8 Tips for Selling Your House and Moving Out of State
Preparing for a big move takes a ton of planning, especially if you're moving far away, across state lines. Add in the sale of your home, and you've got a big project ahead of you. With so many moving parts, it's important to focus on selling your home; if that doesn't happen, the move may not even happen.
Here are eight detailed tactics to make the process of selling your home and moving out of state less stressful.
1. Sell your house at the right price
A common pitfall homeowners make when selling is misjudging the value of their home. The real estate market is constantly fluctuating, and accurately pricing your home is crucial to get it right. Pricing it too high can quickly scare potential buyers away from the purchase. On the other hand, undervaluing your property means you're essentially gifting a portion of its value to the buyer.
Finding the sweet spot for your initial asking price can be tough. Homes can stay on the market for weeks, which could derail your plans to move, especially if your asking price is too high. Start by diligently researching your local market. Compare your home to similar properties that have recently sold in the area.
Working with a professional real estate agent adds an extra perspective to your analysis. Their expertise and nuanced understanding of local trends can be extremely helpful when determining value. Combining your research with your thoughts on the market can help you pinpoint the optimal starting price for your home before you move to another state.
2. Staging and cleaning
When you're trying to sell something, presentation is everything. If you were a buyer, would a messy, cluttered home be appealing? Probably not. Your home should be a canvas for potential buyers to paint their future.
First, if you notice dust accumulating on the edges of the walls, consider cleaning the house. Even if it doesn't look too dirty, some buyers are very fussy. Even dust accumulating on window frames may be noticed by buyers. Small details like this can put off buyers. Before you put your house on the market, talk to your real estate agent to decide who will cover the cleaning costs. It's almost always worth giving your house a thorough cleaning before you put it on the market.
Professional staging is another tool to consider when preparing to move out of state or sell your property. Staging can transform your living space into the home of a buyer's dreams. Even if you're on a budget, there are small steps you can take to make your home shine. Rearranging your furniture, for example, can highlight different parts of the layout and change the appeal of your property. Remember, you want buyers to be able to imagine their life unfolding there as soon as they enter your home.
3. Digital Marketing
Gone are the days when you could simply hang a “For Sale” sign in your yard and attract buyers. In our technology-driven world, online visibility is key. Platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Trulia can help you reach a wide audience. But that's not all.
Investing in professional photography will help you present your home in the best light. First and foremost, more and more buyers are starting their home purchase online. Your home's online presence shouldn't be overlooked.
Given the global shift to remote work, virtual tours are growing in popularity. If you don't want to spend money on formal staging, consider the digital world. Staging your home virtually can increase online interest from buyers browsing on their mobile phones. This could attract additional buyers out of state or overseas. Get your property featured online so you can sell your home on time if you're moving out of state.
4. Pre-contract inspection
If you're selling your home and moving out of state, get a pre-inspection done
Many home sellers dread inspections — they're the time when unexpected issues often surface. Unfortunately, inspections complicate the selling process and can't always be avoided. What if you could stay one step ahead of them?
Consider doing a pre-home inspection to get a clear idea of the property's condition. Be proactive, not reactive. This approach allows you to correct any potential issues before you list, or adjust your asking price to reflect those issues. Transparency is key. If buyers know what they're getting into from the start, they're more likely to trust the process and make a confident offer.
5. Plan your move in advance
Moving out of state and selling your home is also moving to another location at the same time. Depending on where you're moving, it could be hundreds of miles away. This is not the time to make last-minute packing and planning. Research reputable moving companies that specialize in out-of-state moves.
Get rid of things you don't need. This will not only help you reduce your moving costs, but it will also give you a fresh start in your new place. The less you pack, the easier it will be to move to another state.
Pro tip: Familiarize yourself with the tax implications and other relevant regulations in your new state. Making sure everything is in order before you leave will make for a smoother resettlement.
6. Hire local experts
No one knows the local market better than a local. Hiring a local real estate agent can help you avoid a long listing period. Finding the right agent can keep your property from sitting on the market for weeks. They know the area better than anyone. If a buyer has a specific preference for homes in a certain area, they can see if your property fits that bill.
Real estate agents also have large networks that they can tap into. If you're lucky, they may introduce you to potential buyers early on, speeding up the sale. They may also be able to introduce you to local contractors for any repairs needed before the sale or after an inspection. Think of your real estate agent as your local real estate guide, helping you navigate the twists and turns of selling and moving in afterwards.
7. Prepare for negotiations
Negotiations are an inevitable part of the selling process. We all hope that our initial asking price will be the final selling price, but the reality is often different. It's best to be prepared rather than be caught off guard.
When you start listing your property, sit down with your real estate agent and determine your minimum terms. What is the lowest offer you are willing to accept? Familiarize yourself with common negotiation tactics and strategies. Some buyers will base their terms on a mortgage approval, an inspection, or the sale of their own home. Others may ask you to cover closing costs after an inspection or ask you to make repairs.
Anticipate these potential scenarios and remain flexible but firm. With a trusted real estate agent on your team, you can navigate the negotiation stage with confidence and clarity.
8. The emotional side of selling
Selling your home and moving out of state is not just a financial transaction. It is a big transaction that is full of emotions. This home may be a place where you have unforgettable memories. Moving out of a property is often emotionally difficult. Home sellers need to be mentally prepared for this process.
Take your time to say goodbye to your home. Walk through each room and reminisce. Take photos and write down memories to carry with you. It's the end of one chapter, but it's also the beginning of a new one. Moving to an entirely different state and selling your home is a major life transition that will bring exciting times for you and your family.
Sell your property and move to another state
The process of selling your home and relocating out of state is a multifaceted journey. It's a combination of logistics, market savvy, and emotional intelligence. Approach it with a balanced strategy to avoid as much stress as possible. The decision to relocate out of state for a fresh start can be both daunting and exhilarating. Enjoy the journey and have a safe one.
About the Author: The above “8 Actionable Tactics for Selling Your House and Moving Out of State” was written by Alex Capozzolo. Alex runs the website, acquisitions, and in-house systems for Brotherly Love Real Estate.
About Rochester Real Estate Blog: Rochester Real Estate Blog is owned and operated by Kyle Hiscock of the Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.
Since starting in 2013, Kyle has published over 150 high quality, in-depth and unique real estate related articles on his Rochester Real Estate Blog on a variety of topics from home sales to mortgages. In addition to high quality real estate related content, there are also many quality articles about the Greater Rochester NY area.
Rochester Real Estate Blog has been recognized by many reputable websites as one of the best real estate blogs to visit and follow. In addition to being recognized as one of the best real estate blogs, Kyle has also been recognized by several organizations and websites as one of the top real estate agents on social media.
The Hiscock Sold team has almost 50 years combined experience so if you're thinking of selling or buying, we're happy to share our knowledge and expertise.
We service the following areas in the Rochester, NY metropolitan area: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeyoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.