The Secret to Selling Your Home Faster in a Stabilizing Market

Thinking about selling your home but not sure where to start? The market is stabilizing, which means homes are taking longer to sell—making preparation more important than ever. In this episode of Your Real Estate Mama, Jan Scott shares expert advice on how to get your home market-ready to attract the highest offers. From decluttering and deep cleaning to curb appeal and strategic repairs, Jan walks you through every step to make your home stand out. Plus, hear a real-life success story of how small changes helped one family sell their home in just three weeks after months of struggle.

Follow the show for new episodes, and let’s get your home sold the right way!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The essential first steps to take when preparing your home for sale
• Why decluttering and depersonalizing can make or break a sale
• The most overlooked yet impactful home improvements buyers love
• How to compete with new construction homes in today’s market
• Why having a clear financial plan before listing is a game-changer

Key Topics Discussed:

• A real-life case study: John and Nancy’s home-selling transformation
• The psychology behind home staging and what buyers really look for
• Curb appeal tricks that make your home irresistible
• Addressing major maintenance issues before they become deal-breakers
• Why now is the best time to start preparing for a spring sale

Quotes from the Episode:

"Selling a home isn’t just about moving on—it’s about moving forward." – Jan Scott

"The moment you put that for-sale sign in the yard, your home becomes a product on the market. Make sure it’s one buyers want to buy." – Jan Scott

Final Thoughts:

Spring might seem far away, but the work you do now will pay off in the long run. A well-prepared home sells faster and attracts stronger offers, setting you up for a smooth transition into your next chapter. So, take it one step at a time, trust the process, and as always—listen to your mama!

Follow for Real Estate Tips and Expert Advice!
Looking to buy or sell a home? Tune in for real estate tips, expert advice, and real-life stories to help you navigate the housing market with confidence! 🏡 Plus, get a little mama wisdom to make your home journey smoother.

Have Real Estate Questions or Comments?
I’d love to answer them in an upcoming episode! Don’t hesitate to reach out with your real estate questions, whether it’s about buying, selling, or getting your home ready for the market.

Need a Trusted Realtor?
Connect with me to find a trusted and experienced realtor in your area. Whether you're a first-time home buyer or a seasoned seller, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Email: jan@yourrealestatemama.com
Follow on Facebook: @YourRealEstateMamaPodcast

Transcript

[00:00:00] Market Stabilization and Selling Tips
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You know, the market is stabilizing. Homes are taking longer to sell, which means they are selling at a pace that gives buyers time to think and look. The quickest and highest offers come when your home is market ready, and that process starts now.


[00:00:22] Introduction to Your Real Estate Mama
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Hey there, Welcome to Your Real Estate Mama. I'm Jan Scott, and I'm here to help you navigate the ups and downs of buying or selling a home. I've been wrangling the real estate market for over 35 years, and trust me, with all this gray hair comes a whole lot of wisdom. I'm excited to share tips, a little humor, and plenty of encouragement to make your journey easier.

Whether you're new or regular, I'm so glad you're here. Follow the show for new episodes every week and together we'll grow and help even more. 


[00:00:57] Preparing Your Home for Sale
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Folks, if you're thinking about selling, now is the time to start preparing so you can get top dollar when your home hits the market. Selling a home isn't just about listing it.

Putting a sign in the yard and hoping for the best. It takes planning, preparation, and a strategy to make sure your home stands out. Make sure you have a plan on where you're going and you will have enough money out of this home to get you in your new home. 


[00:01:28] A True Story: John and Nancy's Home
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I want to share a true story today. About John and Nancy, they have had their home on the market for the past six months with another realtor, and only one very lowball offer.

I have been referred to John from some past clients, and he called me and asked me to come by and talk about their home. When I arrived, the first thing I noticed was overgrown shrubs hanging across the front porch, cobwebs all over the front door. They invited me in and we sat down and just talked for a while.

And the main thing I kept hearing, we just don't understand why our house hasn't sold. Well, these precious people had raised their three kids in this home, and I could tell that they had really lived in it. After hearing their story and cry for help, as gently as I could, I began to explain what the problem was.

Their home was exactly that, theirs. Now they needed to get their home market ready for others to see it. I told them if they were willing to work with me and do the things that I asked them to do, I felt sure their home would sell. We literally went room by room with the notepad. The house was not trashed.

I would call it maybe, It needed some new life brought to it. Now let's fast forward two months later down the road when the home was ready to place on the market. It sold within three weeks for our listing price, and this 20 year old home passed the home inspection with flying colors. Here's what I told them.


[00:03:03] Decluttering and Depersonalizing
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The first step is to declutter and depersonalize. Buyers want to walk through a home and imagine their lives there. Not feel like they're stepping into someone else's space. Right now, it's your home. But the moment you put that for sale sign in the yard, it becomes a product on the market. It needs to appeal to as many buyers as possible.

Let's start by packing away all the family photos, the collectibles, personal decorations. You're going to have to pack them anyway. So you might as well get a head start. Take a good look at your countertops, your shelves, and your closets. If they're cluttered, start boxing what you don't absolutely need for daily life.

Box it up, tape it, label it, and put it away. And if you're like me, you probably have things that could be donated to a family in need or a local charity. The more you do now, the easier moving day will be when the time comes. 


[00:04:06] Deep Cleaning and Minor Repairs
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Now once you've decluttered, it's time for a deep, clean, and minor repairs. First impressions matter, and a fresh, clean home gives buyers confidence that the property has been well cared for.

Take time to wash windows. Oh, scrub the baseboards and wipe down the doors. These small details are often overlooked, but makes a big difference. If your kitchen or bathroom caulk is wore out, replace it. Fix the leaky faucets, squeaky doors, and touch up scuffed marked walls, or better yet, a fresh coat of paint.

If your home is a little older, swapping out cabinet knobs and light fixtures is an inexpensive way to make it feel more modern. In today's market, you're likely competing with brand new homes. So making your home look, feel, and smell fresh can go a long way. 


[00:05:04] Enhancing Curb Appeal
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Next, let's talk about curb appeal. Curb appeal is your home's first impression.

And spring buyers want homes that feel inviting from the moment they drive up. Trim overgrown bushes, freshen up with mulch, add a few colorful flowers to bring life to your yard. Pressure wash your driveway, sidewalks, and the exterior of your home to instantly make it look years younger. Then, step onto your front porch.

Take a hard look at your entryway. Does your front door need a fresh coat of paint? Are there cobwebs in the corners or an old light fixture that needs to be replaced? Small fixes like these create a welcoming first impression that can make all the difference in the world. 


[00:05:53] Addressing Major Maintenance Issues
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If your home is outdated, features, or major maintenance issues, Now is the time you need to address them.

You don't want to wait until the buyer's home inspector finds a problem that can jeopardize the sale. You know, one of the biggest deal breakers for buyers is an aging HVAC system, or visible wood rot around the windows and eaves. If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, Let's consider having a professional inspect it so you know what to expect.

Remember, your biggest competition will likely be new construction. And today's buyers don't want to worry about replacing big ticket items, especially right after moving in. Whether you're selling now or staying put, maintaining your home is always a smart investment. 


[00:06:43] Maximizing Home Value with a Plan
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The best way to maximize your home's value is to have a solid plan.

And that's where a trusted real estate agent comes in. A market analysis will help determine a competitive listing price and expert guidance will ensure your focus on improvements that bring the highest return. Yeah. While you're meeting with your agent, take the time to discuss your next steps. I always tell my sellers to have a clear plan for where they're going before they put their home on the market.

I've seen families get excited about selling, only to realize too late that the numbers just don't add up for their next move. Knowing your equity position and what it will take to purchase your next home is just as important as preparing to sell. Well, spring may seem far away, but the work you do now will pay off in the long run.

A well prepared home sells faster and attracts stronger offers and putting you in the best position for your next chapter. 


[00:07:46] Final Thoughts and Inspiration
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As always, I like to leave you with a little mama wisdom and inspiration. Selling a home isn't just about moving on. It's about moving forward. It's about stepping into a new season of life with confidence, excitement, and joy.

The peace and contentment we feel in our homes always start within us, no matter where we live. It reminds me of Paul's words in Philippians 4. 11 where he says, I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation. That verse always amazes me because of the challenges he faced, yet he found peace wherever he was because he knew Jesus.

Over the years, I've worked with families selling for all kinds of reasons, some joyful, some difficult, but I encourage you wherever you are in this season to find contentment. Trust the process. Embrace the change and look forward to the blessings ahead.


[00:08:52] Closing Remarks and Contact Information
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Well, that's a wrap. Follow the show for new episodes every week. Don't forget to leave a review, rating, or comment on your favorite podcast platform. Feel free to send me an email to jan@yourrealestatemama.com. I love hearing your questions and comments, and I'd be happy to help you find a great real estate agent anywhere you live.

Be sure to follow me on Facebook@YourRealEstateMamaPodcast. Until next time, y'all take care, happy house hunting, and remember, you should always listen to your mama.