Before Selling Your Home, You MUST DO This!

When it comes to selling your home, there’s one thing you absolutely must do—even if you’re not planning to sell for months or even years. And the best part? It doesn’t cost a thing and you can do it right from your own living room.

I’m talking about educating yourself on the market, understanding how your home stacks up against the competition, and—most importantly—how your home presents online. The first showing of your home happens online, and trust me, that first impression is critical.

Buyers Set the Market, Not You

Here’s a truth that might be hard to swallow: Buyers are the ones who set the price of your home, not you. Sure, you might have an emotional attachment to your house, and you may think it’s worth more than what the market says. But at the end of the day, the price of your home will be determined by what buyers are willing to pay for it.

That’s why it’s so important to start researching the market now. Even if you’re not thinking of selling anytime soon, knowing how homes in your neighborhood are priced, what buyers are looking for, and how properties are presenting online will give you an advantage when the time comes to sell.

Start by Researching Comparable Homes

One of the best ways to get a feel for your local market is to go online and research homes in your area. I recommend using Zillow (though Homes.com also works), as it gives you easy access to homes for sale as well as homes that have recently sold. You’ll want to focus on properties in your immediate neighborhood, not the entire city, to get an accurate picture of what similar homes are selling for.

Don’t just look at the listing prices—pay attention to the condition of the homes, the photos, and how long the homes are staying on the market. Take note of how many bedrooms and bathrooms these homes have, the square footage, and any updates or renovations they might have undergone. This will give you a sense of what buyers are paying for in your area and help you figure out what your home might be worth when the time comes.

The First Showing Happens Online

As I always say, your first showing is online, and it’s crucial that your home looks its best in photos. In fact, your home could look great in person, but if it’s not presented well online, you could lose out on potential buyers. In today’s market, most buyers start their home search online, and if the photos don’t grab them, they won’t bother coming to see your home in person.

So what makes a home’s presentation online stand out? It all comes down to quality photos and neutral staging. A few simple changes can make a world of difference.

Staging: A Must for a Successful Sale

Staging is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to make your home stand out. The goal of staging is to create a neutral, inviting space that allows buyers to imagine themselves living there. It’s not about making your home look fancy or expensive, but rather about creating an environment that appeals to the broadest range of potential buyers.

For example, if you have a home with a large collection of personal items—whether it’s your favorite artwork, family photos, or yes, even that doll collection—consider packing some of those items away before your home hits the market. You don’t want buyers to remember your home as "the house with the dolls," or “the house with the weird painting collection.” Buyers need to envision themselves living there, and personal items can create emotional attachments that detract from that vision.

Quality Photos: The Power of a Great First Impression

Now, let’s talk about photos. I can’t stress this enough: Great photos make all the difference. Poorly lit, poorly framed, or poorly staged photos will send potential buyers scrolling right past your listing. On the other hand, crisp, clear, and well-lit photos that show off your home’s best features will help you attract more buyers.

When it comes to photos, make sure you’re using a professional photographer or someone who knows how to capture your home in its best light. Trust me, a professional photographer can make a world of difference. Make sure they understand the importance of bright, clear images, and avoid things like taking vertical photos or using a phone camera, which can make rooms look smaller or less inviting.

Presentation Matters: Fix the Small Details

When you look at photos of homes online, what stands out the most? It's usually the homes that look clean, fresh, and well-maintained. That means taking the time to clean your home, touch up paint, and maybe even rearrange furniture or add a few simple decor touches. For instance, placing a vase of flowers or fresh towels in the bathroom can make the home feel inviting and lived-in.

You don’t have to do a full renovation to make your home look appealing online. Often, it's the little things that make a difference. But if there are big-ticket items—like outdated flooring or peeling paint—consider addressing them before you list your home. These small updates can have a huge impact on how much buyers are willing to pay.

Avoid Virtual Staging (If You Can)

Now, I get asked a lot about virtual staging, and I want to be clear on this: I’m not a fan. Virtual staging can make a home look more appealing online, but it’s important to know that virtual staging is not the same as real staging. While virtual staging might add some pretty furniture or decorations to an empty room, it doesn’t solve the core issues a home might have, and it can lead to disappointment when potential buyers walk into a space that doesn’t live up to the online photos.

If your home is vacant or needs a little extra appeal, I’d recommend going the real staging route. It may cost a bit more upfront, but it will pay off in the long run. Real staging gives buyers an authentic experience and lets them see the true potential of the space.

Price It Right and Know When to Adjust

Finally, let’s talk about pricing. If your home isn’t selling quickly, the number one reason is almost always price. Homes that are overpriced just sit on the market longer, and the longer a home stays on the market, the less likely it is to sell for top dollar. You can have a beautifully staged home with perfect photos, but if the price is too high, buyers won’t bite.

Make sure you have a realistic understanding of your home’s value and be prepared to adjust the price if needed. If your home is priced right for the current market, buyers will come, and you’ll get the offer you’re hoping for.

Start Preparing Now

Even if you’re not planning to sell for a few years, starting the process now can set you up for success when the time comes. Understand your local market, research homes in your area, and begin making small updates that can increase the value of your home. If you’re not sure where to start, reach out to a trusted agent who can provide you with advice and guidance along the way.

And remember, your first showing happens online. So make it count!