8 Tips to Mentally and Physically Prepare to Sell Your Home
Selling your home comes along with a laundry list of things you need to do to prepare both mentally and physically. It can be a stressful and emotional process but the more you prepare for it, the easier it will go and the smoother things will run. To remind you that you’ve got this, here we’re sharing eight juicy tips that will help you prepare your mind and your home for the selling process.
Declutter and depersonalize
One of the most important physical preparations you need to make is decluttering. Get rid of things that don’t show off your home in the best light or store it elsewhere. Remove any personal items, like jewelry and family photos, that might prohibit potential buyers from envisioning themselves in the space. This can be a tedious process which is why we recommend tackling one room at a time so you don’t get overwhelmed.
Stage your home
Staging your home is the next physical step to take once you’ve decluttered. You can enlist the help of professionals to make it easier but doing it yourself is also an option. Some easy things you can do to instantly elevate the space is opening up windows and curtains to allow natural light to flow in, displaying fresh flowers, and arranging furniture and decor to highlight the most beautiful features of your home.
Come to peace with selling your home
Whether you’ve lived in your home your entire life or just a few years, it can be emotionally tough to say goodbye especially when lots of amazing memories are involved. Before you officially put your home on the market, we suggest taking the time to really come to peace with the decision of selling your home. Process any emotions that you need to process so that when you jump in you can do so with a clear mind and excitement for the future.
Tell everyone that you’re selling your home
Once you decide to sell your home, it’s very important that you tell everyone about it so no one is surprised or caught off guard. That includes your kids, family members, friends, and even your neighbors. People will also be curious to know why you’re moving so have an answer prepared for that as well and keep it consistent. That doesn’t mean you must divulge any personal or sensitive information. It can be as simple as “It will be better for me/my family”.
Visit the new area you’re moving to
If you’re planning to move to a new city or neighborhood, we recommend visiting beforehand and perhaps booking a short-term rental there to really get a sense for what it feels like to live there. You’ll have an opportunity to walk around, visit the local hotspots, and see everything at different hours of the day, which will give you a lot of peace of mind knowing that moving there is the right decision.
Interview top real estate agents
Be as picky about finding the right real estate agent as you are about finding your perfect new home. Be thorough and interview top agents to find one that you have a good relationship with. They are going to guide you through the journey of selling your home so it’s important that you get along well and feel like they’re on your side throughout it all.
Make sure you’re financially prepared
There are a lot of unexpected costs that sometimes pop up while selling your home and moving. It’s important that you consult with your financial planner or CPA to ensure that you’re financially well prepared for expenses like home repairs, moving costs, or taxes. It’s best to be over prepared and have an extra cushion in your savings account then have to worry about trying to make ends meet later.
Plan ahead and schedule self-care time
We get it. Selling your home can be exciting and joyful, but it can also be stressful and overwhelming. That’s why we suggest penciling in lots of self-care time during the process. Carving time out in your schedule in advance to just relax and spend time with family will help keep you sane and allow you to actually enjoy the journey.