The 5 Secrets to Selling Your Home for Top Dollar

Are you thinking about selling your home this spring or summer? While it might seem like the warmer months are still far away, now is the perfect time to start preparing. The groundwork you lay during the winter can set you up for a smooth, successful sale when the market heats up. Let’s talk about some of the biggest questions homeowners face when planning to sell—and how to address them effectively. 1. Should You Make Repairs or Sell As-Is? One of the first questions many homeowners ask is, “Should I update or sell my home as it is?” Here’s the truth: Not all updates are worth the time or money. Too often, sellers pour resources into renovations they think buyers will love, only to find out the new owners plan to rip them out and start fresh. For example, I recently worked with a client who owned a vacant home. It was well-maintained but a bit dated. He was tempted to make upgrades, but together, we decided to sell it as-is. Instead of costly renovations, we focused on maximizing the home’s potential in its current condition. Here’s what we did: Lawn makeover to improve curb appeal. Professional cleaning to make the home spotless. Window washing to brighten the interior. Staging to highlight the space. High-quality photos to attract buyers online. The result? His home sold for $25,000 over the appraised value—and he avoided unnecessary expenses and delays. The key takeaway? Before you spend a dime on repairs, consult with an expert. A knowledgeable agent can help you decide what’s worth doing and what’s better left as-is. 2. Is It Worth Hiring an Agent? Many homeowners hesitate to hire an agent until they’re “ready” to list their home. But waiting too long is a missed opportunity. A good agent can add value long before your home hits the market by: Helping you decide what (if any) updates or repairs to make. Connecting you with reliable contractors and services—some of whom may offer deferred payment until after the sale. Providing resources like cleaning, staging, and marketing as part of their commission. For instance, the services I provided for my client—staging, cleaning, and professional photography—were included in my listing fee. He didn’t pay a dime upfront, and those investments paid off big time. When interviewing an agent, ask about the services they offer and what’s included. A proactive agent can save you time, money, and stress. 3. Is Now the Right Time to Sell? The Utah real estate market is strongest in the spring and early summer. From March to July, home values typically see the most appreciation, and buyer demand is at its peak. Why? Utah has a housing shortage, with far more buyers than available homes. Even with the surge in new construction, we’re still tens of thousands of homes short. This strong demand keeps home values rising, making now an excellent time to sell. If you’re planning to buy another home after selling, this is especially important. Selling during the early months of market appreciation means your new home will also gain equity. A skilled agent can help you strategize the timing of your sale and purchase to maximize your financial gain. Think of it like surfing: You need to catch the wave at the right time, and an experienced agent is your guide to spotting that wave. Ready to Start Planning? Selling your home is a big decision, and the sooner you start planning, the better positioned you’ll be to take advantage of the spring market. To help you get started, schedule a call and we can walk through the steps you need to take to make the most of the Spring selling season In this consultation, you’ll learn: How to decide whether to make repairs or sell as-is. What to expect from current market conditions. Tips for choosing the right agent and understanding their value. Click here to schedule a call and get actionable insights to make your home-selling journey a success. Let’s make this spring the season you achieve your real estate goals!