Buying or selling a home in Memphis can feel like navigating a maze at times. From timing the market perfectly to negotiating the right price, you probably have a long list of questions. And guess what? You’re not alone. Buyers and sellers search for these answers every day to make smarter decisions and feel more in control of the process.
To make things easier, we’ve rounded up the most commonly Googled questions about buying and selling homes and provided detailed, practical answers. Whether you're starting your home-buying journey or preparing to sell, this guide will help you move forward with confidence. Read on.
What steps should I take to prepare my home for sale?
First impressions are everything, so preparing your Memphis home for success on the market is critical. After all, buyers want to see a property that looks clean, spacious, and move-in ready. Don’t skip the following steps:
- Declutter and depersonalize: Remove excess furniture, personal photos, memorabilia, and other unnecessary items that make the space feel crowded. You want buyers to see the potential of each room and imagine themselves living there rather than being distracted by your belongings and clutter.
- Deep clean and repair: Scrub the floors, windows, bathroom countertops, and kitchens until they sparkle. Address any minor repairs, like fixing leaky faucets, patching holes in the walls, or replacing broken hardware.
- Boost curb appeal: The exterior of your home sets the tone for the entire showing. So, mow the lawn, trim overhanging trees or bushes, plant flowers, and clean the front porch to make a great first impression.
- Stage your home: Proper staging highlights your home’s most notable and impressive features. Whether you hire a professional or arrange the space yourself, leverage neutral décor, fresh linens, and light furnishings to make the rooms look more inviting.
- Take professional photos: Most buyers start their search online, so high-quality listing images are non-negotiable. A professional photographer will capture your home in its best light, attracting more interest (and offers).
Should I buy or sell first?
The decision to buy or sell first depends on your finances, comfort level, and the current market conditions. Selling first is often the more straightforward choice financially. By selling your current property first, you’ll know exactly how much money you have for your next purchase, which prevents overextending yourself. Plus, you won’t be stuck carrying two mortgages if your current home doesn’t sell as quickly as you’d hoped.
However, selling first also means that you may need to pursue temporary housing if you haven’t found your next home by the time yours sells. Moving twice isn’t ideal, but it gives you flexibility to wait for the right property.
On the other hand, buying your new home first ensures you secure your dream property before selling. This can be a great option in a competitive real estate market like Memphis, where desirable homes tend to sell quickly. However, it also means you’ll need enough financial flexibility to manage two homes temporarily.
To decide which option works best, speak with your agent and lender to explore your options. They’ll help you weigh the pros and cons and create a solid strategy that aligns with your situation and goals.
However, selling first also means that you may need to pursue temporary housing if you haven’t found your next home by the time yours sells. Moving twice isn’t ideal, but it gives you flexibility to wait for the right property.
On the other hand, buying your new home first ensures you secure your dream property before selling. This can be a great option in a competitive real estate market like Memphis, where desirable homes tend to sell quickly. However, it also means you’ll need enough financial flexibility to manage two homes temporarily.
To decide which option works best, speak with your agent and lender to explore your options. They’ll help you weigh the pros and cons and create a solid strategy that aligns with your situation and goals.
Should I get a home inspection before selling my house?
Yes, a pre-listing home inspection can be a smart move for sellers. While buyers typically pay for inspections after their offer is accepted, getting ahead of the process can save you time and stress.
A pre-listing inspection reveals any issues that might come up later, such as plumbing leaks, roof damage, or electrical problems. By determining these issues upfront, you can:
A pre-listing inspection reveals any issues that might come up later, such as plumbing leaks, roof damage, or electrical problems. By determining these issues upfront, you can:
- Fix problems before listing to avoid surprises.
- Price the home appropriately.
- Gain buyer trust by showing transparency and providing a clean inspection report.
How does staging help sell a home faster?
Staging plays a significant role in helping buyers see the potential of your living space. It’s not just about decorating; it’s about creating a space that feels clean, open, and welcoming. Proper staging highlights a home’s best features while minimizing any drawbacks.
For example, neutral colors and simple furniture arrangements can make rooms feel larger and more inviting. Small touches like fresh flowers, tasteful artwork, and cozy throws help buyers imagine living themselves there. Not only that, but properties that are staged well often photograph better, which attracts more online interest.
If you’re not sure where to start, consider hiring a professional stager or asking your agent for tips. A little effort can go a long way in impressing buyers and speeding up the sale.
Ultimately, buying or selling a home is a major decision, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re selling your current home in Memphis, searching for your dream living space, or both, understanding the process is the first step to success.
If you’re ready for trusted answers to all your questions and more, begin your Memphis real estate journey today with Myers Cobb Realtors® by your side.
For example, neutral colors and simple furniture arrangements can make rooms feel larger and more inviting. Small touches like fresh flowers, tasteful artwork, and cozy throws help buyers imagine living themselves there. Not only that, but properties that are staged well often photograph better, which attracts more online interest.
If you’re not sure where to start, consider hiring a professional stager or asking your agent for tips. A little effort can go a long way in impressing buyers and speeding up the sale.
Ultimately, buying or selling a home is a major decision, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re selling your current home in Memphis, searching for your dream living space, or both, understanding the process is the first step to success.
If you’re ready for trusted answers to all your questions and more, begin your Memphis real estate journey today with Myers Cobb Realtors® by your side.
