Most people live in their homes for about five to seven years before moving on, but life doesn’t always follow a set timeline. Jobs change, families grow, kids start school, loved ones move closer (or farther away), and sometimes unexpected events shift our plans entirely. Deciding whether to sell isn’t just about the market, it’s about where you are in life and where you want to go next. That’s why the very first step is to take an honest, heartfelt look at your current situation, so the decision you make truly supports your future and your peace of mind.​

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Not to Sell Options

Sometimes it really is best to stay right where you are. If that’s the case, there are still ways to improve your overall situation. Refinancing might lower your monthly payments or provide access to cash that can strengthen your financial position, as long as there’s enough equity in your home. Protecting your home through life insurance or a living trust can also give you lasting peace of mind, knowing your investment and loved ones are safeguarded. Even if selling isn’t the right move today, taking these steps can help you feel more secure and confident in the years ahead.

Selling to Access Equity

If your reason for selling is to take the equity and move on, or maybe to downsize, you’ll need to keep the current market in mind. In a competitive or declining market, sellers must be realistic and prepared to accept less than they originally hoped for. The longer you hold out for more, the more you may end up losing.  Your best move is to get an accurate appraisal from an experienced real estate agent or licensed appraiser so there’s no “guessing” what your home is worth.  Beware, overpricing is a red flag to buyers, it tells them, “I can get the same house for less elsewhere,” and they’ll move on to the next property.
 

FSBO (For Sale by Owners)

It’s easy to see why some homeowners think they can “get more” for their house by avoiding commission fees. However, the fact is, FSBO properties sell for an average of only 89% of what homes sell for when represented by an agent. Today’s buyers are often drawn to probate sales, short sales  and foreclosures because of the possible, discounted pricing and separate representation. To compete, FSBO sellers must price their home correctly from the very start.  They also take on the full role of an agent, handling all marketing, professional photos, flyers, online advertising, open houses, etc.  FSBO sellers need to be available to show the property at the buyer’s convenience and they must understand financing options to ensure buyers are qualified, not to mention, they carry the legal liability if they forget a form that could otherwise protect them from a lawsuit. There’s a reason why 99% of all sellers choose to work with a qualified full-time agent.

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Short Sale / Foreclosure

If you are experiencing financial hardship, you may want to consider a short sale. A short sale occurs when you owe more on your home than it is worth, and the lender agrees to let you sell it for less than the outstanding balance—often forgiving the remaining debt. For many homeowners, this can be an ideal way to avoid foreclosure and start fresh. In most cases, you can qualify for another mortgage within two years after a short sale. Of course, you would need to qualify for the short sale and have your mortgage lender approve the process.

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Bottom Line

No matter what path you choose; selling, refinancing, or exploring other options, we’re here to make the process easy and stress-free. With expert guidance, you’ll stay informed and confident every step of the way. Feel free to reach out with any questions or just to talk through your options, ANY day, ANY time. ​​​​​​​