Many people work diligently to attain homeownership, sacrificing and saving to pay off their dream spaces. Eventually, however, some become disenchanted with the amount of responsibility and money it takes to keep their homes in good condition.

When it’s time to sell, a lot goes into the process, and things can feel stressful, especially if you’re selling and buying all at once. Here are a few steps to help guide you through the sale.

Upgrade, Repair, Stage

Wait to list your home until you’ve assessed and deep-cleaned the inside and outside of your property. Make any necessary changes, including slathering on a fresh coat of paint or repairing problem areas to avoid issues with the home inspection.

Consider hiring a professional stager to help your home’s best features shine and give potential buyers an idea of what it would feel like living in the space.

Contact a Real Estate Agent

A real estate agent is an expert on market trends. These professionals handle the legal stuff, assist with negotiations, and manage offers. Once the deal’s done, they can lead the closing process and coordinate the handoff.

Set Your Home’s Price

Pricing your home can make or break an offer. Research homes in your neighborhood and speak with your real estate agent to decide on a competitive price. Potential buyers will back out if your cost is much higher than the average. Too low, and you’re losing profit.

Market Right

First impressions are essential. Post your listing to multiple websites and promote it on social media, including high-quality photos of the entire property. You want to attract a lot of attention online to get a great offer. Set up open houses and record a virtual tour for those who can’t attend in person but want a closer look.

Negotiate Wisely

Inevitably, offers will come in below your asking price. Feel free to pass on lowballs, mainly when the listing is new, but always be willing to negotiate to seal the deal. You want to sell quickly and at a reasonable price.