10 Things You Should Do a Year Before Listing Your Home
Selling your home is a big step, and preparing well in advance can make the process smoother and more successful. Here’s what you should start doing now if you’re planning to sell your home in the next year. 1. Research Where You Want to Move Before listing your home, it's crucial to know where you’re going next. Start researching potential areas or cities that appeal to you. Think about factors like proximity to work, schools, or family. Compare home prices in those areas to get an idea of what your next home might cost. This can help you set realistic expectations for your sale and purchase process.2. Set Your Budget for Your Next HomeOnce you’ve narrowed down where you want to move, it’s time to set a budget. Assess your financial situation to determine how much you’ll need for a down payment, as well as closing costs and moving expenses. If you are purchasing a new home, consider getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Knowing your budget now will make the transition smoother and allow you to plan ahead.3. Research Local Real Estate AgentsFinding the right real estate agent is key to a successful home sale. Start researching agents in your area early so you can find someone who’s experienced, knowledgeable, and a good fit for your needs. Look for agents with a strong track record of selling homes similar to yours and who are familiar with your neighborhood. Meeting with agents early on can also give you insights into what you’ll need to do to prepare your home for the market. 4. Make Any Major Home RenovationsIf your home has any significant issues—such as an aging roof, damaged flooring, or outdated kitchen appliances—it’s best to tackle these renovations now. Major repairs or updates can increase your home’s value and make it more appealing to buyers. Keep in mind that smaller tasks like landscaping, cleaning, and decluttering can be saved for closer to when you’re ready to list.5. Get a Pre-Sale Home InspectionA pre-sale home inspection can help you identify any potential issues that might delay or derail the sale. By addressing these issues early, you’ll avoid surprises during the buyer’s inspection process. This can also give buyers confidence in your home’s condition, which could speed up negotiations and lead to a smoother sale.6. Explore Programs and AssistanceDepending on your circumstances, there may be helpful programs available to you, such as grants or low-interest loans for home improvements, tax benefits, or moving assistance. Look into what resources are available, especially if you’re a first-time seller or if you qualify for any special programs based on your profession, age, or location.7. Evaluate Market Trends and TimingReal estate markets fluctuate, so it’s important to keep an eye on local market trends. Check out how similar homes in your neighborhood are selling, and talk to your real estate agent about the best time to list your property. If your area typically has seasonal spikes in buyer interest, timing your sale accordingly could help you sell faster and for a higher price. 8. Start Saving for Selling CostsSelling a home comes with its own set of costs, from agent commissions to closing fees. Start setting aside money now for these expenses, which can be around 6-10% of the sale price. This will help you avoid financial stress when it’s time to sell and ensure you’re ready for any unexpected costs that might arise.9. Prepare Financial DocumentsGetting your financial documents in order early will make the home-selling process easier down the line. Start organizing paperwork like your mortgage statement, property tax information, utility bills, and any home improvement records. If you’re purchasing another home, you’ll also need to prepare documents for mortgage pre-approval, so getting these in order ahead of time can save you a lot of hassle.10. Plan for Moving ExpensesMoving costs can add up quickly, especially if you’re relocating to a new city or state. Start researching moving companies, getting quotes, and budgeting for expenses like movers, storage, or temporary housing. Planning ahead will help you avoid surprises and make the transition from one home to the next as smooth as possible.
7 Must-Highlight Home Features for a Fall Sale
Fall is one of the most inviting seasons to showcase your home. Potential buyers are not just looking for a place to live; they’re envisioning a cozy sanctuary to enjoy the season’s comforts. To make your home stand out this fall, focus on highlighting these key features that truly capture the essence of autumn. 1. Cozy FireplaceA fireplace is the quintessential fall feature, evoking warmth and comfort. Whether wood-burning, gas, or electric, make sure your fireplace is a focal point in your living room or family room. Clean the hearth, arrange comfortable seating around it, and even consider lighting it during showings to create a welcoming, homey atmosphere. Adding a few seasonal decorations, like a mantle adorned with pumpkins or autumn leaves, can further enhance the fall vibe.2. Inviting Front PorchA front porch is a perfect place for relaxing and enjoying the cool autumn evenings. Showcase this space by adding cozy outdoor furniture, warm blankets, and soft lighting, such as lanterns or string lights. A few seasonal touches like potted mums, a fall wreath, and pumpkins on the steps can create a charming first impression that draws buyers in as soon as they arrive. 3. Outdoor Fire PitFall is the perfect time for gathering around a fire pit with friends and family. If your home features an outdoor fire pit, make sure to highlight it as a key selling point. Arrange comfortable seating around the fire pit, and stage the area with cozy throw blankets, outdoor cushions, and lanterns to emphasize the idea of spending cool fall nights outside. If you have a patio, extend its appeal into the fall by adding an outdoor heater or a fire table. By showing that your outdoor space can be enjoyed even as the weather cools, you create additional living space that buyers will find valuable. 4. Screened-In PorchA screened-in porch is ideal for enjoying the beauty of fall without the chill. Make this space inviting by arranging comfortable furniture, adding a rug, and incorporating soft lighting. If your porch has views of colorful fall foliage, be sure to highlight this during showings. This feature offers a peaceful retreat where buyers can imagine sipping hot cider and enjoying the season. 5. Library or Book NookFall is the perfect season for curling up with a good book. If your home has a dedicated library make sure to highlight this room. Arrange the space with a comfortable chair, soft lighting, and shelves filled with books. Add a plush throw and perhaps a small table for a warm drink, creating an irresistible spot that buyers will love. If you don't have a full library, even a small reading corner can be showcased as a cozy retreat.6. Spacious KitchenThe kitchen is the heart of the home, especially in fall when holiday gatherings are just around the corner. Emphasize features like a large island, ample counter space, and modern appliances. Stage the kitchen with fall touches, such as a bowl of fresh apples, a pumpkin centerpiece, or a simmering pot of spiced cider on the stove. This helps buyers imagine hosting their own seasonal gatherings. 7. Leafy Backyard Fall is a beautiful time to showcase your backyard, especially if it’s filled with mature trees that display vibrant autumn colors. Keep the yard tidy, but let some of the natural beauty of the fallen leaves remain. Highlight any features like a garden, a swing, or a play area for children. An outdoor space with colorful foliage can be a huge draw for buyers who love spending time outdoors.
Fall into Success with the Lucido Listing Blitz
The Lucido Listing Blitz™ [a seller program] is your key to a successful fall home sale. By helping you capitalize on the fall season and showcase your home’s best features, you can make the most of the fall season and attract motivated buyers. Using this carefully curated program with proven success, we’ll help you enhance your curb appeal, stage your home with autumn touches, and leverage expert photography, marketing, and negotiating to get your home sold in just 5 days. Here’s how you can take full advantage of the Lucido Listing Blitz™ to create a sense of urgency and competition amongst buyers, and get your home sold quickly + for top dollar. PRE-MARKET | Best on the BlockBoost Your Curb Appeal with Seasonal Charm + Capture the Fall Aesthetic with Stunning Photography We provide a professional staging consultation and professional photography to help make your home the best on the block in preparation for today’s market. We can also place a Coming Soon sign in your yard to create interest and generate buzz about the upcoming listing. STAGINGProfessional staging is a key component of the Lucido Listing Blitz™. We’ll work with you to arrange furniture and décor that showcases your home’s strengths and fits the autumn season. By creating inviting spaces that reflect the cozy ambiance of fall, we help buyers imagine themselves enjoying the season in your home. The first step to making a great impression is enhancing your home’s curb appeal. We offer expert advice on making your exterior stand out in every season. We’ll help you incorporate tasteful seasonal elements like colorful mums and autumn wreaths to create a welcoming atmosphere. We will also provide guidance on maintaining a pristine lawn and walkway when the leaves begin to fall, ensuring your home looks its best from the moment buyers arrive. Once buyers step inside, it’s essential to maintain that cozy, inviting feeling. During the fall, subtle autumn touches can make your home feel warm and welcoming. Our staging services will help highlight your home’s best features to create a comfortable environment that helps buyers envision themselves in your space. This includes suggestions like adding a fresh coat of paint to your front door in a warm, autumn hue to make your entryway inviting and highlighting cozy features like fireplaces or comfortable reading nooks to emphasize the comfort of your home during cooler weather. PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY High-quality photos are crucial in today’s real estate market. When you sell with us, you get professional photography that captures the essence of your home in the fall setting. We’ll schedule your photo shoot to take advantage of natural light and autumn’s beauty, showcasing your home’s exterior with fall foliage and its interior with a warm, inviting glow. DAYS 1-3 | ACTIVE LISTING + AGGRESSIVE MARKETINGLeverage the Fall Market for a Successful Sale + Market Your Home with Autumn Appeal We strategically put your home in the MLS on Thursday, so that it has plenty of time to appear on third party sites and alert buyers about the weekend Open House. We market and expose your home and Open House to millions of people through our extensive advertising campaigns comprised of digital, social, geo-targeting, eblast, signage, direct mail, and more. Fall is a great time to list your home, as buyers are often looking for properties that offer warmth and comfort for the upcoming winter. With the Lucido Listing Blitz™, we’ll help you capitalize on this seasonal advantage, ensuring your home is presented at its best and attracts serious buyers. Effective marketing is key to attracting buyers, so our marketing team takes full advantage of fall charm to make your home stand out during this time of year. We captivate potential buyers by crafting engaging listings and utilizing autumn-themed visuals in our online and social media marketing efforts that highlight unique autumn features, such as outdoor spaces perfect for fall gatherings. This seasonal focus helps draw attention and generates interest in your property. DAY 4 | OPEN HOUSEHost Warm + Inviting Open Houses in the Fall We hold the Open House not only to give potential buyers an opportunity to view the home, but also to create a sense of urgency and motivation. Open houses are a great way to showcase your home’s autumn charm to potential buyers. We’ll coordinate and promote open houses to attract serious buyers and create an inviting atmosphere. Serving seasonal treats like apple cider and pumpkin muffins at your open house can create a welcoming environment. With our expertise, your open house will effectively highlight your home’s best features and fall appeal. DAY 5 | EXPERT NEGOTIATIONSNegotiate with Confidence any Season Multiple offers create bidding wars, so we wait until after the Open House to review all offers and ultimately negotiate the best outcome for you. Once you’ve attracted interested buyers, our team will help you navigate negotiations with ease. We provide expert guidance to ensure you get the best possible terms and price for your home. We’ll be prepared to discuss how your home’s fall features add value and appeal, strengthening our negotiating position. Our experience in the fall market will help you leverage seasonal advantages to secure a successful sale. Contact us today to learn more about the Lucido Listing Blitz™ and set your home up for a successful sale this Fall. LucidoGlobal.com/ListingBlitzBobLucidoTeam.com/ListingBlitz
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