Make Your Move Before School Starts

Are you thinking of getting a fresh start in a new home before the back-to-school rush? You’re not alone – and it’s totally doable! With help from a savvy real estate agent, you can navigate the selling and buying process, secure favorable terms and snag the front door keys just in time for the start of the school year. Here’s how to make it happen.

Real Estate Market Considerations
Spring and summer tend to steal the spotlight for buying and selling, and with good reason. Starting your search now offers a broader selection of properties, a big pool of potential buyers and it perfectly aligns with finalizing your move during the summer break. Your real estate agent will be able to break down all the crucial local info for you – available listings, price comparisons, median home costs and how long most properties are on the market.

Evaluate Your Finances
A clear understanding of your financial situation is vital when doing anything in the real estate market. It influences the type and location of your next home and whether you should sell your current home before purchasing another. Another first step is working with a trusted lender to explore your loan options and solidify your budget. Plus, a realistic and accurate assessment of your finances can lower some of that moving stress and help guide your decision-making process.

Start to Organize
Moving can seem daunting, but it can be a relatively smooth process with the right approach. Start by decluttering your current space – sell, donate or dispose of items you no longer need. This will reduce the things you need to pack up while also prepping your home to be listed. As the move gets closer, invest in quality moving supplies like sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap and permanent markers for labeling. And if you like making checklists and crossing off to-do’s, this is your time to shine!

List Your Home For Sale
When you’re ready to put your current home up for sale, give it a walk-through and identify any necessary repairs or enhancements needed. With some assistance from your agent, you can access a network of reliable service providers and professionals who can assist with any fixes or improvements outside the scope of a DIY weekend. You should also prepare your home to appeal to a broad range of buyers through updated staging and professional photography to maximize its visibility and attractiveness.

Find Your New Home
Begin your home search by creating a wish list and ranking the key features that you consider must-haves. Check out the listings on coldwellbanker.com and other online sources, and then visit potential homes in person. As you explore different spaces, ask yourself if you can picture your family living there. Does the kitchen have all the counter space you’re looking for? Is there a big backyard for a garden and a play area? Maybe you want a low-maintenance yard and space for hobbies and storing sports equipment. But remember, things can move quickly in the spring and summer, so when you find the one, be prepared to make an offer.

Yes, you can make your move before school starts! It takes some planning and determination, but it’s well worth the effort. Establish your timeline, partner with a local real estate agent, put together a plan and unpack in your new home before the kids start next fall.