A person handing a house key to a new owner in front of a ‘home for sale sign.

Have you been thinking about selling your home but are not sure if the time is right? Are you worried about not getting a reasonable price or not finding a buyer quickly enough? Or, about the market not being right for such a huge financial decision? If so, you’re not alone. When putting a house on the market, you need to make sure you’ve considered all the different variables that can affect your sale. That’s why, in this article, we will go over some of those factors and help you find out if it is time to list your home.

You need a change

There are numerous reasons why you might want a change. Maybe you’ve outgrown your current house, or you’re ready for a new adventure – either way, it could be a time to move on. Job transfers, kids, and scenery change are among the most popular reasons people decide they need a new house.

However, sometimes people don’t have a choice because they are moving for other causes beyond their control. If this is the case, there’s really no debate over whether it is time to list your home or not. In that situation, you probably don’t have much choice. What you can do is make sure you have a plan, are financially prepared, and are not emotionally connected to your house and neighborhood.

It’s a seller’s market

If you want to sell your house for a profit, the timing of the market can sometimes outweigh your personal schedule for how long you planned to live in your current home. This year, for example, the market saw the highest home sales in 14 years. Another way you’ll know the market timing is suitable is if the local inventory is low. Usually, this causes a bidding war with multiple offers over the asking price. This means your house would sell fast and for a great price. However, if the market is oversaturated, you might spend too much time waiting, only to get an unsatisfying offer. That’s why it’s best to consult with experts, do some research, and find out if it’s the right time to list your home. The timing of listing your house can make or break your sale.

Low interest rates

With a broad pool of eligible buyers, the current low-interest rates make it easy for consumers to afford homes. Now maybe an excellent time to sell and pursue relocation if you want to upgrade to a larger home. However, interest rates can fluctuate, so ensure that your buyers have been adequately vetted and are pre-approved for their loan.

You’re considering renovating

If you’re thinking about renovating your home, first consider whether it will pay off when you’re ready to sell. In some cases, it’s much easier to simply buy a new house than to renovate an old one that’s in bad shape. It could not only cost less but also take less time. So, do your research and compare your house to the others in the neighborhood. Compare the condition and the price to other homes. However, even if you decide it pays off more to sell than to renovate, there’s still a list of things you should repair before you list your home. Simple, minor fixes and repairs can sometimes be exactly what catches the eye of a potential buyer.

You should also consider painting the rooms in neutral colors. Furthermore, get rid of any personal objects. You can store them in a storage container, freeing up more space in your home. This will help a buyer more easily envision themselves living in your house.

Other things to consider

Another way you can find out if it is time to list your home is by asking yourself if you’re prepared for it. A lot goes into selling a home. Probably a lot more than you ever thought about. Once you go down this path, you will need to hire a reliable agent, host an open house, and a lot more. This means a lot of strangers will be going through your home for a while.

Moreover, they’ll be checking out every small corner and detail of your house. Looks and presentations are everything when it comes to selling a house. That’s why your home will have to look presentable at all times while it’s on the market. You’ll have to keep it clean and tidy, as you don’t want a potential buyer accidentally seeing your lawn un-mowed or the inside of your home a mess. That’s why you should check out numerous staging strategies for your home that can help sell your house faster.

Moving out

If you currently live in the home you plan to list, don’t forget you’ll have to move out as soon as the paperwork is finished and your house is sold. This is another process you will have to plan and organize in advance. If your home is just down the street, you’ll probably have no trouble moving your belongings in no time. However, if you’re planning a long-distance move, there will be a lot more to consider. Hiring movers could help you make the transition as quickly and seamlessly as possible. If you’re planning a long-distance move in California, make sure to work with experienced teams that can provide you with a stress-free and affordable relocation.

Final thoughts

There is a lot that goes into selling your house. Before getting into it, you’ll want to make sure you’ve set aside time, money, and a plan. If you still doubt it is time to list your home, you’re probably right. When the right moment comes, you’ll know. And when it does, make sure to speak with local professionals who can assist you in understanding your options. Don’t always pick the first realtor you interview. First, understand how they market, sell, and generate buyer leads for your property. Sometimes, choosing an experienced realtor can be key in selling your home fast and for a reasonable price.

Meta: Should you sell your house now or wait? There are lots of variables to consider when deciding if now is the right time to list your home.

Photo used: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-person-handing-out-the-keys-8482871/