Home Selling Tips
Assess your Readiness: Are you financially prepared to sell? Consider factors like your current mortgage, equity in the home, and your future living situation.
Declutter and Depersonalize: A clean, neutral space helps buyers envision themselves in the home. Remove personal photos, excessive furniture, and unnecessary items.
Repairs and Upgrades: Make any necessary repairs (e.g., leaky faucets, cracked windows). Consider cost-effective upgrades like fresh paint or landscaping to boost curb appeal.
Landscaping & Curb Appeal: The exterior of your home is the first thing buyers see. A well-maintained front yard can make a huge difference in attracting interest. If your budget allows, consider planting flowers, trimming bushes, or adding fresh mulch to flower beds. If money is tight, ensure that the lawn is regularly mowed, leaves are picked up, and there’s no visible garbage or debris around the property. These small, low-cost touches can significantly enhance your home's overall appeal and give a positive first impression to potential buyers.
Power Washing: Power washing the exterior of your home, driveway, and walkways can make a big difference in the overall look. A clean exterior helps buyers see the house in its best light and gives the impression that the home has been well-maintained.
Clean the Gutters: Make sure gutters are cleared of leaves and debris. Clogged gutters can be an eyesore and may even raise concerns for potential buyers about the property's maintenance. Clean gutters show that you've taken care of the details.
Add Indoor Plants and Air Fresheners: Plants can make the inside of your home feel fresh and inviting. They also add a touch of greenery that helps brighten up rooms. Choose low-maintenance plants like succulents or peace lilies. Additionally, air fresheners or lightly scented candles can help create a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere. Make sure the home smells clean, and avoid strong, overpowering scents that could turn off some buyers. Fresh, subtle scents like lavender or citrus work best.
Market Analysis: We’ll conduct a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), which looks at similar homes in your area to determine the right price range. Consider your realtor, Ivanna Connors, to provide you with an accurate and up-to-date CMA tailored to your home’s specific features and location.
Setting a Competitive Price: Listing too high can deter potential buyers, while pricing too low could leave money on the table. We’ll aim for a price that reflects your home’s value and the current market.
Consideration of Timing: If you’re in a buyer’s market (lots of inventory), a more competitive price might be necessary. In a seller’s market (low inventory), you might have more flexibility.
Professional Photos: High-quality images showcase your home in the best light. I’ll arrange for professional photography to highlight the property’s key features.
Virtual Tours: In today’s market, many buyers appreciate virtual tours, allowing them to view the property online before scheduling a visit.
Listing on MLS & Online Platforms: Your home will be listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and major real estate websites (Zillow, Realtor.com, etc.), ensuring maximum exposure.
Social Media Marketing: We’ll utilize social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and other channels to attract local buyers and generate interest.
Open Houses and Private Showings: We’ll schedule both private showings and public open houses to allow buyers to see the property.
Staging Advice: I’ll provide staging suggestions or connect you with a professional stager to ensure the property presents well to potential buyers.
Flexibility with Showings: The more flexible we are with showing times, the better. Buyers may want to see your home at various times of day.
Offer Presentation: Once we receive offers, I’ll review them with you, providing guidance on price, contingencies, and other terms. We’ll evaluate all aspects of each offer to ensure we select the best one for your goals.
Negotiation Tips: If needed, we’ll negotiate on price, closing costs, and other terms to ensure we’re getting the best deal for you. I’ll handle the negotiation process, ensuring you get the best possible outcome.
Multiple Offers: In a competitive market, we may receive multiple offers. I’ll help you evaluate them carefully, not just based on price but also on the buyer’s financing, contingencies, and closing timeline.
Under Contract: Once we accept an offer, we’ll enter into a contract. From here, the buyer will likely conduct inspections and request repairs or credits.
Home Inspection and Appraisal: The buyer typically schedules a home inspection, and if issues arise, we can negotiate repairs, price adjustments, or credits. If the buyer is financing the purchase, the lender will order an appraisal to confirm the home’s value. If the home appraises for less than the agreed price, we may need to renegotiate.
Title and Closing Preparation: A title company will conduct a title search to ensure there are no issues with the ownership of the property. Once everything is clear, we’ll prepare for the closing. This includes reviewing final documents, confirming any outstanding financials, and setting a closing date.
Closing Day: On the closing day, you’ll sign the necessary paperwork, and the buyer will transfer funds. After all documents are signed and funds are transferred, you’ll officially hand over the keys to the new owner, and the sale is complete!
Local Communities
Population: Approximately 190,000 residents.
Median Home Price: Around $275,000.
Highlights: As the largest city in the area, Knoxville offers a blend of historical charm, cultural attractions, and modern amenities. It's known for the University of Tennessee, a vibrant downtown area, and its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains for outdoor activities. With many parks, museums, and a thriving food scene, it's a dynamic place to live.
Population: Approximately 10,000 residents.
Median Home Price: Around $250,000.
Highlights: Located just 15 miles northwest of downtown Knoxville, Karns is a suburban and rural community with a family-friendly atmosphere. It offers affordable housing, easy access to outdoor recreation like Big Ridge State Park, and a quieter lifestyle compared to the bustling city.
Location: About 25 minutes west of Knoxville, in Loudon County.
Population: Approximately 10,117 residents.
Median Home Price: Around $316,000.
Highlights: A scenic town along the Tennessee River, Lenoir City offers a mix of small-town charm and natural beauty, with plenty of outdoor recreational activities such as boating and hiking. It’s an appealing option for families looking for a quieter lifestyle but still close to Knoxville.
Location: About 30 minutes west of Knoxville, also in Loudon County.
Population: Around 5,700 residents.
Median Home Price: Around $276,000.
Highlights: Loudon is a small, historic town known for its beautiful location along the Tennessee River. It offers a laid-back atmosphere and is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities like boating and fishing. It's an affordable place to live while being close to Knoxville's amenities.
Location: About 15 miles north of Knoxville.
Population: Approximately 7,000 residents.
Median Home Price: Around $250,000.
Highlights: Corryton offers a more rural atmosphere, with larger lots and peaceful surroundings. It’s ideal for those looking for a quieter, country lifestyle, but still within driving distance to Knoxville. The area is close to several parks and outdoor recreational areas.
Location: About 25 miles west of Knoxville.
Population: Approximately 31,535 residents.
Median Home Price: Around $283,423.
Highlights: Oak Ridge is a historic city, home to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. It's a hub for science and technology, offering good schools, parks, and outdoor activities. The nearby Great Smoky Mountains and other natural attractions make it a great place for outdoor enthusiasts.
Location: About 25 minutes south of Knoxville.
Population: Approximately 31,876 residents.
Median Home Price: Around $356,939.
Highlights: Maryville is known for its charming downtown and proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s home to Maryville College and offers a strong sense of community, making it a great place for families and nature lovers.
Location: About 20 minutes west of Knoxville.
Population: Approximately 23,795 residents.
Median Home Price: Around $639,373.
Highlights: Farragut is a highly desirable suburb of Knoxville, known for its excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and parks. It's an ideal place for families, with a mix of suburban living and easy access to the amenities of Knoxville.
Location: About 30 miles north of Knoxville, in Campbell County.
Population: Around 2,000 residents.
Median Home Price: Around $130,000.
Highlights: Jacksboro is a small town with a quiet, rural vibe. It’s an affordable place to live with access to outdoor activities like hiking and fishing, especially at Norris Dam State Park. It’s a great choice for those looking for a more rural lifestyle.
Location: About 20 miles north of Knoxville, in Union County.
Population: Around 2,500 residents.
Median Home Price: Around $200,000.
Highlights: Maynardville offers a peaceful, rural lifestyle with beautiful views of Norris Lake and access to outdoor recreation. It's a low-cost area that appeals to those seeking more land and space, along with a strong sense of community.
Location: About 25 miles north of Knoxville.
Population: Approximately 1,500 residents.
Median Home Price: Around $180,000.
Highlights: Rocky Top, formerly known as Lake City, is a small, rural town with easy access to Norris Lake, making it ideal for boating and fishing. It offers a peaceful, tight-knit community with a slower pace of life.
Location: About 15 miles north of Knoxville.
Population: Around 3,000 residents.
Median Home Price: Around $210,000.
Highlights: Heiskell offers a rural lifestyle with easy access to both Knoxville and outdoor activities around Norris Lake. It’s a quiet area, ideal for those looking for larger plots of land and a more secluded atmosphere.
Location: About 15 miles east of Knoxville.
Population: Around 3,000 residents.
Median Home Price: Approximately $170,000.
Highlights: Mascot is a peaceful, rural community offering affordable housing options. It’s a quiet area, perfect for those seeking more space and a serene living environment while still being close enough to Knoxville for work and leisure.
Resources to Help Home Buyers
