, check out my Power Seller's Guide. It is full of useful tips and information and comprehensively goes over the entire selling process. Want to stay updated with the latest real estate tips, market insights, and more? Subscribe to my YouTube channel for exclusive content! Subscribe to My YouTube Channel

What People Don't Think About When Selling Their Home

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. Want to sell your home for top dollar and avoid common pitfalls? Download The Power Seller's Guide, your go-to resource for expert strategies and proven tips to navigate the selling process with confidence. 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. Want to stay updated with the latest real estate tips, market insights, and more? Subscribe to my YouTube channel for exclusive content! Subscribe to My YouTube Channel