6-Point Checklist to Follow Before Listing Your Home

6-Point Checklist to Follow Before Listing Your Home


Just 15 miles from Boston on Massachusetts’ North Shore are the towns of Swampscott and Marblehead. Both towns are located on the water and have close proximity to the city. They’re a great place to live, and there are always people moving to Marblehead and Swampscott. There are plenty of luxury homes Marblehead and Swampscott houses for sale, and they are eagerly purchased at prices that sellers like. Just like other places in the country, if you are planning to sell your home on the Marblehead and Swampscott real estate market, you can’t just list it and hope for the best. There are a number of crucial steps to take to ensure your listing gains as much exposure as possible and attracts the most amount of buyers. If multiple buyers are interested, you will often end up with multiple offers, resulting in in a higher closing price. Here is a 6-point checklist to follow before listing your home.

1. Hire a Good REALTOR®


Selling a home is a massive undertaking with more tasks than a majority of people could possibly do well and efficiently. It requires knowledge of the craft of selling homes as well as the current market. We recommend hiring a Realtor® who has experience and local knowledge of the competitive Marblehead and Swampscott micro-markets. Working with Willis + Tierney gives you a number of benefits. Our team has 43+ years of experience working in these two towns and wewill be able to answer all your questions and guide you through the selling process with ease and security.

2. Set an Asking Price

Coming up with the right asking price is complex as there are several factors you need to consider.. Your REALTOR® will be extremely helpful here. Considering what other Marblehead and Swampscott homeshave recently sold for will give you a good baseline.. You must also thing aboutunique features your home has that may increase its value, as well as any repairs or renovations needed that could lower it. Your location is a key factor. . Waterfront homes,properties in quiet neighborhoods, or close to transportation, schools,shopping, and restaurants may also have a higher value.

You will also want to calculate how much equity you have in your home. This will determine how much of the selling price you will be able to keep and will effect your final listing price decision. Lastly you will want to consider the cost of repairs that the buyer will need to incur.

3. Check Your Finances to Afford Expenses


When selling a home, there are expenses that a seller will insure and you want to ensure you have the funds to pay for these. First, it’s always a good idea to have the home inspected. This way, there will be no surprises for you or the buyer. If there are any problems with the house, such as issues with structure, electrical, plumbing, or heating, you can have them repaired so that when the buyer has an inspection, the house is sound and it won’t delay closing. These repairs can also increase the value of your home and how much it sells for. You may also want to do some remodeling or renovating, as these investments could be profitable. Willis + Tierney can help with these decisions. You'll also have to spend money on a real estate attorney. They will be able to guide you through the legal process and assist in writing contracts on your behalf.

4. Have Your Home Cleaned and Decluttered

It is essential to thoroughly clean your home and declutter it. If you can afford it, you can hire professionals or save money and do it yourself. The entire inside and outside of your home should be spotless. Buyers may be turned off by anything that doesn’t look pristine. It’s also important to get rid of all clutter. You want your rooms and storage areas to look spacious. Make sure rooms are set up for their purpose. For example: if you have a spare bedroom, make sure to remove boxes and other items you're storing in there to make it look like a bedroom or stage it as a home office.

5. Have Your Home Staged


To attract buyers to your home and help them love it when they see it, you need to have it staged. This is different from decorating a home to live in, so you should hire a professional to stage it. Homes in Marblehead and Swampscott look more inviting and desirable when they have been set up and staged. A professional will optimize each room to serve its main purpose. Rooms will look spacious yet cozy. A stager can also work wonders with outdoor living spaces and get your entire home ready for photographs. We have a list of stagers we can recommend should you choose to hire one.

6. Hire a Photographer


Most buyers will begin their home searches online. Descriptions can be helpful, but photographs are what hook them and get them interested. Video tours are also excellent tools for showing off the beauty of your home. When you work with a team like Willis + Tierney, we will pay for and facilitate the visual assets for your listing. It’s important to work with an agent that prioritizes high-end photography and videography in order to showcase your home in its best light.

Marblehead and Swampscott real estate highlysought after due to its value.When executed correctlyt, you can sell your home quickly andat attractive price. Contact Willis + Tierny for a team of agents who are skilled, dedicated, passionate, experienced, and know the area. This should be the first step on any seller’s checklist.



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