Do you stay, or do you sell?

By Jennifer Juliano

Graduation season will be here before we know it. For many families, this may be the one for their youngest child who will also be off to spread their wings. The house in the town with great schools, perfect for entertaining and kids having friends over now is just too big. Do you stay, or do you sell?

There was a time when you might have looked around shortly after you bought it and said “how am I going to fill all these rooms?” Now you’re thinking “what am I going to do with all this stuff?”

Getting your house ready for sale by beginning with trimming down can be daunting at first, but once you get going, some have shared with me that it can be pleasantly cathartic.

There are many parts to this process. Many people find it easier to begin by working by lists and also by working in reverse to go forward: if you lost everything for any number of reasons or were just starting out, what in every room would you replace first? List the rooms, and work from there as a starting point. This can be easier to do by literally being outside of the house, in a setting where you can think objectively. Think about what you “must have,” “nice to keep,” and “time to go” (donate/sell/ give to family or friends, or trash) when you bring your list home. Although this process can move as quickly as you let it once you get started, pace yourself. Many have found working on each room from 30-60 minutes a day will move you forward more easily than trying to whip it all out in a weekend and miss the goal.

While you’re resting from all of that , contact a local real estate professional who can help you estimate your market value and help you with pre-sale preparation suggestions. Remember to contact an experienced mortgage lender as well to help get you ready with your best loan. It pays to be prepared!