Top 8 Questions to Ask When Selling Your Home

Are you planning on selling your home soon? Read this article to make sure you cover all your bases.

Selling your home can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be daunting if you don’t know what to expect. Knowing the right questions to ask is essential for setting yourself up for success when selling your home. Whether you're selling in Strathcona or Sherwood Park, this blog post will explore the top 10 questions that all home sellers should ask themselves before starting their sale process. From understanding the market value of your property to learning about the negotiation process, these are the key questions to consider when selling your home. 

1. What is My Home Worth?

This question is essential when considering selling your home. Knowing the market value of your property will help you come up with a realistic and competitive asking price. Researching the current market conditions will give you an idea of how much buyers are willing to pay for homes in your area, as well as how long it will take for your house to sell. Additionally, understanding the value of improvements and upgrades that you’ve made to your home can help you determine if you should make any repairs or changes to boost its saleability.

2. How Much Do I Need To Spend On Repairs & Upgrades?

While certain repairs and renovations can be worth their cost and add value to the sale, it’s important to weigh the cost of improvements against the price you can expect from the market. Upgrades such as replacing old windows, installing new appliances, or adding a fresh coat of paint will likely fetch a higher price than if they had not been made, but excessive spending might not be worth it. The best strategy is to evaluate the condition of your home before deciding how much money you want to invest in repairs and upgrades.

3. Should I Try to Sell By Owner Or Hire A Professional?

There are benefits and drawbacks to each option, so it’s best to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Selling by owner may save you money on commissions and fees, however, it can take more time as it requires you to handle everything from marketing and advertising, to legal paperwork and negotiations. On the other hand, hiring a real estate professional can help make the process easier, but will involve additional expenses. Ultimately, understanding your goals for the sale of your home — and whether or not you have the knowledge and resources necessary — will help you make an informed decision about which path is right for you.
Related Read: Real Estate Agents vs Brokers: What's the Difference?

4. Who are the Likely Buyers in My Area?

Understanding the demographics of potential buyers in your market can help you determine what features, price range and location will help attract buyers. Researching recent sales prices and trends in the area can also give you insight into what kind of buyer might be most interested in your home. Knowing who your target audience is can help you create a more effective marketing campaign, as well as provide valuable information to any real estate professional you might hire.

5. What Changes Can I Make To Increase Curb Appeal?

Curb appeal can be a major factor in attracting potential buyers, so taking the time to spruce up your home’s exterior can help you get a higher price and quicker sale. There are a number of ways you can improve your home’s appearance, from freshening up paint and trim, to giving the landscaping an overhaul. If your budget allows, installing new windows and doors or replacing worn siding can also add tremendous value.

6. Will I Need a Contractor or Inspection Before Selling?

Depending on the condition of your property and local laws, you may need to make repairs or have your property inspected by a professional before listing it for sale. Hiring a contractor to fix any major issues can be costly, but necessary in order to attract buyers and maximize profits at the time of sale. Having an inspection completed before listing can also help you identify potential problems that might scare away potential buyers down the line.

7. How Long Is The Average Prep Time For A Home Sale?

In most cases, it takes more time to prepare a house for sale than people think. Typically, you can expect to spend anywhere from several days up to a few months on the pre-sale preparation of your home. This can include decluttering and repairs, staging with furniture and/or decorations, taking pictures for advertising and doing community research. While it may be tempting to rush through the process, focusing on creating a well-presented product should always remain the priority in order to maximize profits when the time comes to sell.

8. How Do I Negotiate the Best Price For My Home?

Negotiating the best price is one of the most critical steps to maximizing profits. To be successful, you need to be knowledgeable about the local market, understand why buyers are interested in your property, and how to leverage any points of difference your property may have in order to get top dollar. Doing research, gaining an understanding of buyer psychology, and having a good negotiator on your side during negotiations can all help you achieve the best possible outcome when it comes time to sign on the dotted line.

9. When Is the Best Time to List My Property on the Market?

Knowing when to list your home will help increase the chances of a smooth and successful sale. Generally speaking, spring and summer are the most popular times of year for buyers to purchase homes due to better weather conditions. If you can list your property during these peak periods, it may result in more interested buyers and higher offers from potential buyers. Timing is key when trying to maximize the value of your property so make sure you do some research into seasonal trends before putting your home on the market.