1. Hire a Real Estate Agent

Many seniors feel hesitant to hire real estate agents when selling their home due to concerns about fees. While it’s true that real estate agents do take a percentage of the sale price, the services they provide typically make hiring one worth the money. An agent can:

• Give you valuable information about current market conditions, so you know how much competition you face
• Provide you with advice about how to price your home to compete with others in the Fort Collins, CO, area
• Handle tours and open houses, freeing you to do other things
• Connect you with professionals who can assist with tasks like staging, cleaning and repairs
• Negotiate with buyers on your behalf
• Help to ensure everything is ready for the closing to simplify the sales process

The National Association of Realtors offers a search tool to help you find licensed and certified professionals in Fort Collins. Contact a few and find out about their experience, services and fees before choosing one.

2. Learn About the Local Market

The real estate market is constantly changing, with prices rising and falling based on supply, demand and other factors. Before you list your home for sale, research the current market conditions, such as how many other homes are for sale and what the average sale price is. Sites like Realtor.com and Redfin make it easy to get a feel for market conditions.

3. Perform a Deep Clean

Prospective buyers want to see that your home is well taken care of, so the appearance and smell of every room are important. Thoroughly cleaning every room can help you make the best possible impression. If mobility issues make it difficult for you to get the job done yourself, consider hiring a cleaning service. The site Angi allows you to read reviews for local cleaners and obtain free quotes in minutes.

4. Consider a Pre-Listing Inspection

An interested buyer will likely order a home inspection on your property during the selling process. If major problems are discovered, they may look elsewhere, or the process may be delayed while you arrange for the necessary repairs.

You can avoid potential problems by having a professional inspect your home before you list. That way, you can address any issues ahead of time. The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors publishes a directory of certified home inspectors in Colorado to help you find a knowledgeable pro to assist you.

5. Make One or Two Inexpensive Upgrades

Helping your home look its best can increase the chances of a speedy sale, but that doesn’t mean you need to pay for expensive remodeling. Simply applying a fresh coat of paint to the interior or removing worn carpeting to reveal hardwood floors can make a big difference while allowing you to stick to a modest budget.

6. View Your Exterior Through a Buyer’s Eyes

Buyers typically focus on the exterior when deciding which properties to tour, so the curb appeal of your home is important. Stand outside and imagine what a buyer will notice when they drive past. Based on what you see, you may want to repaint your front door or trim, have your bushes and trees trimmed or plant grass to make your yard greener. Adding potted plants to the front entrance or swapping out an aging mailbox for a new one can also enhance the look of your home.

7. Remove Personal Items From Sight

When touring your home, buyers want to be able to picture themselves living there. Personal items like photographs and trophies can disrupt that illusion and potentially turn off buyers. Pack up these items before you list so your home will be ready to tour.

8. Acquire Temporary Storage Space for Staging

Staging, or making a home visually appealing through furniture and decor, can increase the chances of a speedy sale. Your real estate agent may handle staging for you or hire a professional stager on your behalf.

Either way, it’s possible you’ll need to remove some of your existing furniture for staging. Renting a space in a storage facility or asking a friend or family member with extra room to temporarily store your belongings will ensure you have a place to put everything.

9. Give Weight to All-Cash Offers

When comparing offers from buyers, think about the type of offer, not just the amount. An all-cash offer that's slightly lower than others may be preferable in some cases. Not only are all-cash transactions quicker and simpler, but there’s also less risk of the deal falling through due to issues with the buyer’s mortgage lender.

10. Start as Early as Possible

Even when the real estate market is hot, selling a home can be a lengthy process. If you’re hoping to move out of your home by a certain date, start the process as early as possible to leave yourself enough time.

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