3 ways for homesellers to avoid stress

You’re ready to move on. Maybe the house is too small, you’re moving because of a job, or you want to be closer to family and friends — the top three reasons for selling a home, according to the National Association of Realtors.

No matter the reason, the selling process can be stressful. You can’t eliminate all the complications of a real estate transaction, but here are three ways you can reduce the stress with some preparation.

Set a realistic price

Some sellers ask for more than the market will bear, assuming that buyers will want the property and offer less. But most buyers won’t even make an offer if it’s priced out of line with similar homes in the area. Properties with inflated prices stay on the market longer than average and often sell for less than homes that are fairly priced to start with.

Don’t put up the sign until the house is ready

Even though you’re ready to sell, is your house ready to be shown? Fix the leaky faucet, repaint the dingy dining room and replace the broken front step before you list the house. You’ve lived with these annoyances for years, but these problems will distract a buyer. When the property looks its best, you’ll have your best chance of success.

Make the house easy to show

Keep your schedule flexible. Although it’s inconvenient to tidy up on a Tuesday night, it’s in your best interests to eliminate any obstacles for people who want to purchase your home.

Leave home

When buyers view your house, you should be anywhere but home. They will feel uncomfortable looking through a home when you’re present, and they want to be free to discuss the pros and cons of the house without fear of offending the owners.

Following these steps will put you in good shape to sell your home. Talk to your lender to figure out the best way to leverage your sales proceeds for your next purchase.