Emilie Cole’s Ultimate Guide to Selling Your Home in Falmouth Maine

Emilie Cole  |  April 30, 2023

Emilie Cole’s Ultimate Guide to Selling Your Home in Falmouth Maine

Known as a welcoming and independent community, Falmouth is an attractive Maine town of around 11,000 residents just north of Portland. The town has plenty of activities and events to bring people together, creating a friendly and vibrant community atmosphere. The area also has beautiful beaches, coastal walks, and stunning scenery. With all Falmouth has to offer, it is no wonder that the community has become a popular destination for home buyers.

However, before you put up that "For Sale" sign on your Falmouth, Maine, home, you need to familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of the local real estate landscape. The following home selling tips will take you through the entire process of selling your home, from the right time to list your property and how to set a reasonable asking price to preparing and staging your home to appeal to potential buyers. Read on to learn more about how to sell your Falmouth, Maine, home.

Picking the best time to list your Falmouth home

Knowing when to list your home can significantly affect how quickly it sells and at what price. Typically the best months to list your home in Falmouth are April and May. This is when the weather starts to warm up, and buyers are actively looking for new properties. During the summer, the number of active listings tends to decrease, making listing your property less advantageous. 

You should also consider planning around the timing of special events or festivals in the area, as these events may both encourage and discourage some home buyers. At the same time, your personal goals and timeline may also restrict the timing of your sale. However, there may be other options, such as renting the home out temporarily. Of course, the most important thing to do is speak with an experienced real estate agent with up-to-date advice and insights.

Setting an appropriate asking price

One of the most crucial steps in selling your Falmouth, Maine, home is setting a suitable asking price. You will need to account for current market trends, any improvements you have made to your home, and how much you need to net from the sale. 

To accurately assess your home's value, connect with a real estate agent with extensive local market knowledge. They can help you set the right price for your home and create a comprehensive marketing plan. Moreover, working with a real estate agent can also help you negotiate a contract that meets your timeline, price range, and lifestyle demands.

Getting your home ready to sell

Stage your home's interior to enhance its appeal

Staging the interior of your home is a vital step in getting it ready to sell. Staging can significantly impact your home's sale price, making it more attractive to potential buyers. You will want to declutter, rearrange furniture and decor, and add appealing pieces to improve the look of each room. Every detail matters when buyers are looking at a home, and even the most minor issue may be the deciding factor in the offer they make. 

Make sure to take the time to deep clean and make any necessary repairs. Adding fresh coats of paint and investing in new furniture or accessories can also enhance your home's appeal. When it comes to color schemes, neutral colors help create an inviting atmosphere. In contrast, pops of color can also add vibrancy to any space. The key is to ensure that every color you choose is intentional and serves a purpose. 

Lighting is also vital when staging your home. Maximize natural light and use task lighting to highlight specific areas of each room. Just as with every other aspect of your staging, make intentional lighting choices. With each lighting choice you make, consider how the space can be used and the features you wish to highlight.

Update your landscaping and outdoor spaces

When preparing to sell your home, ensuring that your entire property is in its best condition is vital. One key area to focus on is your landscaping and outdoor spaces. Updating and enhancing these areas can add value to your home and create a more inviting environment for potential buyers.

Consider adding features such as walkways or patios to create an attractive and functional outdoor space. Landscaping can also provide more privacy and add color to your yard. At the same time, landscaping is another area where intentional lighting choices can also create a significant impact. However, outdoor lighting requires a balance. Too much lighting or improperly-placed lights can make the exterior uninviting and harsh at night. Properly balanced lighting will help to make the outdoors more inviting for evening activities and entertaining guests.

Hire professional to showcase your home

Hiring professionals to help prepare and showcase your home can make all the difference. Professional cleaners can provide a detailed and thorough cleaning that regular household cleaners may not be able to achieve. An experienced real estate photographer and videographer can ensure your home looks its best to potential buyers. Further, professionals specializing in real estate and showcasing homes for sale will already know the details they need to pay attention to.

Finding professionals with the right experience and expertise for the job is crucial. Make sure to research professionals in your area and read reviews to ensure you are getting the best possible services. Your agent will likely be able to recommend companies that can help in cleaning, staging, and creating visuals of your home. As professionals themselves, they already have established relationships in the community, so do not hesitate to ask for their advice.

Negotiating with buyers

Negotiating the sale of your home can be nerve-racking, particularly as you are already dealing with the stress of finding a new home and moving. A good negotiating strategy is essential to ensuring you are satisfied with the outcome, as is having a real estate professional looking out for your best interests. Negotiating a contract that meets your timeline, price range, and lifestyle is crucial, and knowing your non-negotiable terms should be a top priority. You will also need to have a plan for how to respond to counteroffers as they arise.

If you are struggling to secure a deal, you can propose creative solutions such as rent-to-own schemes or seller financing. You may also want to consider concessions such as repairs or touch-ups. No matter what, you will want professional advice from an experienced real estate agent before you agree to any offers or concessions. The right agent will help you navigate tricky clauses and help protect your interests while securing the best deal for you.

Choosing a real estate agent

Choosing the right real estate agent is the most critical part of selling a home. When picking an agent, first and foremost, check if they have experience selling Falmouth properties. Once you have narrowed the list, take some time to interview each agent and discuss their expertise, track record, and marketing strategies for selling your property.

An agent such as Emilie Cole will set you at ease with their extensive market knowledge and familiarity with the local area. They will guide you through every step of selling your home and ensure you understand the associated costs, such as commission fees, advertising costs, and any other expenses you may have to bear.

*Header photo courtesy of Emilie Cole



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