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Whether a big life change or an opportunity has prompted you to sell your home, it’s important to carefully prepare for this process. Utilizing current, accurate information is the key to success, as is working with trusted local professionals. We’ve compiled a list of tips and resources to better equip you for putting your property on the market.
Understanding Your Local Real Estate Market
While the home-selling process does require getting your home ready for market, you’ll also want to learn about real estate in your area. As a starting point, check out these informative videos with Windermere’s Principal Economist, Jeff Tucker. Then, learn about your local real estate market and its trends. This can significantly impact your timeline and potential profit. And, you’ll be able to manage your expectations better by being well informed. Working with a real estate agent with local expertise is to your advantage. They can also provide a free Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to competitively and accurately price your home. You’ll avoid the costly mistake of overpricing your home. Additionally, you’ll be able to develop a clear strategy before you sell. If you aren’t in a hurry to sell, you may also want to discuss when it’s best to sell a home in your area. Your Broker will be able to provide data about market activity and seasonal demand. Generally, summer tends to be the busiest season, but that also means more competition. Here in Kitsap County, we’re seeing greater inventory so you really want to make sure your home shines. In fact, the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) 2025 Remodeling Impact Report revealed that 46% of home buyers are less willing to compromise on the condition of the home when purchasing.
Preparing Your Home for Sale
Curious about home improvements that pay off in terms of the resale value? When your real estate agent does a CMA with you, they will also recommend important repairs, upgrades, and potential renovations that can increase your home’s value and appeal to buyers. They’ll also know which are most popular in your local real estate market.
A few examples that recoup the majority of the cost nationally are:
- new steel front door (100%)
- closet renovation (83%)
- basement conversion to living area (71%)
- minor kitchen upgrade (60%)
Learn more in this article about the NAR’s top recommended remodeling projects. When constructing a budget for the home-selling process, it isn’t just about factoring in repairs and upgrades. You’ll also want to include home-selling costs. If you’re concerned about the costs, you may want to consider using the Windermere Ready program. We can provide up to $100,000 in assistance to properly prepare your home. Learn more by watching the video below.
Decluttering and staging are also key components as you get your home ready to list. This downsizing article has some great decluttering and organizational tips. While not required, staging can be very beneficial. In a 2023 study, 81% of buyers’ agents said that staging a home made it easier for their clients to see a property as their future home. Furthermore, staged homes tend to sell for more and in less time.
Navigating the Selling Process
While you may be eager to get started, the more you know beforehand, the better. Quickly listing your home could lead to costly mistakes and missed opportunities. Before you sell, check out Windermere’s selling guide. And, if you’re wondering about contingencies, check out our Home Sellers’ FAQs.
After a CMA, repairs, strategic upgrades, properly pricing your home, and marketing it with high-quality staging, photography, and videography – all thanks to your great Broker – your home will go live on the NWMLS (assuming you’re in our area). All of your hard work will help make a lasting impression on buyers, both online and in person. So, be sure to depersonalize your home for open houses, make any last-minute touch-ups, ensure it’s so clean it sparkles, and do a smell check.
Next come offers, inspections, and negotiations. Remember, there’s more to an offer than the price. Important factors include your moving timeline, verifying the buyer’s financing and pre-approval, and contingencies.
Check out our free flipbook below to understand more about how our highly-rated Windermere Silverdale agents are ready to help you before you sell, during the process, and long after. We’re in the business of building strong relationships, and achieving our clients’ real estate goals.
