There is plenty to consider when selling your home in Brookfield, CT. Even if you have gone through the selling process before, it can be difficult to keep track of what to do. Follow these expert home selling tips to prioritize your tasks and prepare for a stress-free selling process. Before getting into how to sell, here is an overview of why now is a great time to sell in Brookfield.
Brookfield is a beautiful town with plenty of ways to enjoy natural views and great summer weather. Currently, the local market is in favor of sellers, and the median sold price for homes is $515,000. Buyers are interested in this prime location for its excellent family life, work opportunities, and a great environment for retirement, as it provides plenty of excellent schools, town history, and a warm community.
Decide if you are ready
The first step to take when selling your home is to make sure you are ready to sell. Think about personal factors involved with selling, like if you are ready to leave the home behind, if you have any familial responsibilities tied to the location, and any pulls towards a new or current job. For example, you may be fond of great local outdoor areas like Williams Park or enjoy the tight-knit sense of community.
Next, consider whether you are financially able to begin the selling process. Selling your home comes with several expenses, such as paying an agent, getting professional photos taken, fixing issues with the property, financing a move, and budgeting for a new home. Check your home’s value, and then figure out how much equity you have on the home. Even if your budget is not a problem, it is still wise to know how much your home is worth.
Next, consider whether you are financially able to begin the selling process. Selling your home comes with several expenses, such as paying an agent, getting professional photos taken, fixing issues with the property, financing a move, and budgeting for a new home. Check your home’s value, and then figure out how much equity you have on the home. Even if your budget is not a problem, it is still wise to know how much your home is worth.
Partner with a trusted agent
Photo courtesy of PexelsWhen you are sure about selling, work with an experienced Brookfield realtor like Lisa Bowman. A local agent will have in-depth knowledge about the local housing market and will use this information to help time the sale of your home and price it competitively and accurately. They will know what buyers in the area are looking for, and they will help you stage and photograph your home to attract those buyers. They will also help you price your home accurately and help you coordinate showings and open houses.
A realtor will have several contacts with a variety of professionals that you may need in the selling process, including a home inspector, contractor, or home appraiser. Plus, once you do get an offer, they can negotiate on your behalf with your best interests in mind. They will also help you decode any confusing paperwork, ensuring you do not sign a contract you may regret later.
A realtor will have several contacts with a variety of professionals that you may need in the selling process, including a home inspector, contractor, or home appraiser. Plus, once you do get an offer, they can negotiate on your behalf with your best interests in mind. They will also help you decode any confusing paperwork, ensuring you do not sign a contract you may regret later.
Clean and declutter your home
Photo courtesy of ShutterstockTo prepare your home to sell, thoroughly clean your home from top to bottom, inside and out. This indicates to buyers that you have cared for the property well. Start by mopping and sweeping floors, removing stains from carpet and furniture, wiping windows and countertops, and dusting off the tops of shelves and cabinets. Also, make sure to remove any lingering odors related to pets or food.
It is also essential to declutter your home. Clutter makes your home appear smaller and less appealing to buyers, which is why it is important to keep common areas clean of toys, stacks of magazines, and other small items. Purge any belongings you do not need or want by donating, selling, or throwing them away. If you plan on taking items to your next home but do not have any place to store them, rent a storage unit to keep your home looking spacious and open.
It is also essential to declutter your home. Clutter makes your home appear smaller and less appealing to buyers, which is why it is important to keep common areas clean of toys, stacks of magazines, and other small items. Purge any belongings you do not need or want by donating, selling, or throwing them away. If you plan on taking items to your next home but do not have any place to store them, rent a storage unit to keep your home looking spacious and open.
Make repairs and upgrades
Photo courtesy of UnsplashA repair can make or break a deal for a prospective home buyer, especially if it is a costly one like foundational or structural problems. As three months out of the year have snowfall in Brookfield, any problems with the central heating or roofing may be serious reasons for a buyer to forgo making an offer. Get a pre-listing inspection to uncover any hidden problems, then select which ones to fix.
Many homes in Brookfield were built between the 1970s and 1990s, so it is reasonable to consider an upgrade. If you do choose to upgrade, make sure to select projects with a positive return on investment (ROI), such as a bathroom remodel or a kitchen upgrade. Avoid anything too expansive and expensive, and instead, go for the little details that buyers will appreciate, such as repainting or adding some new light fixtures.
Many homes in Brookfield were built between the 1970s and 1990s, so it is reasonable to consider an upgrade. If you do choose to upgrade, make sure to select projects with a positive return on investment (ROI), such as a bathroom remodel or a kitchen upgrade. Avoid anything too expansive and expensive, and instead, go for the little details that buyers will appreciate, such as repainting or adding some new light fixtures.
Stage for photos
Photo courtesy of UnsplashWhen your home is prepared, it is time to stage for photos. It is not necessary to stage the whole house, as most buyers are impressed by the kitchen, living, and master bedrooms. Make sure these areas are clean and bright and that they contain minimal personal items like family pictures or knick-knacks. Keep decorations light and neutral to attract as many buyers as possible.
After your home is staged, take an exceptional set of photos for your home listing. Hire a professional photographer to capture the best angles of your Brookfield real estate, and create a clear organization of photos that tells a story to buyers. The first place a buyer sees your home is online, so having high-quality pictures is a must to invoke a positive response and invite them to make an in-person appointment.
After your home is staged, take an exceptional set of photos for your home listing. Hire a professional photographer to capture the best angles of your Brookfield real estate, and create a clear organization of photos that tells a story to buyers. The first place a buyer sees your home is online, so having high-quality pictures is a must to invoke a positive response and invite them to make an in-person appointment.
Show your home
Photo courtesy of PexelsShowing your home to interested buyers is an important step that your trusted agent can help you organize. Try to stay available and flexible with your schedule. In preparation for showings, align your schedule with your agent so you can aim to be out of the house during showings. Have a clear plan on what to clean and where to go for unexpected showings, and try not to turn down any interested buyers. Through the marketing and showing process, you should start receiving offers on your home. Your agent will negotiate counter offers with buyers and then lead you through the closing process.
Ready to sell your Brookfield real estate?
With these tips, you are well prepared to sell your Brookfield property without all the stress. For expert guidance in selling your home, contact trusted local agent Lisa Bowman to guide you through the process. Reach out to Lisa today to begin your journey!
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock
