Home prices reached record highs in 2021 due to a shortage of homes and historically low mortgage rates. Listing a house in a seller's market is an exciting time as you will likely receive many offers that drive up the sales price. Our agents have compiled the best tips to get your home ready for the 2022 real estate market.

1. List Your Home Early
   Real estate experts predict a year of rising home prices in 2022. Many buyers want to lock in the record-low mortgage interest rates as soon as possible, and you can expect a lot of buyer activity well into the year. If you're considering selling, you can list your home as early as the second week of January 2022. Also, there's a chance that mortgage rates may increase, which is more reason to sell as early as possible.
   
   
2. Go Easy on Renovations
   Typically, home sellers renovate and stage their homes to attract buyers. However, buyers are willing to overlook minor defects and outdated interiors due to a shortage of available homes. For example, worn carpeting won't discourage potential buyers from considering your home, but new carpeting would sell it faster. Cheap upgrades you can make include:

• • Clean every room from top to bottom, and ensure that kitchen appliances are spotless even if they're outdated. The bathrooms should also sparkle, with extra attention given to the sink drain and corners of the tub.
  • Declutter and donate, sell or throw anything you don't need. Pack away seasonal items, games, most décor, and family photos.
  • Add plants and flowers in different areas in the home, such as near the front door.
  • Paint the walls a neutral color as people's tastes in colors are highly personal.

3. Ensure You Have a Place to Go
   If you price and market your property well, it will sell faster than you expect. Thus, prepare for your next move as soon as you decide to sell your current property. You can rent for a while as you wait for the real estate market to balance out and become more favorable for buyers.
   
   Another tip is to negotiate a seller-rent back, where you stay in the house as a renter after selling. If you don't have a residence to go after selling, reconsider trading in your home's comfort for an opportunity to cash in on the seller's market.
   
   
4. Set a Strategic Price
   The high home prices may tempt you to overprice your property. However, buyers and their real estate agents have access to information on comparable homes and can predict your home's value even before they see it. An overpriced house will likely stay longer in the market, even if you bring down the price, because many buyers assume that something is wrong with it.
   
   The best strategy is to price between $10,000 and $15,000 under fair market value to create bidding wars. You will likely get a quick sale at or over the listed amount by reducing the price.
   
   
5. Consult a Professional
   Some homeowners opt to sell their homes independently and make many mistakes in the process. Keep in mind that selling your house is an emotional and stressful affair. An agent keeps you calm as you navigate the paperwork and review offers.
   
   Professionals also help market your home to attract many buyers. Also, many homebuyers don't know the strategies to sell a house profitable, and they end up underpricing or overpricing. Agents will negotiate the offers and ensure you make the most money out of the sale.

Contact us to get the best value for your home in the shortest time. If you're looking into Bakersfield homes for sale, we're here to help.