Most Popular Seller Questions- Answered Here!

What is the Best Time of Year to sell a house?

Many people believe that spring and summer are the best times to sell a house. However, that is NOT always the case. Each season brings it’s own dynamics with benefits and things to consider. Sometimes this changes depending on the neighborhood and city. Notable features that make your property shine could have an impact on this decision. Neighborhood trends and data impact the timing decision as well.

Winter (December to February): While typically a slower season, selling in winter can work to your advantage. There is less competition and the buyer pool tends to be serious and motivated buyers. Listing your home prior to the rush of those who wait until Spring helps you beat the competition. Things to consider that can impact your sale in winter is weather. Be prepared to update photos if that reflects a new weather trend. Day light hours are shorter, so people tend to show earlier, which can be helpful if you have young kids with bedtimes. If someone does show after dark, make sure to have ample lighting.
Spring (March to May): This is a popular time to sell. The Tri-Cities usually sees an increase in number of transactions this time of year. There tend to be an increase of the number of buyers looking to move during warmer months and for those with families they often want to be settled before the next school year starts. The drawback of this season can be that yards and curb appeal may still look like it is recovering from the winter months. While this may be forgiven in winter, if you plan to list in Spring, get a jump start on your outdoor maintenance.
Summer (June to August): Summer tends to be a busy selling season in the Tri-Cities. Typically, we see a small lull around the last week of school and Father’s Day and then it picks up. Competition among sellers can be higher this time of year, so it is imperative to price your home correctly. One tip of advise if you are selling in summer is to use your AC. The temperature of your house can help people feel comfortable or uncomfortable.
Fall (September to November): Fall can be a great time to sell because buyers who missed out in the summer are still actively searching. The market does cool around Thanksgiving time leading into less active buyers, but those who are looking are serious and motivated.

Each season brings advantages for when to sell your home. The most important part to sell is to make sure your home is clean, prepared, and that it is priced right! Homes do sell year-round!

2. How to stage a house for sale?

The way your home looks and feels can significantly impact buyers’ first impressions. When selling a home think about the 3 D’s: Declutter, Deep Clean, and Depersonalize!

Declutter: Take out all extra items. You want clean and clear countertops. You will be packing when your house sells, so start packing early. Surfaces should have minimal items on them. Closets should look like they have extra space. Box up clothes and blankets that are not needed. Remove extra items that are not needed in a room. Less is more- the less items in a space feels like it has a lot more room. Your agent can help advise with a fresh set of eyes on what should be packed up.
Deep Clean: A sparkling home creates a sense of care and value. Pay extra attention to kitchens, bathrooms, the primary bedroom, and windows. If you have pets be aware that you will need to have extra cleanings to keep pet hair and items like litter boxes from impacting your sale. A buyer with allergies will often pass on a home if it bothers their allergies. Keep your home aired out and be aware of smells.
Depersonalize: Remove personal items like family photos. Allow buyers to see themselves in the space. Remove items with children’s names. We want buyers to focus on the features of the house and if they can see themselves living there, instead of trying to figure out if they have seen the seller somewhere before.

In addition to the 3 D’s:

Fix broken items: Repair minor issues like leaky faucets, chipped paint, and squeaky doors. That will help buyers know that the home has been well maintained.
Use the advise of a professional stager: Discuss with your Real Estate Agent what level of staging would be best for your home. Professional staging can help highlight your homes best features, and there are multiple levels. The first is full staging. This is often done in vacant homes. The second option is partial staging where the stager may bring in a couple of items to add a pop of color or better highlight something in the home. The third option is a walk-through with a stager where they provide advice on your current items. Even something as small as changing the angle of an item can make it more appealing.
Boost Curb Appeal: The exterior is the first thing buyers see. Trim the lawn, plant flowers, trim up overgrown plants and trees. Make sure the entryway is welcoming.

3. What are the costs of selling a house?

Understanding the costs involved in selling a home is crucial for effective budgeting. Many sellers prioritize saving money over maximizing their net profit, but a wise investment can often help you net more money in the long run.

For example, quality agents may charge higher fees, but their expertise can result in a greater net profit. The same principle applies to home repairs—you might save money by skipping repairs, but that choice often results in a lower sale price. Staging is another worthwhile investment; while it comes with a fee, studies consistently show that staged homes sell for higher prices.

Ultimately, it boils down to this: do you want to save money or make money? Some costs, like title insurance, taxes, and escrow fees, are typically non-negotiable and range from 1-3% of the home’s sale price, depending on location and value. You’ll also need to pay off any remaining mortgage balance and settle any liens on the property at closing. Moving expenses are another consideration—will you hire movers or handle the process yourself?

The best strategy is to work with a local Realtor. They can help you estimate your home’s value, provide a detailed net sheet with projected fees, and suggest steps to maximize your sale price. If making repairs isn’t feasible for you, they can guide you on pricing your home appropriately for its condition. By planning ahead and partnering with the right professional, you can ensure a smoother and more profitable home-selling experience.

4. What adds value to a house?

Not all renovations are created equal. If you’re looking to increase your home’s value before selling, focus on updates with a high return on investment. Just because you spent a certain amount of money on an item, does not translate into receiving that same value when you sell. Also, what may have been an item of value to you, may not have any value to a buyer.

Here are some of the higher Returns on Investment that you can have when preparing your home:

Landscaping/curb appeal: 100-200% ROI. A clean and attractive exterior invited buyers inside. Keep the lawn and garden tidy, include pops of color with flowers, pots, or a painted door.
Paint (interior/exterior): 107-200% ROI. A neutral color palette appeals to more buyers and makes the home feel fresh and modern. Talk to your agent or stager on current color trends.
Replacing garage doors: 90-100% ROI- This one surprises a lot of people, but the garage doors do tend to have one of the higher returns on investment. It does depend on the style, material, and market, but they can add to the curb appeal and look and be a good investment.
Minor kitchen remodel: 81-100% ROI- Refreshing the cabinets and countertops can modernize a kitchen without a full remodel. Adding stylish and functional lighting can help as well.
Bathroom refresh: 70-90% ROI- Re-caulking tubs and re-grouting tiles makes a bathroom look well maintained. Think about replacing faucets, showerheads, and cabinet handles for an updated look. Make sure the bathroom is sparkling clean.
Flooring updates: 70-80% ROI- Replace worn carpets with durable options. Refinish existing hardwood floors to bring them back to life.

Focus on creating a clean, bright, and welcoming space. Buyers often look for homes they can move into without major renovations. Balancing cost-effective updates with perceived value is key to maximizing your ROI.

5. Do I need an agent to sell my house?

While it is possible to sell your house on your own, a Real Estate agent will help save you time, get the best price for your house, avoid extra stress and your chances of legal problems are greatly diminished. Hiring an agent to represents you, protects you. Here is why:

Legal Protection: Selling a home involves a lot of paperwork. An agent ensures everything is completed correctly to avoid legal issues. Over 70% of court cases involving real estate involve FSBO where the seller is not represented by an agent.
Priced Correctly: Sellers often struggle pricing their home correctly. Using agent data helps you price it correctly which then leads it to sell for a higher price in a shorter amount of time. For Sale By Owners end up selling on average $100,000 less than a similar house with a Real Estate agent.
Increased odds of your home selling: Statistics show that only 14% of FSBO sell. Half of those listed or 7% of all FSBO already had a buyer identified. An agent has access to the MLS, other agents, and professionals who can put your home in the best light. Allowing a professional to market your home will increase the odds of selling and to sell for a higher price.
Negotiation Skills: An agent is a trained negotiator that can help you with offers, counteroffers, the inspection contingency and make sure that you get the best deal to get your house sold. Your agent is looking out for you and your best interest and they are an expert in the field.

It is understandable to hesitate on wanting to pay a commission. However, hiring a real estate professional can net you more money, increase your odds of selling, negotiate and coordinate the transaction. It saves you time and money. With over 70% of real estate cases involving FSBO, it is wise to get the help of a professional.

Final Thoughts
Selling your home doesn’t have to be stressful. By preparing thoughtfully, pricing strategically, and working with the right agent, you can ensure a smooth and successful sale.

Have more questions? Contact your Real Estate Professional or Contact Zanna Stone Grandinetti at Windermere Group One. (509) 987-4646