Selling a home can seem like a complex and often overwhelming process. Whether you’re a first-time seller or a seasoned homeowner, having answers to some of the most common questions can make the home sale process much less daunting.

In this blog, we’ll address the most frequently asked questions when selling a home, providing you with essential information to help you navigate the journey with confidence. From understanding your home’s value and preparing it for sale to closing the deal, we’ve got you covered to ensure a smooth and successful selling experience.

How much is my home worth?

The value of your home is based on a number of factors including the location, size, condition, recent updates to the home, market trends and recent sales comparables in the neighborhood. Many homeowners look at online websites for home valuations, however it’s extremely important to have a comparative market analysis (CMA) conducted by a professional and local real estate agent.

While online home valuations can be a useful data point, they don’t take into account the recent updates you’ve made in your home, the home’s condition and more importantly, the current market trends for what is happening in your neighborhood. This is why having a professional real estate professional generate a CMA is the best way for the most accurate analysis of what your home is worth.

Want to know how much your home is worth? Let our team provide you with a professional home evaluation. Click here to get started.

Should I make repairs or sell as-is?

While making home repairs can often help your home sell faster, and for more money, it is important to be mindful of what updates you make prior to putting your home on the market. Not all updates will generate a high enough return on investment to validate the project, so it’s important that you know what the expected rate of return will be prior to doing the work.

We typically recommend the 3 to 1 rule which means that for every dollar invested, you should get $3 back, or don’t do it. Having a real estate professional walk through your home to provide recommendations on the top renovations that make sense for your home is a great way to ensure that you are wise with your investment.

You can also view our annual Home Improvement Return on Investment report to find out the average returns for the most common projects in the Greater Boston area.

Thinking about selling your  home and wondering what reparis to make? We’ve put together a guide to help you navigate this process. Click here to read it.

How do I choose the right real estate agent?

Choosing the best real estate agent to help sell your home is crucial for a successful and stress-free selling experience. Start by researching local agents with a proven track record in your area, looking for those with strong sales histories and positive client testimonials. Ensure they are familiar with your neighborhood and have experience selling similar properties.

A great agent should be transparent, responsive, and proactive, providing you with a clear plan for pricing, marketing, and negotiating offers. Trust your instincts and choose someone you feel comfortable working with and who demonstrates a genuine commitment to achieving the best outcome for you.

Eager to know more about the importance of choosing your listing agent? Click here to read our blog post on the topic.

What are the costs involved in selling a home?

One of the biggest things that are overlooked when selling a home are the costs of the home sale, which vary by state. One of the greatest expenses that are overlooked is the Massachusetts Stamp Tax. For the majority of Massachusetts, the tax stamp equals $4.56 per thousand dollars of the sales price of the home. The money paid for the tax stamps is income given to the registry in which your home resides and is given to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Revenue. Additional expenses include commission due to real estate brokerages. These expenses vary greatly and are negotiable, often ranging anywhere from 2% to 7%. 

Another important expense to be aware of includes attorney fees. With Massachusetts being an attorney state, the expense of having a competent attorney that specializes in real estate representing your interests is highly advisable.  A Real Estate attorney in a home sale can do everything from the review of legal documents such as the offer contract, the Massachusetts purchase and sale agreement (P&S), to attending the closing either with you or with power of attorney in hand. Keep in mind it is illegal for a Realtor to be giving legal advice.

Other expenses include Title V inspections if you are selling a home with septic, a certificate of compliance for the smoke detectors in the property, recording fees and any other expenses such as preparing the home for sale. Since the true cost of selling a home varies greatly, it’s often helpful to have a Net Sheet which informs you of what your bottom line proceeds will be after all expenses have been accounted for. Your real estate professional should be able to generate this for you.

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Looking to sell your home soon? Explore these blog posts for helpful tips on achieving a great sale!

• When is the Right Time to Sell My Home?
• When Does it Work to Sell Your Home First?
• How Does an Agent Determine My Home’s Market Value?

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How long will it take to sell my home?

The time it takes to sell a home can vary widely depending on several factors, including market conditions, the property’s location, price, and condition. On average, homes can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to sell. In a seller’s market, where demand outpaces supply, homes may sell quickly, sometimes within days of listing.

Conversely, in a slower market or if the home is priced too high, it may linger on the market longer. Strategic pricing, effective marketing, and proper staging can significantly influence the speed of the sale. Working with an experienced real estate agent can also help expedite the process by attracting serious buyers and negotiating efficiently.

How do I prepare my home for sale?

Preparing your home for sale involves several key steps to ensure it appeals to potential buyers and maximizes its market value. Start by decluttering and depersonalizing your space, allowing buyers to envision themselves living there. Conduct any necessary repairs and maintenance to address visible issues, such as leaky faucets, chipped paint, or broken fixtures. Consider a fresh coat of paint in neutral colors to create a clean, inviting atmosphere. Enhance curb appeal with well-maintained landscaping, a tidy yard, and a welcoming entrance.

Finally, staging your home by arranging furniture and decor to highlight its best features, can help to make it feel spacious and inviting. Professional cleaning and organizing can also make a significant difference in creating a positive first impression.

Selling a home involves numerous steps and considerations, but being well-informed can make the process much smoother and more successful. By addressing these frequently asked questions, we hope to provide you with the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate the complexities of selling your home.

Considering the sale of your North of Boston home? Discover Andersen Group Realty’s unparalleled selling services today. Click here to send us an email or call 781-729-2329 to get started.