Selling your home may seem like a big task, but with some planning and prioritizing, it doesn’t have to be. Tallie Lancey, Broker at Big Sky Sotheby’s International Realty, shares her recommendations for preparing to put your house on the market. 

Q. How do I best prepare my house for showing it to potential buyers?

A. To prepare your home for showings, I advise all sellers to start moving out of your home. You anticipate moving soon anyway, so get started before your home hits the market. Pack up your personal items and move them into a storage unit or your garage or take this an opportunity to sluff some unwanted items. That will make your home more comfortable for potential buyers and will make the eventual move even easier. 

Q. How do I prioritize what is most important to improve?

A. Put yourself in the shoes of your most likely buyer. Pretend you’re buying your own, which should help you decide what is most important. Remember that project that’s been on your to-do list for a while? Call the handyman today and get it taken care of before the real estate sign goes into the ground. 

Q. What do you recommend for landscaping or site work?

A. Stand in the street (safely!) and walk slowly by your home. What would a buyer or their broker notice from a car driving by? Start with those items. A first impression can make or break your sale. Replacing street numbers, exterior sconces, and fresh flowers tell buyers that you take pride in your home.

Q. How do you manage timelines between selling/buying and moving?

A. In a primary home market, the logistics for inspection contingencies, financing requirements, and ultimately taking occupancy can be very tricky. In our second home market, we encounter that less often. But, when we do, the key to success is…you guessed it…communication. 

Q. What are the pros and cons of listing my property at various times of the year?

A. In Big Sky, our real estate market isn’t seasonal. I recommend listing when the time is right for your personal circumstances. On the other hand, some properties are most appealing at a certain time of year. Perhaps a front-yard full of blooming lilacs or a backyard with groomed ski access will entice buyers one season over another. My general rule of thumb in Big Sky is that sellers list when they’re ready, and buyers buy when they’re ready.