Selling Your House in 1 Year – Month 1

Do you know you need to move, but it’s not urgent? Are you thinking of selling your home in about a year? For the next 12 months, I have put together some bite size pieces of information that will be posted each month to prepare you for the big moving day! This blog post is all about what to do in the first month of the 12-month countdown. So, let’s dive right in!

Month 1

Why are you thinking of selling in a year? Do you have too much property or house than you can handle physically, financially, or emotionally? Do you want to move closer to family? Are you wanting to move to a smaller home or a senior living community? Gain clarity on what it is for you so that you are confident of your “why.”

Financial Planning: By having clear objectives, you can determine how much money you need from the sale – whether it’s to invest or downsize, move to a retirement community, or fund your retirement lifestyle. Knowing your financial goals enables you to make informed decisions throughout the selling process. If you need a financial advisor, please let me know and I can refer you to a trusted advisor.

Emotional Preparedness: Selling a home can be an emotional process, especially for those who may have lived in their homes for many years. Establishing clear objectives allows you to mentally prepare for the transition, whether you’re downsizing, relocating closer to family, or moving to a more manageable living situation. Having a clear plan in place can ease anxiety and uncertainty.

Timing Considerations: You may have specific timelines you need to adhere to when selling your home. Whether it’s due to health concerns, financial needs, or other life circumstances, having clear objectives will help you determine the optimal time to sell your home.

Property Preparation: Clear objectives will provide you with a roadmap for preparing your home for sale. This may involve making necessary repairs, decluttering, staging, or investing in renovations to maximize the home’s appeal and value. Knowing what you want to achieve from the sale will help you prioritize tasks and allocate resources efficiently.

Realistic Expectations: Establishing clear objectives will help you set realistic expectations for the selling process. This includes understanding the current market conditions, pricing your home appropriately, and anticipating potential challenges or delays. By aligning your expectations with achievable goals, you can approach the selling process with confidence and minimize disappointment.

Decluttering: Starting early is key. Commit to working on 1 box, cabinet, or closet per week to sort through. Make four piles: Keep, donate, sell, or toss. Take time to reminisce about keepsakes – that is important in this process. Decide what will fit in your new space by creating a floor plan and then label furniture you want with post-it notes that say “keep.” Eliminate clothing that hasn’t been worn in 2 years. Have items appraised for value that you intend to sell. Hire a move manager if needed to help you sort, pack, and set up in your new house. Stop unwanted subscriptions and consider digitizing old photos. Pare down on holiday decorations, reduce kitchen tools and yard tools that you won’t be using in your new home.

I hope this article has been helpful to you. If you have any questions along the way, please feel free to email me at realagentcarla@gmail.com or call me at (530) 566-5085. I am here for you!