Selling: You should start talking to a real estate agent sooner than you think

Today I took photos of a listing that's not going on the market until January.

The seller has a beautiful pool and landscaping, so we didn't want to miss the opportunity to showcase those features. If that seller hadn't talked to an agent until they were close to being ready to move out, we'd only have pictures of leafless trees and a covered pool. While that doesn't necessarily make or break a home sale -- there are certainly times that we meet a seller who's ready for pictures right away, and of course we sell homes in every season -- but having that conversation with a listing agent sooner than you might think can give you space and time to maximize every aspect of preparation.

For sellers who are downsizing, this can mean they have time to pass down cherished items to family members who will appreciate them, rather than holding an estate sale.

For sellers who know their home needs updating, this gives them time to talk through what repairs are worth spending money on and what don't result in much return on investment. 

Often our agents meet with sellers many times during their preparation phase, discussing goals, reviewing repairs and updates, and giving advice on how to show the home in its best light.

If you’re thinking about selling your home, don’t wait until the last minute to reach out to an agent. Starting the conversation early gives you the chance to highlight your home’s best features, plan thoughtful updates, and make the entire process less stressful.

Note: this photo is not of the property referenced.