You may be thinking it’s time to sell your home. Perhaps your family has outgrown your current home and you’re looking at buying something bigger, or maybe you feel the housing market can offer you better value in a different neighbourhood. Before you put your house up for sale, here are a few things to consider:
1. Do you Have Your Finances in Order?
Moving can be rather expensive. If you are looking into buying a significantly larger house you will likely have to re-apply for a higher mortgage – which may potentially come with higher fees. And even if you are not requiring a change in your mortgage there are still the real estate, lawyer, insurance, and moving fees to consider. Have a good long look at your finances and consult with your bank or lender to see if this is all possible. Don’t let that scare you though, with a little bit of effort, it is easy to minimize moving costs!
2. Have You Done Any Renovations?
We realize it will cost you a bit of money – but doing some simple renovations on your home can bring you a higher price when selling. Keeping your kitchens and bathrooms updated will bring you the greatest value when it comes to your home appraisal. Our team of knowledgeable REALTORS® can look at your home and give you recommendations on renovations that are bound to give you the best bang for your buck.
3. Is It the Right Time?
It’s not only important to look at how the housing market is doing in your area – and in the area you’re hoping to buy in, but it’s important to make sure it’s the right time for you and your family to make a move.
Moving before a major event, or during certain times of the year, can be stressful. Decide what is best for you and your family, whether that means considering vacations, the school year, or any other commitments and feel free to discuss that with any of our helpful REALTORS®.
4. How Is Your Curb Appeal?
Much like how we mentioned doing simple renovations can potentially lead to a higher asking price on your home, ensuring your home has attractive curb appeal can as well. Curb appeal is what will likely draw more potential buyers in – and in this competitive housing market, you want your home to stand out.
Fixing up your yard to boost your curb appeal doesn’t even have to take a lot of time or cost a lot of money! Ensuring your lawn is routinely cut, your bushes are trimmed, rogue tree branches are chopped off, your fence posts are hung properly, and the gate is in good working order is a great place to start. A little bit of touch up paint on those fence posts and perhaps around your doors and windows is a good idea as well.
5. Do You Have the Right REALTOR®?
Working with the right REALTOR® can make all the difference when it comes to selling your home. The right REALTOR® knows to talk to you about all the above steps and guide you where you need it. At Pemberton Holmes, our REALTORS® keep up to date on the housing market and real estate in Nanaimo – and all over the island – and can assist you with recommending any fixes or staging your home needs.
You’re in good hands when you choose a REALTOR® from the Pemberton Holmes team. Contact us today for more information about the housing market or about selling your home.
