Ready to move before you retire? Of course you are! But do not declutter and pack up your boxes before reading these five tips for selling your home before retirement!
Selling your home as you approach retirement marks a major life transition. This move opens the door to your next chapter, and a little planning makes all the difference in a smooth, manageable process. We have five tips for selling your home before retirement to guide you through the journey.
Work With a Senior Real Estate Specialist
You should find a real estate agent who understands your unique needs. A senior real estate specialist (SRES) has specific training to help clients aged 50 and over with major financial and lifestyle transitions.
They bring a wealth of knowledge about retirement and real estate to the table. An SRES can also guide you through the process with patience and expertise, connecting you with other professionals like stagers and movers. Ultimately, these experts help you navigate the market and manage the sale from listing to closing. If you cannot find a Realtor with that designation, look for a Realtor who is experienced with selling homes in your neighborhood.
Understand the Local Housing Market
A successful sale depends on timing and pricing. Research your local housing market to understand current trends. Your real estate agent will provide a comparative market analysis, which shows what similar homes in your neighborhood have sold for recently.
This information helps you set a competitive and realistic asking price. Setting a realistic price is probably one of the most important things you need to do in order to sell your home in a reasonable length of time. Knowing the market also helps you determine the best time to list your home.
Organize Your Important Documents
Another tip for selling your home before retirement is to organize your important documents prior to listing. This includes your property deed, tax records, utility bills, and any documentation for major repairs or upgrades you have made over the years.
Potential buyers may request this information, and having it ready shows you as a prepared and organized homeowner. Additionally, tidy files speed up the closing process and prevent last-minute scrambles for missing papers.
Make Smart Updates and Renovations
You may not need a full-scale renovation to attract buyers. In fact, you probably will not get a return on the money you spend on large renovations. Instead, focus on small, impactful updates which offer a good return on your investment. A fresh coat of neutral paint can brighten up rooms. Updating fixtures in the kitchen and bathrooms provides a modern touch. Repairing items which are obviously broken shows that your home has been well-maintained.
If your budget allows, focus on curb appeal as well. You can boost curb appeal with fresh flowers, a mowed lawn, or a new front door. You should also address any exterior flaws. For instance, wide cracks and pooling water on the driveway, sidewalk or patio are signs it is time to replace your home’s concrete flatwork. The goal is to enhance the overall look of your property, thus attracting more buyers and higher bids.
Hire a Professional Moving Service
Packing and moving an entire household requires a lot of physical effort. To avoid injury and reduce stress, consider hiring a professional moving company.
Movers can handle all the heavy lifting, from packing your delicate items to transporting your furniture safely. This can be overwhelming for senior citizens who may have been able to easily move themselves in the past. If you are retiring, however, you probably will benefit from getting all the assistance you can. Many companies also offer helpful services, including unpacking at your new home. Book a moving service in advance to ensure you have the support you need on moving day.
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