1.Timing
WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO SELL?

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Timing your home sale can be tricky, especially when you take our unpredictable economic environment into account. Conventional wisdom says spring is the best time to sell a home. However, we are an island, with snowbirds here in our “winter” keeping home sales pretty steady during typical slow months. But we do have a busy season, and that is spring and summer, due to the typical moving cycle of school being out and military PCSing to the island. During this timeframe there is a huge increase in competition. You will need to use clever marketing and staging techniques to make your property stand out among the others. 

2. Pricing
SELLING AT THE HIGHEST PRICE POSSIBLE

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First, it is important to find out what your home is worth. I would avoid using a free online value estimator tool or by reviewing your recent property tax bill, these are often incorrect. Several factors determine your home’s market value: property condition, square footage, lot size, location, amenities, and recent comparable sales are just a few. The best way to know what you’re home will sell for is to schedule an appointment with a REALTOR to get a price opinion.

3. Deep Clean
 FOR A GREAT FIRST IMPRESSION

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Roll up your sleeves and give your appliances, windows, lighting, and every crevice inside the house a deep cleaning. Power wash exterior siding, shutters, and give the outside of your windows a good scrub to boost your home’s curb appeal. Maintaining your island home and not allowing grime to build up will keep these tasks manageable when it is time to sell.

There are also some simple things you can do to increase the value of your home, starting with removing clutter, painting and washing the walls, and installing high watt bulbs to provide a brighter living space. Larger renovation projects, like redoing kitchens and bathrooms, typically yield a more substantial increase in sales price, however determining if the cost is worth the effort is something you should discuss with your REALTOR.

 

4.Fix it

GET YOUR TOOL-BELT OUT

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You will want to repair any items that are noticeably broken. Other things may come up during your home inspection, but you can get ahead of this by checking gutters, drainage, basement leaks, flooring, cabinets and more. Applying a fresh coat of paint and fixing any areas where there is chipped paint, as well as repairing grout in the kitchen and bathroom can give your home a well-cared-for appearance.

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5. Dress it up

SET THE STAGE

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Staging your home helps paint a picture for how buyers will feel living in their new space. Don’t underestimate the importance of staging; research shows well-staged homes sell faster than homes that haven’t been staged at all.

 

Start with the lighting, as ample lighting is important for making your home feel bright and welcoming. Keep window coverings open and increase the wattage of the bulbs in your lamps and fixtures. You will also need to get rid of unnecessary furniture and clutter. Extra couches, chairs, tables, and personal knick knacks can make your home feel cluttered and make it difficult for a potential buyer to imagine themselves living there. You will also want to stow your family portraits and personal items out of sight.  There is no need to get rid of everything; you can put some items in storage to use in your next home. Your agent will work with you to schedule home showings at times convenient for you. They will also make sure you have enough time to tidy up before a potential buyer arrives.

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6. Professional Pictures

FRAME YOUR HOME 

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Smartphone photography just won’t cut it. Whether you are selling your home for $100,000 or $10 million, we always hire a professional photographer to take photos. The first place potential buyers will see your home is online—and if the photos are poor quality, they will click away and never schedule a showing.  This is your first – and possibly ONLY – impression… Make the most of it! 

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7. Welcome Buyers

OPEN HOUSE

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While opening your doors for strangers to walk through your home may seem scary, it’s a great tool for selling your home. We will recommend the best days and times for an open house and offer you staging suggestions. During an open house, it is best if you, your children, and any pets leave the property completely… perhaps for a shave ice outing!  Potential buyers will often feel awkward if they see you in your home. Remember, we want them to be able to picture themselves living there.

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8.Down to Business

OFFERS AND NEGOTIATION

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Receiving an offer from a potential buyer is exciting. As your real estate agent we have much experience with offers and negotiation, and will be able to advise you on whether an offer is too low, as well as work with you on counter offers if needed.  We can also share insight on what other homes are selling for in your area. The offer may include other items like a request for you to sell your appliances or leave window coverings with the home, as well as outline a closing date—the day you will sign the papers and transfer ownership to new owners.  While all of this can seem daunting, we have over 1000 homes sold or purchased under our belts and are here to walk you through each step of the way.

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9. Sign here, please

CLOSING THE DEAL

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Your real estate agent is invaluable here. We have the experience of helping over a 1000 families in this same situation and will work diligently to get you the best price for your home. Once you and your buyer agree on all terms, they will complete a home inspection which has the potential to change some of the terms of sale. Usually, a few days before closing day, you will have emptied the house of all your possessions and will pass the keys over to the proud new owners of your home on the day it records.  Congratulations – your hard work has just paid off!