As summer winds down and cooler weather makes its way to Mid-Missouri, the real estate market enters a new season, too. Fall buyers are often thinking beyond summer curb appeal and backyard.
New Year, New Home: Checklists for Buyers and Sellers
Dated: January 16 2025
Views: 156
The start of a new year is the perfect time for fresh beginnings. If buying or selling a home is on your list of resolutions, you’re in the right place! We’ve crafted checklists to help both buyers and sellers prepare for this exciting journey. Let’s get 2025 off to a fabulous start by making your home dreams come true.
For Buyers: Your New Year’s Home-Buying Checklist
Ready to find your dream home? Here’s a step-by-step guide to make your buying process a breeze:
Get Your Finances in Order:
Check your credit score and report.
Set a realistic budget and determine your down payment.
Get pre-approved for a mortgage to show sellers you’re serious.
Make a Wishlist:
Identify your must-haves (like a big backyard or a gourmet kitchen).
Decide on deal-breakers (like a long commute or lack of storage).
Think about location: schools, commute, and amenities.
Research the Market:
Familiarize yourself with the local real estate trends.
Explore neighborhoods online and in person.
Find an Amazing Agent:
Work with an experienced real estate agent (like the pros at House of Brokers) who knows the market and can guide you every step of the way.
Start Touring Homes:
Attend open houses and schedule showings.
Take notes and pictures to remember the features you love.
Make an Offer:
Be ready to act fast in a competitive market.
Your agent will help you craft a winning offer.
Close the Deal:
Schedule inspections and appraisals.
Review closing documents carefully.
Celebrate your new home with a housewarming party!
For Sellers: Your New Year’s Home-Selling Checklist
Selling your home in 2025? Get it market-ready with these tips:
Declutter and Depersonalize:
Go through each room and donate, sell, or store items you no longer need.
Remove personal photos and quirky decor to help buyers envision themselves in the space.
Deep Clean Everything:
Clean carpets, windows, and baseboards.
Pay extra attention to kitchens and bathrooms.
Consider hiring professional cleaners for a top-to-bottom shine.
Make Repairs and Updates:
Fix leaky faucets, squeaky doors, and chipped paint.
Update outdated fixtures for a fresh look.
Consider small upgrades, like new hardware or fresh landscaping, to boost curb appeal.
Stage Your Home:
Rearrange furniture to highlight your home’s best features.
Add fresh flowers or neutral accents to make the space inviting.
Maximize natural light by opening curtains and blinds.
Price It Right:
Work with your real estate agent to determine a competitive listing price.
Research comparable homes in your area.
Market Like a Pro:
Use professional photography to showcase your home online.
List your property on multiple platforms to reach more buyers.
Host open houses and virtual tours.
Be Ready to Show:
Keep your home clean and tidy for last-minute showings.
Leave during tours to let buyers explore comfortably.
Seal the Deal:
Review offers with your agent.
Be prepared to negotiate.
Celebrate selling your home and moving on to your next adventure!
Let’s Make Your Home Goals Happen
Whether you’re buying or selling, the new year is full of opportunities to make your real estate dreams come true. At House of Brokers Realty, we’re here to help every step of the way. Let’s get 2025 started on the right foot—reach out to us today and take the first step toward your new home journey!
Alana Nyhart
I serve as the Director of Marketing for Weichert, Realtors® – House of Brokers, where I lead our brand strategy, agent marketing, company events, and community engagement efforts. My passio....
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These Properties are provided courtesy of Broker Reciprocity/IDX Lake Of The Ozarks Board of REALTORS® and Bagnell Dam Association of REALTORS® MLS, Inc. Multiple Listing Service. This information is copyrighted by The Lake Of The Ozarks Board of REALTORS® and The Bagnell Dam Association of REALTORS® MLS, Inc. Multiple Listing Service. Information is being provided for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties
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The territorial jurisdiction of the Jefferson City Area Board of REALTORS®, Inc. includes Cole, Callaway, Moniteau, and Osage Counties. This representation is based in whole or part on data supplied by the Multiple Listing Service of the Jefferson City Area Board of REALTORS®, Inc. Neither the Board nor its MLS guarantees or is any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by the Board or its MLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.
Heart Of Missouri Board Of REALTORS® All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be
All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. The data relating
All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. The data relating
All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. The data relating
