The only thing that can compare to purchasing a first house is selling a first house. Buying a home is one thing, but selling the first one a person ever bought? That’s a different ballgame in itself. The advice that they got from their parents, realtor and friends when they bought their home is still valid, but now that they’re moving up and moving on, there is different advice to consider.
Funding for House #2
Since an individual knows what to expect this time around, qualifying for a mortgage should be a little easier for them. Do all the things they did the first time, like contact a reputable lender such as Sun West Mortgage. Once they know how much they qualify for, they can start shopping for their second house.
The difference this time is that a person might not be able to purchase a home until they’ve sold their first one. They have an existing mortgage payment, and they may not be able to afford a second one at the same time. The professionals at Sun West Mortgage can help a person decide if it’s the right time or not. Take personal finances into account before deciding to make an offer on another home.
Keep Up on Repairs
The home will see more improvements in the months leading up to its market debut than it’s seen since a person moved in. Take a look around and decide what needs to be repaired or updated. It’s unrealistic to expect all of it to get done when they are on a limited budget and a time constraint. Some of the most common types of repairs when selling a home include:
- Paint (interior and exterior)
- New flooring
- Upgrades to the kitchen and/or bathroom
- Light fixtures
- Doors/doorknobs
Keep it Clean and Impersonal
Once the house is on the market, be sure to pack up all personal items. Declutter and depersonalize the as well as possible. A person may live there still and buyers know this, but keeping it impersonal will give potential buyers a better vision of their items filling the home. This includes things such as:
- Family photos
- Collections
- Toys
- Personal care items (toothbrushes, makeup, etc)
- Anything that could be considered offensive or controversial
Furthermore, make sure that the house is kept clean at all times. It’s a great idea to hire a professional cleaning service prior to an open house. The home will have many tours and potential buyers walking through it, and a clean home makes a good impression.
Be Ready to Dash
Realtors are supposed to call at least an hour or so in advance before bringing in a tour, so be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. Most tours don’t take much longer than 15 to 20 minutes, but it can still be tricky, especially if the owner has children or pets. Having a “getaway bag” ready to take helps. Pack up Rover’s ball and also include items for kids like books and small toys. A nearby park or playground is a great place to spend the time, especially if the weather is nice.
Prepare To Be Emotional
Once a person has sold the house and is getting ready to leave, it’s completely normal to feel emotional. This was their first house, after all. There is a sense of pride and so many memories tied to it. Take a moment to say goodbye thank the home. Take pictures and keep the memories to remember the home by. An individual has just outgrown the home and it’s time to make a new one.
It’s equal parts exciting and sad to sell a first house. Say farewell to the first place called home and look ahead to new beginnings–the future is bright!
