By Kim Henderson

As a real estate professional, I am asked a lot of questions from home sellers and home buyers. Answering questions never bothers me. I work hard to increase my knowledge base to be able to help guide my clients through the home buying or selling process.

Sellers are sometimes surprised at the emotions that come to the surface when they are selling their home. You may have sentimental attachments to the home that you never realized until you see the For-Sale sign in the front yard.

Here are some questions I am asked, along with the answers.

“What is my home worth?”

This is the #1 question I am asked by a home seller. The price of your home is going to vary depending on the size of your home, updates to your home, the neighborhood and other factors. I will compile a comparative market analysis for you. A comparative market analysis is an objective look at homes that have recently sold in your area, comparing the size and style of home, the condition and the location of your home.  It is important to look at these comparative sales in the eyes of the appraiser. The appraiser is going to look at the proximity, size and condition of the comparable homes to your home. Once we review the comparable homes, we will determine the best price for you to offer your home for sale.

“What should I do to my home to get ready to sell?”

Spending time preparing your home for sale is worth more than you can imagine. Decluttering, cleaning and staging a home are critical to achieve a quick sale. You will start by decluttering and removing the personal items that make this house “YOUR” home. You need to clean every nook and cranny of the home. Think of the feeling you get when you enter a high-end hotel that is cozy and inviting. Staging the home will help create an atmosphere for the buyer to visualize themselves living in the home.

“Should I be present when buyer’s come to look at the house?”

No, you should not stay home when a buyer comes to tour. Your presence may stifle the buyer and prevent them from looking at the home in depth and asking their agent questions. They will feel as if they are interrupting you and hurry along to let you get back to whatever you were doing. You may also innocently comment on something that could become a big negotiating point if they were to put in an offer, or completely turn them off. I have also found it is often difficult for a seller to hear what the buyer does not like about the home.

I am sure if you are considering selling your home you have many more questions. I would be happy to guide you through the home selling process. Contact me by phone at 412-848-3907 or email at kim.henderson@pittsburghmoves.com. I look forward to hearing from you!