This is not always the case, but it is for many homeowners who must sell prior to purchasing the next home. Having a strategy is key.
Many clients have no plans to move immediately. However, some have visited a few open houses simply because they had some weekend free time. Later on, we have received calls that they had fallen in love with a home and wanted to buy it. Needing to sell a current home first creates a challenge in this scenario.
In Newton Massachusetts and some other contiguous towns, it’s common for desirable homes to have offer deadlines and attract multiple offers. Without substantial cash reserves or obtaining an expensive bridge loan, competing in that situation simply isn’t realistic.
Instead of rushing into a difficult position, we have to develop a plan. Our strategy:
• We must prepare their home for sale as soon as possible. We give room by room advice to declutter, organize, and/or hire a stager to prepare the property. It has to be ready for professional photography, floor plans, Matterport tours, drone photography, and marketing materials. First impressions online matter.
• We build a customized marketing campaign. We create a comprehensive marketing strategy and begin generating interest before the home officially hits the market.
• The MLS listing should be ready to launch. We complete the listing, including photos, floor plans, and all marketing assets, but keep it off the MLS and the other real estate sites until our clients have an accepted offer on their next home. The offer on the new home must have a 60-day window through the closing date. We then list and fully market their present home immediately. Now we are able to sell their present home within the 60-day period prior to their purchase.
• We price the home strategically by using data. By analyzing recent sales, pending transactions, and current competition, the home is priced at true market value. This attracts qualified buyers from day one and often creates strong competition that can lead to multiple offers.
With the right preparation and timing, our clients are able to move forward with confidence instead of uncertainty.
Real estate is about more than buying and selling homes. It is about creating a plan that helps clients achieve their goals while minimizing stress and maximizing value. A thoughtful strategy can make all the difference.
