If you're considering selling in 2022, now is the time to get in touch with your Realtor. Daryl Fairweather, Chief Economist for Redfin, predicts buyers will be on the hunt early this year: “Historically, the homebuying season starts in late spring, but in 2022, we expect the homebuying season to begin by late January. That’s because buyers will want to take advantage of record-low mortgage rates before they begin to rise. So if you are thinking about selling this year, you should get your home ready now. Buyers want move-in ready homes because they don’t want to worry about getting work done while there are materials and labor shortages.” 

This year's market is looking less intense than 2021. The good news for sellers is that values aren't expected to drop, but they will increase at a considerably lower rate than we saw over the last year. Because of this, buyers will likely face less bidding wars and sellers won't have quite as much negotiating power. Here's what you can do to make sure your sale is as smooth as possible:

be realistic

Your real estate agent wants your house to sell for top dollar; trust their opinion on pricing. The US is easing out of a year where home values had the largest increase in at least a decade. From the first quarter of 2020 to the first quarter of 2021, they jumped 19.6% nationwide. Meanwhile, 2022 is projected to see single digit gains. So if you have friends or relatives that recently sold, keep in mind that your experience could be quite different than theirs. You should decide on a list price based on your Realtor's comps and the most current market data.

inspect before you list

Get a pre-listing inspection to avoid unforeseen repair issues. Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to your home. With contractors booked out and materials on back order, even something that seems like a simple fix could take weeks. Once you're under contract, if you can't perform inspection repairs within your contractual deadlines, you risk losing your buyer. Get ahead of the issues so you can tackle them prior to listing or plan for credits.

staging a home office

We've mentioned this many times in recent blogs, but we'll say it again: the vast majority of buyers need a home office. Don't have one? Think about where you would set one up if you needed it. Whether it be a small bedroom, a finished basement, or an area of your home that doesn't get much use, staging a space as an office will help buyers envision the potential. 

winter curb appeal

First impressions are everything but it can be tricky to obtain that wow factor when the weather is drab. Look around the outside of your home for areas that could be improved. Make sure limbs and debris are cleaned up and your driveway and walkway are clear of snow or ice. Check for peeling paint and make fixes as weather permits. Add color to your home's exterior with potted seasonal plants. Give your windows a good scrub. With shorter days, it's especially important to check that all of your exterior lights are working and consider adding walkway lights. A fenced yard is on many buyer's want list, so make sure yours is in good shape and the gates are easily accessible. 

declutter & clean

As with any time of year, clutter will distract buyers from the good qualities of your house. Make sure your belongings are organized, counters are clear, and buyers can open closets without a pile of stuff falling on them. Many buyers will be checking areas of your home that you don't get much attention, so in addition to a good deep clean, take time to wipe down your mechanicals, clean underneath the sink, and double check the hard-to-reach spots that often go untouched.

Happy selling in 2022! If you need to get in touch with a Realtor, our Danberry agents are happy to assist!