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\n <\/div>\n \n The Top 5% of Agents Sell Homes for Up to 10% More<\/h3>\n
HomeLight analyzes over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews to determine which agent is best for you based on your needs. Connect with your top agent matches today at no cost.<\/p>\n \n
1. Am I financially ready to sell?<\/h2>\n
Selling isn\u2019t just about what you\u2019ll make from the transaction \u2014 it\u2019s about what you\u2019ll spend, too. Start by reviewing your current mortgage payoff<\/a> amount, then compare that to what your home might reasonably sell for in today\u2019s market.<\/p>\n From there, factor in expenses like:<\/p>\n An honest look at the numbers will give you a clearer sense of whether selling now works in your favor, especially since interest rates directly affect the monthly payment on your next home. According to HomeLight\u2019s Q2 Top Agent Insights report<\/a>, nearly half of agents nationwide cited high interest rates as the primary reason home sellers are waiting on the sidelines.<\/p>\n Here are some free tools from HomeLight to help you answer this question:<\/p>\n \u00bbLearn more:<\/strong> Fees and Costs Associated With Selling a House<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Most buyers expect a home to be move-in ready, and many agents say that well-chosen updates can pay off. But not every project is worth tackling before a sale.<\/p>\n Ask yourself:<\/p>\n Sometimes the best move is a simple refresh \u2014 fresh paint, landscaping, or fixing obvious issues \u2014 rather than major renovations. A trusted agent can guide you on where to spend and where to save.<\/p>\n \u201cSellers often focus on the wrong things when preparing their home for sale,\u201d says Kris Bowen<\/a>, a top real estate agent in Salt Lake City, Utah, with 22 years of experience. \u201cIt is not about sinking money into a full remodel or cosmetic project that may not match a buyer\u2019s taste. What matters most is presentation, both online and offline.\u201d<\/p>\n He adds, \u201cThe homes that pop are the ones where repairs, updates, and finishing touches were handled before hitting the MLS. That first impression is what drives interest and strong offers.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00bbLearn more: <\/strong>How Much Work To Do Before Selling a House: 3 Levels of Prep<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Beyond the cost of repairs, it\u2019s important to evaluate your home\u2019s overall condition and how it stacks up in your local market. Think about:<\/p>\n Take an honest look at your home, but be realistic about what is a reasonable investment for curb appeal<\/a> and upgrades. Your agent can help you decide what to fix and what not to fix<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cSellers are told their homes need to be HGTV-ready, which for many is unrealistic, so they believe that any upgrades or repairs will provide a dollar-for-dollar ROI,\u201d explains John Baptiste<\/a>, a top agent in Fort Worth, Texas. \u201cSellers should look to repair or replace major items that buyers view as high-dollar expenses they don’t want to walk into. Roof and air conditioning are the big buyer concerns here in Texas.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00bbLearn more:<\/strong> What Upgrades Increase Home Value?<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Real estate markets shift constantly, and timing your sale can make a big difference in both price and speed. Start by asking:<\/p>\n In the current market, 76% of agents say the biggest selling point for buyers is a home in move-in ready condition, according to HomeLight\u2019s Q3 Top Agent Insights survey<\/a>. But seasoned agents caution that market conditions aren\u2019t measured by data alone.<\/p>\n \u201cToday\u2019s buyers aren\u2019t just looking for move-in ready homes; they want homes that already reflect their lifestyle and taste,\u201d says Gina Moritzky<\/a>, a HomeLight Elite agent serving the Denver, Colorado region. \u201cMany buyers disregard market value and instead focus on what they feel they should pay, which often means expecting updated finishes and modern features. In short, they want all the upgrades and amenities at the price point they\u2019re comfortable with.\u201d<\/p>\n In addition, no two markets are exactly the same.<\/p>\n \u201cBuyers are most concerned about location and pricing in my market,\u201d says Griffin Wallace<\/a>, a top agent in Boca Raton, Florida. \u201cEveryone is looking for a deal, and when there isn’t one available, they have no problem waiting for one to come to market.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00bbLearn more: <\/strong>Pricing Your Home to Sell: Let Market Trends Guide You<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Every seller\u2019s situation is different. Maybe you need to move quickly for a new job<\/a>, or maybe you\u2019d prefer to wait for the best possible price. Clarify your priorities by asking:<\/p>\n Your answers here will shape your overall strategy, from pricing decisions to whether you explore options like a cash buyer.<\/a> The market also plays a role. In the current market, the average time it takes from listing a home to having a signed purchase agreement is 47-62<\/a> days.<\/p>\n \u00bbLearn more: <\/strong>The Best Time to Sell a House by Location and Other Factors<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n One of the biggest hurdles sellers face is tapping into their equity<\/a> before their current home sells. If you\u2019ve found your next home but your down payment is tied up in your current property, you\u2019ll need a plan.<\/p>\n Ask yourself:<\/p>\n This step is about peace of mind. By having a clear funding strategy, you can shop for your next home without the stress of making two major moves at once.<\/p>\n \u201cEvery home seller has a different set of circumstances. If you\u2019re purchasing another home, an extended escrow period or lease-back after closing may be helpful,\u201d explains Patrick M. Korth<\/a>, a top-rated agent in Henderson, Nevada. \u201cBut there are many other options that can facilitate a smooth transition. Work closely with your agent to explore these options.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00bbLearn more: <\/strong>How to Buy a House While Selling Your Own<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n It sounds obvious, but many sellers list their home before they have a firm plan for where they\u2019ll go. Ask yourself:<\/p>\n Having an answer to \u201cwhat\u2019s next?\u201d will make the entire process less stressful and help you negotiate from a position of confidence. If selling your existing home is creating timing challenges, watch the short video below to learn more about HomeLight\u2019s Buy Before You Sell program<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n
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2. How much will repairs cost \u2014 and are they worth it?<\/h2>\n
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3. What\u2019s the current condition of my home?<\/h2>\n
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4. How does the local market look right now?<\/h2>\n
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5. What are my timing needs?<\/h2>\n
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6. How will I fund my next home while selling this one?<\/h2>\n
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7. Where will I live next?<\/h2>\n
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