If you’re considering selling in the spring, the time to start working with your agent is now.
Often, clients think they need to wait until they are much closer to listing to engage the help of an expert. But real estate agents do so much more than show homes and write offers!
As an agent, I want to help set you up for success. By preparing early, you can show off your property in its best light and navigate the sales process seamlessly.
Here are four ways I encourage you to use my expertise today to prepare for your spring 2024 home sale:
Invite me over.
Walking through your home and understanding your goals is an essential first step toward listing. With deep knowledge of the market, I can offer recommendations to help your property shine. There may be big-ticket things that we decide to handle before listing, like replacing a failing HVAC system. More often, the updates will be little things that make a big impact—like fixing leaky faucets and touching up paint. Having a to-do list in hand will help you know exactly where to focus your efforts.
Tap my network.
Real estate agents are known for our network! Once you know what you need to do, I can also help you determine who can get it done. From painters, plumbers, organizers, home repair services, and more, trusted home service providers from my contact list can streamline the process of getting your home market-ready. Rutledge has recently connected with Wellesley Home Hero to make this process even easier for clients!
Learn about the process.
The process of selling a home can feel daunting—especially if you haven’t sold a home before or if it’s been a while. When we first connect, I can walk you through the entire process and answer any questions you have. I can also offer guidance about how to prepare logistically, emotionally, and financially to minimize unneeded stress.
Make decisions about your listing.
A clear listing description and strategic pricing are crucial to the successful sale of your property. I’ll keep you informed about pricing fluctuations in the market so that you have updated price recommendations from our first conversation to the moment we determine that magic number and list.
It's also helpful to clarify any disclosures (including HOA details, septic information, and potential hazards or known issues with the home) and inclusions/exclusions from the start. Doing so can avoid problems later in the process. Here are a few inclusion/exclusion considerations to consider early on:
Electric Car Chargers
Do you plan to take your electric car charger with you? If so, we will need to make that very clear. If not, we can highlight the benefit of the charger in the listing.
Solar Panels
Be sure to know the terms of your solar panels—especially whether you own or rent them. Then consider if you want to take them with you. I can help you carefully craft this listing disclosure to avoid any confusion.
Other Large Items (Such as televisions, chandeliers, pool tables, etc.)
We'll discuss what you want to include, what you want to take, and what you can realistically sell or have removed and make a plan for each item. For instance, if you want your dining room chandelier but worry that buyers will fall in love with it, we might swap it out before listing. Or, if you have large items to donate, I can share names of services to make that happen!
If you want to leverage my expertise before you list to make the process easier and more successful, I’d love to help.
Reach out today.
Ever considered becoming a real estate superhero?
As a boutique agency, Rutledge Properties empowers agents to build hero-level skills that make them unstoppable assets to their clients.
We want every one of our agents to make a name for themselves, so we offer the mentorship and support that gets them there. If you’re ready to experience the genuinely supportive culture we’ve created and thrive as a part of the Rutledge team, we’d love to speak with you.
Contact Rutledge to arrange a visit.
We don't just help you buy or sell a house; we welcome you home!
Rutledge Properties is an independent, women-owned local real estate brokerage. We’ve been helping clients in the Metrowest area buy and sell their homes since 1978.
Because we are not part of a big, impersonal chain, we get to do things our way—and our way is all about you. Our clients are our neighbors, and we are committed to putting their needs first every time. We leverage our insider knowledge about the community, industry-leading technology, dynamic strategies, and our worldwide network to provide a level of service that keeps Rutledge clients coming back to us, move after move.
