Fall is officially here and we’re in the last quarter of 2026. As you’re settling into a consistent work or school schedule and starting to prepare for the holidays, maybe you’re also starting to set your sights on what is the next step for your family in the upcoming year. Maybe you’re wanting to relocate, whether in the Valley or outside of it, or in another state entirely. Maybe your family is growing and you need more space, maybe you need less space since your youngest moved off to college and the house feels too big now. Maybe you have new work opportunities or just want a change of scenery. If you own your current home and are considering moving, there’s a few things you’ll want to do before listing your home to help the process go as smoothly as possible.
The first step is finding a good real estate agent who is trustworthy and experienced. Hiring a real estate agent will take a load off your shoulders as they can handle paperwork, set up showings, and deal with offers and counter offers. Once you’ve hired an agent, then you can start handling the rest with confidence.
Before you do anything else, you’ll want to research the market in your area and figure out your finances. How much are homes going for in your area, what could you list your home for realistically, can you afford closing costs, what is the next step for you, and will you be able to afford all that it entails? Being informed is the best thing that you can be while having a house on the market. Your real estate agent will be able to help you compare house prices and suggest reasonable selling prices, and you can always meet with a financial advisor if you need extra advice on handling your finances.
Once you have a handle on the finances and legal matters, then it’s time for the practical tasks of selling a home. Decluttering and cleaning your house will do wonders for first impressions of new buyers during showings. You are aiming for a clean, neutral space so that buyers can see how spacious the rooms are and where they could put their own belongings. Make any necessary repairs as well, things such as broken doorknobs, drawers, cupboards, holes in the walls, or scratches in the paint. Make sure your yard is tidy as well and the lawn is mowed, and any trim is touched up. You want your home to be inviting and feel comfortable and neat! Getting a professional photographer to take your listing photos is our recommendation, since they have the training and abilities to make your home feel more spacious and well-lit than an amateur could.
While your home is on the market, you will want to make sure that you’re flexible and ready to leave when a showing is scheduled, that your home is neat and smells good, and be punctual with paperwork and keep your expectations realistic. Selling a home can be a stressful endeavor, but it doesn’t have to be! Let us at TVPM and RE know if you have any questions about selling your home or if you’re ready to get started on this journey.