7 Essential Tasks That Home Sellers Frequently Overlook

When it comes to selling your home, the to-do list seems never-ending: from finding a reliable real estate agent and doing touch-ups to fixing that stubborn air conditioner and considering staging options. With so much on your plate, it’s not surprising that certain important tasks sometimes slip through the cracks (and we’re not here to place blame!).

To ensure a smooth selling process, our team of experts—experienced real estate agents who have assisted numerous home sellers—has pinpointed the often overlooked to-do’s. Rest assured, these tasks won’t demand much time, yet their value is immeasurable.

Follow this invaluable advice, and you’ll find that selling your house may not be as overwhelming as people often make it out to be.

1. Google your address

It’s crucial for sellers to be proactive in monitoring what’s being said about their property on the internet. Surprisingly, not all sellers take this step, but it’s highly recommended. According to the National Association of Realtors®, a staggering 90% of buyers utilize online resources while searching for a home.

Sellers are advised to pay attention to their online listing’s appearance, as it significantly impacts the concerns potential buyers may have. For instance, if the estimated value on the site differs greatly from your asking price, it could be due to incorrect information in the tax records about the number of bedrooms or bathrooms in your house. Fortunately, this is a simple issue to rectify.

Another important factor to consider is the influence of mapping technology, particularly Google Maps’ street view. It’s possible that the street view of your property might not display the improvements you’ve made, which is why it’s essential to include those updates in your listing to give buyers a comprehensive and accurate view of your property. Being aware of these online aspects will enhance your selling process and ensure you make a strong impression on potential buyers.

2. Account for improvements and issues

It is suggested that if you’ve been a homeowner for an extended period, take the time to compile a list of all the issues you’ve successfully addressed during your tenure. This may encompass various matters such as chimney fires, water damage, or basement floods. Regardless of whether you resolved these problems or not, it’s crucial to disclose this information to potential buyers to avoid potential legal issues post-sale.

It is also emphasized the significance of revealing any “invisible improvements” you’ve made, such as regrading the land or installing a French drain system. Sharing these enhancements can provide a considerable sense of reassurance to prospective buyers.

Similarly, when it comes to sewer lines, tanks, radon remediation, or leaky skylights, and disclosure is important. Being forthright about these aspects builds trust and transparency between you and the buyer.

3. Check your real estate agent’s references

To safeguard your time, money, and peace of mind, it is crucial to be diligent in finding the best real estate agent for your needs, as a poorly behaved or incompetent agent could lead to significant consequences. Here are some extra steps you can take to ensure you make the right choice

Before making any decisions, it’s essential to verify that the individuals you are considering to work with hold a valid and up-to-date real estate license, and have a clean track record with no complaints filed against them. Take the time to schedule a meeting with the agent in person to get a better understanding of their qualifications and approach. Additionally, don’t hesitate to reach out directly to a few of their provided references to gather insights into their past performance and client satisfaction. Being thorough in these steps will help ensure you select a reliable and trustworthy real estate professional.

4. Insist on social media marketing

In addition to staging your home beautifully, setting a competitive price, and listing your property, there’s another crucial aspect to prepare before you’re fully ready to sell: a well-thought-out social media marketing plan. Marianne Leonard Cashman suggests several must-do strategies, including video tours, floor plans, and captivating photo galleries, all promoted on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

Cashman emphasizes the importance of utilizing all available avenues to attract the right buyer for your home. This involves ensuring your agent showcases your home not only on their website but also on their agency’s website. Moreover, your property should be promoted on various other sites that specialize in marketing homes and providing information about upcoming open houses. By leveraging social media and online platforms effectively, you can significantly enhance your property’s visibility and increase your chances of finding the perfect buyer for your home.

5. Make sure the doorbell rings

The importance of attention to detail cannot be underestimated when it comes to selling your home. Even seemingly minor cosmetic repairs can have a significant impact on the success of your sale. Neglecting to fix something as simple as a broken doorbell may send a negative message to potential buyers, making them wonder about other potential issues within the property.

First impressions are crucial. A well-maintained home, starting from the moment buyers view it from the curb, conveys a sense of pride in homeownership and diligent care. This perception, in turn, translates to reduced energy and costs for the buyer as they anticipate moving into a well-kept property.

6. Clean inside everything

Storage space can be a significant selling point for homes. Hence, it’s essential to be prepared because potential buyers will thoroughly investigate closets, drawers, cabinets, ovens, refrigerators, and even the dishwasher—whether they are cleaned or not. Ensuring these spaces are spotless is crucial.

Investing in a professional deep-cleaning service will prove beneficial, as it can potentially increase your sales price by at least tenfold. Remember, simply sweeping and scrubbing the surfaces until they shine is not enough. The job is not complete until every trace of dust, crumbs, and unwelcome critters are meticulously cleaned from the small spaces within these storage areas. By prioritizing this level of cleanliness, you will leave a positive and lasting impression on buyers, potentially accelerating the sale of your home.

7. Clarify which items are not included

It’s crucial to avoid potential complications with buyers falling in love with your house due to its custom window treatments or other fixtures that you intend to take with you when you move. To prevent any misunderstandings, it’s essential to be clear about what items are included in the sale and what you plan to take with you.

The law generally considers anything bolted to the wall or ceiling as part of the property and, therefore, transfers to the buyer unless explicitly excluded in the contract. If you have specific items you want to keep, such as a flat-screen TV, chandelier, or custom pot rack, it’s essential to label them as excluded from the sale as soon as the house is listed. This way, buyers won’t assume they come with the property and be disappointed later on.

Being upfront and transparent about what is included in the sale will help ensure a smoother and more positive home-selling process for both you and the potential buyers.

Experts in Residential Real Estate in Orlando

If you are BUYING or SELLING real estate it’s quiet often the single most important financial decision you make. For the last 30 years we have helped clients buying and selling property in Orlando and the surrounding areas. Put simply, this means the knowledge and expertise accumulated over this time ensures our clients get the best representation possible.

Our experienced agents will help and guide you through the entire process providing valuable support every step of the way.