If you've got "selling your house" and "making a move" on your list of goals for this year, you're probably feeling a blend of excitement for the future and a touch of nostalgia for your current home, right?

When you're getting ready to sell, it's important to stay confident and balanced. Keep these three best practices in mind to help you make the right decision.

1. Price Your Home Right

So, in 2023, things changed up in the housing market because mortgage rates went up and home prices started to level out. As a seller, it's crucial to understand the current market and price your house accordingly. According to Hannah Jones, an Economic Research Analyst for Realtor.com, this is super important.

““Sellers need to become familiar with their local market and work closely with a local agent to make sure their listing is attractive to buyers. Buyers feeling the pressure of affordability are likely to be pickier, so a well-priced, well-maintained home is the ticket to drumming up big demand.””

— Hannah Jones, Economic Research Analyst for Realtor.com

If you set your house price too high, you might scare off potential buyers. But if you go too low, you could be selling yourself short. That's where a seasoned real estate agent can come in handy - they can figure out the best asking price for your home, so it sells fast and for a great price.

2. Keep Your Emotions in Check

Hey there! Did you know that homeowners are hanging onto their houses for longer these days? According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the average time a homeowner has owned their home has gone up from 6 to 10 years since 1985.

You know, things have really changed a lot from the way they used to be. But there's a downside to all this change - when you spend a lot of time in one place, you tend to get even more emotionally attached to it. Whether it's the first home you ever bought or the house where your loved ones grew up, it means a whole lot to you. Each room holds memories, and it's tough to let go of the sentimental value.

It can be really hard for some homeowners to set aside their emotional connection to their house when it comes to determining a fair market price. That's where having a real estate professional by your side can make all the difference. They can help guide you through the negotiations and come up with the best pricing strategy for your situation. It's important to trust professionals who are looking out for your best interests.

3. Stage Your Home Properly

So, even though you're super into your decor and how you've made your house feel like your own over time, not every potential buyer is going to vibe with it the same way you do. That's why it's super important to pay attention to the first impression your home gives off, so it can attract the interest of as many buyers as possible.

Buyers really want to envision themselves living in the home. They want to see their own furniture and personal touches, not yours. Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist and Vice President of Research at NAR, puts it this way:...

““Buyers want to easily envision themselves within a new home and home staging is a way to showcase the property in its best light.””

— Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist and Vice President of Research at NAR

A realtor knows all the tips and tricks to get your house ready for sale.

Bottom Line

Hey there! If you're thinking about selling your house, I'm here to help you through the process and make sure you focus on the important things. Let's connect and chat about it!