Selling your home can take a while and be daunting if you aren’t sure where to begin. The process doesn’t have to be complicated, especially if you have somebody to help you through it. If you’re ready to sell your Morristown real estate, follow this ultimate guide to get started. But first, here’s why now is an excellent time to sell in the area.
Morristown, located in Morris County, is a small town that offers residents a suburban living style, making it desirable for buyers with families. With a decrease in median days on the market for homes in the area and an increase in the total number of homes sold compared to last year, Morristown is currently a seller’s market. This is good news for sellers like you. With this in mind, follow these steps when selling your property.
Partner with an agent
Although you can list your home for sale by owner, the process is much easier with the knowledge and experience of a local real estate agent. They’ll deeply understand Morristown houses listed in the area and can use this information to help you price your home competitively. The median list price for properties in the area is $812,449, and an agent can help your listing price reflect the condition, location, and square footage of your home.
They’ll also have a deep understanding of the local real estate market and can help you time your listing, so it has a greater chance of attracting good offers. In Morristown, the best time to list a property is in March, as homes sell for 9.85% over the annual average.
Your agent also knows what buyers in the area are looking for and can use that information to help you prepare your home for showings and listing photos. An experienced agent should also have a large network of connections to other buyers’ agents and professional service providers to help you prepare and market your property.
Consider repairs and upgrades
When you’ve found an agent who matches your goals and communication style, consider undertaking repairs. To form a better understanding of what needs to be done, get a pre-listing home inspection. This will reveal any significant problems that may affect the home’s value or chances of selling. Although not all repairs deter buyers from a home, large ones like roofing problems or central heating, especially during Morristown’s cold and snowy winters, may be a deal breaker.
Small repairs that make a positive impression on buyers can be completed by yourself, like fixing squeaky hinges, replacing light bulbs, and filling holes in the walls. Upgrades can also increase buyer interest in your property, as well as the property’s value. However, you must choose projects that buyers in the area are interested in and that have a good return on investment. Consult with your real estate agent when choosing the best upgrades.
Small repairs that make a positive impression on buyers can be completed by yourself, like fixing squeaky hinges, replacing light bulbs, and filling holes in the walls. Upgrades can also increase buyer interest in your property, as well as the property’s value. However, you must choose projects that buyers in the area are interested in and that have a good return on investment. Consult with your real estate agent when choosing the best upgrades.
Prepare the property to stage
After large projects are completed, prepare your property to stage by cleaning all areas of the home. Either hire a professional cleaner to make each room shine or complete the cleaning process yourself. Wipe down countertops, clean windows, and vacuum carpets. Also, eliminate any odors related to food or pets. Then, declutter your home. Do so by sorting through items you no longer want or need, and deciding what to donate, sell, or throw away. Organize open areas like shelves and countertops and closed storage areas like kitchen cabinets and closets.
Stage and market your home
After preparing your home, stage it to appeal to buyers. Your real estate agent can guide you in design decisions that buyers are interested in. If your Morristown real estate is in an area with plenty of green space, like Lidgerwood Park, then make sure to increase your curb appeal by maintaining landscaping and taking down lawn decorations. For interiors, take down personal items like family photos and personal souvenirs, as well as eccentric decor. Redecorate with neutral tones and keep interiors bright with natural and artificial light.
When your home is staged, hire a professional photographer to take photos for your listing. Professional photos go a long way in capturing buyer interest online, as they have the experience and skills to capture your property in its best light. Then, list your home online with your agent. In the listing description, sell both the property and the surrounding area. For example, you could mention Morristown’s ring of parks encircling the town, entertainment opportunities in the Mayo Performing Arts Center, or its great public transportation in the Transit Train Station.
Negotiate buyers’ offers
After preparing your home, buyers searching for Morristown houses will start making offers on your property. Navigate through offers and negotiations with your agent. Alongside the offer price, also consider factors like whether a buyer has been preapproved for a mortgage and has proof of funds, contingencies related to home inspections or the sale of the buyer’s current home, and the timeline for closing. Decide which offer works best with your own needs and goals, and take steps to accept, counteroffer, or reject a buyer’s offer.
Complete closing steps
When you’ve come to an agreement with a buyer, complete closing steps like a home inspection. If you already ordered a pre-listing home inspection, the home inspection shouldn’t reveal anything new. If you haven’t, be prepared to renegotiate the offer’s terms if it reveals any problems with the property. Then, get a home appraisal, begin the packing process if you haven’t already, and complete a final walkthrough. From there, your agent can guide you through the paperwork necessary to complete the sale.
Ready to sell your Morristown home?
Selling doesn’t have to be complicated, especially if you have the help of a professional. When you’re ready to start the home selling process, contact trusted local agent Jennifer Pickett to guide you through it. Jennifer is an award-winning real estate agent whose commitment to providing clients with the highest-quality service means she’s a cut above the rest. Reach out today to learn more.