Managing expectations can be one of the most challenging aspects of the buying or selling process of a home. It’s important to know market conditions make big changes very quickly, resulting in varying closing times and changes in property value that can happen over the course of just a few months or even days.

The best way to build realistic expectations is to eliminate speculation and be as educated as possible about what you’re trying to do by consulting with professionals who are active in the real estate space. This may include speaking with realtor about real-time market dynamics, inspectors about potential problems with a home, contractors about real quotes for work on a home, etc.

  When entering into the market as a seller, there is no question that the goal is to sell for the maximum value within the most reasonable amount of time. Some of the first things to consider are the factors that limit the value of the home as it is or reasons why homes tend to stay on the market beyond the comparative norm. These factors could include unknown liens, solar leases or outdated features of the home.

 These are excellent examples that illustrate why hiring a competent, licensed real estate agent can be invaluable. Hiring a real estate agent means you get guidance on how to navigate the potential negatives you face while also providing value by accessing their personal connections and listing your property on the Multiple Listing Service.

  It can be very easy to get caught up with the notion of achieving a higher reward for making improvements on a property when looking to sell within the near future. However, if improvements are made without the guidance of a professional you could be making an unnecessary improvement, which would be a complete loss, or an improvement that you won’t get a full return on.

  The best thing you can do is consult a real estate agent or an appraiser. These professionals see the most houses in your area that are in the active market, and can tell you what objectively adds value or lines up with the latest trends in the homes that sell for the most money and/or sell the quickest.

  Now that you’re ready to put your home on the market, its time to consider how you’d like it to be received by the public. This means making the best first impression. After all, to list your home, taking pictures of your home would be considered to be essential.

  This means you should expect the minimum to list your home, to expect top dollar, would be to clean inside an out, ensuring the property is free from debris. The next step is determining whether it would be best if the home is vacant, staged or lived in while its listed. Ask your Agent which is best, the answer could be different depending on your local area or the market practices at the time.

When is the best time to start working toward your goals? First, it’s important to understand that the overall “big picture” condition of the market at any given time is largely speculative. This is why, when you’re considering entering the market, it’s always best to first educate yourself about specifics using professionals before coming to preconceived conclusions. Successfully navigating the nuance of the real estate market, either buying or selling, is how even in a “bad market” you can accomplish your goals.

This is why it’s so important to use experienced, educated and licensed real estate agents as a source of information about current market dynamics and as a hub for professional contacts, inspection, appraisal etc.