Patty DuHamel’s Ultimate Guide to Selling Your Home in Reno & Sparks

The home selling process takes a lot of time and planning to get right, and if you’re new to the selling process, it can be difficult to know which steps to take next. Follow this ultimate guide to prepare to sell your beloved home on the Reno or Sparks real estate market.

Surrounded by the Carson and Virginia Mountain Ranges, buyers are attracted to the beautiful location and mild climate in this area. Attractions like the Whitewater Park and Sparks Marina are also large perks of the region, as they provide opportunities for water activities like kayaking and rafting. With this overview, here’s what to keep in mind when selling your gorgeous home on the Sparks or Reno real estate market.

Because selling is a very time-intensive process requiring many resources and a lot of effort, it’s important to be sure you’re ready to start. First, determine whether you are truly ready to leave your home and community behind or if any responsibilities related to work or family make a move unfeasible. Although being sentimental about a home is normal, it’s essential to keep your emotions in check when selling. Also, review your reasons for selling and judge whether or not they can be met through alternative means, like a home renovation.

After you’ve considered personal factors, it’s important to review the costs related to selling, like making upgrades or repairs to your home, the real estate commission for buying and listing agents, any costs related to closing, and the moving process. Also, review numbers like your home value and your home equity, as you’ll need them for steps like qualifying for a mortgage and deciding on a listing price. Your agent will help you price your home competitively based on its condition, location, size, and amenities.

 

After you’re sure about selling, the next step is to partner with a local and experienced real estate agent like Patty DuHamel. An agent has connections to other agents and buyers in the area and will utilize a tried-and-true marketing strategy to increase the visibility of your property. They’ll also be extensively experienced in the local market and can use that knowledge to help you time the sale of your home to get the highest offers.

Your agent will also help you prepare your home to look its very best, and they will expertly coordinate and schedule showings for your home, from open houses to private tours. They’ll also have connections to other professionals whose services you may need along the way, like a home inspector, contractor, or professional photographer. And, when you start receiving offers, an agent will negotiate on your behalf to make sure you’re receiving the best deal.

 

When you’ve found an agent that you feel comfortable working with, start preparing your home to sell. Consider getting a pre-listing inspection to uncover any serious problems that need repairing. After deciding on the large repairs you want to complete, work on small repairs, like replacing broken light bulbs and filling in any holes in the walls. If you plan on making upgrades to your home, make sure they have a positive return on investment. Your agent will help you determine which projects are appealing to buyers in the area.

After you’ve completed the necessary repairs and upgrades, clean your home from top to bottom, inside and out. Hire a professional cleaner to get the job done, or do it yourself by mopping and sweeping floors, removing stains from carpets and furniture, and dusting off all surfaces. Also, declutter your home by donating, selling, or throwing away items you no longer need. Make sure to organize storage spaces like cabinets and closets, and keep countertops clear of appliances and everyday items.

 

Start with the exterior of the home when staging, as it’s the first part of the property a buyer sees. To up the ante of your curb appeal, make sure your landscaping is maintained and that the front entrance is inviting and clean. Also, tidy up and stage any outdoor seating areas, like a front porch or covered deck.

Then, stage the interior by depersonalizing spaces, redecorating with light and neutral colors, and letting in plenty of natural light. Follow these home-selling tips to attract the largest number of potential buyers to your home.

When your home is ready, create an online listing with your agent’s guidance. Hire a professional photographer to photograph the home, as they’ll have the proper experience and equipment to showcase your home in its best light. Then, write a listing description that includes information about the property itself and the surrounding location. For a Sparks property, for example, you can include the proximity to shopping centers like The Outlets at Legends, outdoor spots like Lazy 5 Regional Park, or the breweries exclusive to the area.

Try to be as flexible as possible with home showings and communicate with your agent to plan private tours that are convenient for the buyer. For unplanned showings, make sure to have a quick checklist of areas to clean as well as a plan for where to go during the showing. Use other online platforms like social media or virtual tours to their full potential, and don’t discount the effectiveness of a classic sign in your front yard.

 

Through the expert marketing efforts of your agent, buyers should start making some offers on your home. Your agent will help you accept, reject, or make a counteroffer, which may include asking for a different closing date or adjusting the price. When you’ve come to an agreement with a buyer, your agent will walk you through the remaining steps, like the buyer’s home inspection and home appraisal.

With these tips, you’re well prepared to begin the home selling process. If you need help listing your home, contact experienced local agent Patty DuHamel to guide you through the process. Patty dedicates her full attention to each of her clients and is committed to helping them reach success. You could be next!