Selling your home is a major decision, and there’s a lot to consider before you officially put it on the market. To ensure a smooth and successful process, we’ll cover some important topics right from the start. Here are three key conversations we’ll have before listing your home.

1. Your Plan (and Your Backup Plan)

Before we even talk about staging or setting a price, we need to discuss your plan for what comes next. Once your home sells, where will you go? Do you have a new home lined up, or are you still exploring your options? Perhaps more importantly, do you have a backup plan in case things don’t go as smoothly as expected?

It’s not uncommon for closing dates to misalign between your sale and your next move. That’s why it’s crucial to have interim housing options or a flexible timeline in place. Whether it’s arranging short-term accommodations or adjusting your expectations around timing, having a backup plan will help you avoid unnecessary stress later in the process.

2. The Current Market

While many homeowners follow the housing market through headlines or conversations with neighbors, the reality is that the market changes frequently. What happened in your neighborhood last year—or even a few months ago—may not reflect today’s market conditions. We’ll take a close look at real-time data specific to your area, including recent comparable sales, trends, and market shifts.

This conversation will help manage your expectations when it comes to pricing, how long your home might take to sell, and the level of interest you can expect. By understanding the current market landscape, you’ll be better positioned to make informed decisions that align with your goals.

3. Preparing Your Home

Once your plan is set and we understand the market, it’s time to prepare your home for sale. We’ll provide you with a detailed, comprehensive list of steps to get your home ready. This doesn’t mean we expect you to complete every item, nor does it suggest we don’t love your home as it is. Instead, the list is designed to help present your home in a way that appeals to the widest range of potential buyers.

Sometimes small tweaks—like a fresh coat of paint, decluttering, or simple landscaping—can make a significant impact. The goal is to showcase your home’s best features and create a space that buyers can easily imagine themselves living in. We’ll work together to determine which updates are worth pursuing to maximize your home’s value and appeal.

By having these conversations upfront, you’ll be fully prepared for what lies ahead in your home-selling journey. Selling your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming when you have a clear plan, a solid understanding of the market, and a strategy for showcasing your home at its best. Together, we’ll ensure a smooth and successful sale!

If you’re ready to take the next step, let’s start the conversation today. Feel free to reach out with any questions or to schedule a consultation!

When buying or selling a home, it’s good to know what’s part of the deal and what isn’t. The difference between chattels and fixtures plays a big role here, helping everyone understand what stays with the home and what the seller can take with them. Knowing this distinction can save everyone from last-minute surprises and keep the transaction smooth and friendly.

What Are Chattels?

Chattels are the movable items in a home, like personal belongings that aren’t attached to the property. Think of them as the things a seller can pack up and take when they move. Examples of chattels might be furniture, artwork, TVs, drapes, and small plug-in appliances like microwaves. Since these items aren’t fixed to the home, they don’t automatically go to the buyer unless they’re specifically included in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale.

What Are Fixtures?

Fixtures are items that are more “built-in” to the property. Because they’re considered part of the home, they generally stay with the property unless specifically excluded in the Agreement. Fixtures might include things like lighting fixtures, wall mounts, curtain rods, and built-in appliances. Since these items are attached, they’re typically included in the sale and will stay with the home.

Why Does It Matter?

While it may seem straightforward, sometimes misunderstandings can pop up. For instance, a buyer might think a wall-mounted TV or custom drapery rods are staying, only to find the seller has taken them. To prevent mix-ups, it’s helpful for buyers and sellers to specify items they want to include or exclude in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale.

To keep things simple and smooth, it’s a great idea to have an open conversation about what’s included or excluded early on. Buyers should clarify any items they hope to keep, and sellers should make sure any exclusions are noted in the Agreement. This way, everyone knows what to expect, and there won’t be any last-minute disappointments on moving day.

When everyone is on the same page about chattels and fixtures, it makes the real estate process that much easier, with no surprises—just a smooth, friendly handover of the keys.