With three nearby mountain ranges and close proximity to Jackson, WY, Driggs, ID, is the perfect place to hike, take in beautiful scenery, and explore everything the Teton Valley has to offer. With a population of a little over 2,000 people, Driggs is a hidden oasis for those seeking a slow, relaxed lifestyle. Have you decided you want to up or downsize in the Driggs area, or are you planning to relocate? Whether selling a home for the first or tenth time, you need to know some best practices and tips to help you get top dollar. Here is more information about selling a home in Driggs, ID, to help you achieve success.

Before you list your home, you need to take some steps in preparation. They include:

Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can save some money by selling your home on your own. Studies show that the typical FSBO home sold for $225,000 in 2021 compared to $330,000 for homes sold by an agent.

Finding the right agent is crucial when it comes to selling a home in Driggs, ID. Gather a list of potential local agents by asking friends and family for referrals and doing some internet research. Once you’ve narrowed your list to a few agents, schedule a time to interview them in person or over the phone. Ask questions such as how long they’ve been in the industry, how many homes they sell per year, and what marketing tools they use. Keep in mind that getting along with your agent will help the process go more smoothly and be more enjoyable, so choose the agent you feel the most comfortable and compatible with.

Setting the right price for your home is vital. If you price too low, you’ll leave money on the table. Too high, and potential buyers will likely pass on it in favor of more reasonably priced homes. Fortunately, setting a fair price for your home is relatively easy when you work with an experienced agent. Your agent will likely do a comparative market analysis to determine what other comparable houses have recently sold for in your area. This will help them settle on a price that will maximize your price as well as cut down on your selling time.

In some cases, your agent may suggest upgrades to improve your home’s value. Some of the highest ROI upgrades include refacing your kitchen cabinets, repainting interior rooms, refinishing hardwood floors, and replacing your front door.

Staging your home will help prospective buyers picture themselves living in your home and increase your chances of selling quickly and for top dollar. Utilizing staging best practices like removing large furniture, ensuring each room has a designated purpose, and depersonalizing creates a welcoming space for all who view it. To make the most of the staging process, consider hiring a professional who knows all the tips and tricks to maximize your home’s appeal.

Once your home is staged correctly, it’s time to bring in a professional photographer who will take images of your home to share on social media, include them in the listing, and use them for other marketing materials.

Now that your house is prepared, it’s time to list it! Here are the next steps.

Your agent will list your home on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) to ensure it reaches other agents and gets in front of the most prospective buyers. Other marketing tools, such as social media advertisements and inclusion in newsletters, may also be used by your agent to bring more awareness and interest to your listing.

Your agent’s next job is to show your home to your ideal buyers. One of the ways to do this is to hold open houses. While some do not favor open houses because they are a lot of work and often attract those who only want to look around and aren’t serious buyers, they can still be an excellent way to create more interest in your home. Another option is to have virtual home tours on the agent’s website or a landing page built specifically to market your home. A virtual tour allows buyers to ‘walk through’ your house from the comfort of their own home. Not only is it convenient for buyers, you, and your agent, but it can also help market your home to out-of-town buyers who are unable to see your home in person.

If your agent has done their job right, you should quickly begin receiving offers on your home. Though it’s common for sellers to gravitate toward the highest offer immediately, keep in mind this might not be the best one. Work with your agent to carefully evaluate offers to look for contingencies, pre-approval status, whether the offer is traditional (mortgage) or cash, and what the down payment is. Once you’ve determined the best offer, you can either accept it as-is or make a counteroffer.

Once you have accepted an offer, your home will go through the appraisal process. The bank requires these if your buyer is obtaining a mortgage. If the appraisal returns favorably, you will move on to escrow, where a third party will hold the funds until the transaction is complete and closing. Depending on the agreement made at the offer stage, you may need to pay none, some, or all of the closing costs.

Your real estate agent is the focal point of your selling process. They will be able to help you throughout every stage of the process and will help limit stress, ensure each step goes smoothly, and help you get top dollar for your home. Ready to take the next step? Reach out to one of the experienced local agents at Teton Real Estate Group for expert guidance.