So, you’re ready to put your house on the market and move to greener (or at least different) pastures. At Sun Realty Group we are often the seller’s agent so we have a list of things to keep in mind before you list your home for sale. 

1. Look at the market: Are the homes in your area selling quickly? What are they selling for? Once you engage a licensed real estate agent they will help answer these types of questions but it’s a good idea to learn what you can ahead of time so your expectations are in line with the market. 
2. Find a Listing Agent: Look for a Real Estate agent who is knowledgeable about your community with a proven track record of success and with who you communicate well. Your listing agent will take a look at your home, he will pull comparisons to help determine a fair but competitive list price, he will make suggestions as to how you should display your home too. 
3. Hire some help: It would be helpful for you to hire a cleaning service, if needed, to ensure your carpets are clean and fresh, dust and dirt are at the bare minimum, and spaces like the kitchen and bathroom are neat and tidy. You may consider also hiring a painter if you feel your interior walls need sprucing. Depending on the condition of your home you will want to weigh the risks and benefits of spending a little money to encourage better offers vs. waiting to see what is pointed out or if offers come in. Your Realtor will help you make these decisions based on the competition.
4. Declutter: Rent a storage unit if need be, but rid your home of unnecessary clutter. Work to ensure counters are free of too many appliances, dish racks, etc. Clean off your tables, chests, and dressers too. Reduce the toiletries on the bathroom counters and put away laundry etc. 
5. Depersonalize: while you want your home to be well lit and welcoming, it’s important to remove overly personal decor like excessive family photos, awards, toys, mail, and the like. You’ll want to allow the opportunity for buyers to imagine their own belongings in the space. 
6. Consider staging and enhancing curb appeal: make sure your grass is cut, leaves are blown off the porches, and overall appearance is neat. For the interior, consult your realtor for staging ideas or resources. 

Use these ideas and don’t be afraid to ask your real estate agent to be honest with you about what you need to do to ensure your home is ready for the market. Remember not to take any ideas personally, changes to your surroundings and decor have nothing to do with your own personal taste or talent for home decor. Your realtor’s suggestions are the sum total of her experience with what helps you to get the best offers. Always keep in mind, the main goal is to sell the house.