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Am I Ready to
Sell My Home Checklist

Thinking about selling your home but aren’t sure if you’re ready for the process? It’s important to take a full look at how prepared you are because deciding to sell is one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions you’ll ever make. This checklist by Justin Johnson Realty is a complete guide that will help you feel confident as you move forward with this big step. Let’s get into it!
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Understanding Your Motivations for Selling

First, think about why you want to sell. Knowing what drives you will help you set reasonable goals and make smart choices as you go through the selling process.

Assess Reasons for Selling

If you're selling your home, you might be doing so to move for work, to upsize for a growing family, or to downsize for retirement.

Evaluate Emotional Readiness

Think about how attached you are to your home and how ready you are to say goodbye to it. Remember the memories you have connected to your home and how easier it is for you to let go.

Financial Preparedness

Find out what your home is worth on the market right now. How much wealth you have in your home will also help you make decisions, especially if you want to use the money from the sale to pay for your next move.

Estimate Home's Market Value

To start, figure out your home’s current market value by doing research or discussing it with a real estate agent.

Calculate Selling Expenses

Include costs like agent fees, repair fees, and moving fees that come with selling the home.

Understand Home Equity

Take your home’s current market value and subtract any outstanding mortgage amount to find out how much equity you have.

Consider Next Move Affordability

Check your finances to see if your next move is possible, taking into consideration factors like affordability and financial capability.

Market Timing

Next, learn about the current trends in your area’s real estate market to find the best time to sell your home.

Analyze Local Real Estate Market Trends

Keep up with the latest changes in the market to get a sense of demand level and pricing dynamics.

Consider Seasonal Factors

Think about how the housing market changes with the seasons. Depending on buyer activity and demand, certain times of the year may be better for selling your property.

Evaluate Economic Factors

Look at bigger issues in the economy that might have an effect on the housing market, like interest rates, the stability of the job market, and its future.

Condition of Your Property

Do a check of your property before you sell it to make sure there are no problems during the selling process.

Conduct Pre-sale Home Inspection

Set up a thorough pre-sale home inspection as soon as possible to find any problems that may need to be fixed before you put your home on the market.

Identify Necessary Repairs and Improvements

Write down any necessary changes or repairs to enhance your home's ability to sell faster and to attract more buyers.

Consider Staging and Curb Appeal Enhancements

Look into staging options to make your home more appealing to prospective buyers. Spend money on improvements to make a good first impression.

Legal and Compliance Readiness

Before you even think about putting your home on the market, make sure you have all the paperwork you need.
  • Gather Necessary Documents. Ensure all the important papers are in hand and in order, like title deeds, repair records, and compliance certificates, to speed up the selling process.
  • Understand Local Regulations. Learn about the rules and laws that apply to the sale of property in your area to avoid any legal issues or delays during the transaction.

Emotional Readiness

As you prepare for the mental ups and downs you might feel during the selling process, you should know that letting go of something you’ve cared about for years is not easy.
  • Prepare for the Selling Process. Mentally prepare yourself for all aspects of the selling process, such as showings, negotiations, and possible setbacks, to feel less stressed and anxious during the transaction.
  • Cope with Emotional Attachments. Take some time to remember the memories and connections you have with your home, but also enjoy the excitement of starting a new chapter of your life.

Planning Your Next Move

Finally, don’t forget to make a clear plan for your next move so that you can easily get settled in your new home and don’t end up being the one who is homeless.

Identify Your Next Destination

Having a clear idea of where you want to live after you sell your present home—a new neighborhood, city, or state—will help the moving process go more smoothly.

Consider Contingencies

Knowing if there are any conditions that must be met before you can buy or sell your home will help you make the perfect plan for the future.

Next Steps

Selling your home is a big deal that requires careful consideration and planning. At Justin Johnson Realty, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process, giving you all the information you need to make smart choices and close a sale. Schedule a free home evaluation today with one of our real estate agents or read our full guide to selling your home.
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