I've Lived in My Home for 30 Years. How Do I Even Begin to Sell It?

If you've lived in your home for 20, 30, 40 years—or even longer—the thought of selling can feel very different than simply putting a house on the market.

This is your home. It's where holidays happened, children grew up, projects were completed, closets filled up and decades of memories were made.

And now you may be wondering:

Where in the world do I even begin?

I'm Joanne Dal Santo, REALTOR®, SRES®, licensed in Illinois and Indiana. I help homeowners navigate not only the real estate side of selling a longtime home, but also the many decisions that come before the "For Sale" sign ever goes up.

First: You Don't Have to Do Everything at Once

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners can make is believing they need to completely empty, renovate and perfect their home before calling a REALTOR®.

You don't.

In fact, I would rather meet with you before you start spending money or making major decisions.

We can walk through your home together and determine what may be worth doing, what isn't necessary and what can wait.

Do I Need to Update My Home Before Selling?

Maybe—yet, probably not as much as you think.

If you've lived in your home for decades, some finishes may be older. That's okay.

The goal isn't necessarily to make your home look brand new. It's to determine how your home compares with today's competition and which improvements, if any, may help buyers recognize its value.

Sometimes fresh paint, professional cleaning, decluttering or replacing worn flooring can make a noticeable difference.

Other times my advice may simply be:

Don't spend the money.

What Am I Going to Do With Everything?

This is often the bigger question.

After decades in a home, belongings accumulate—and many of them have memories attached.

You don't have to decide the fate of everything in one weekend.

Start small. One cabinet. One closet. One room.

Items can gradually be divided into things you're keeping, giving to family, donating, selling or eventually discarding.

And when additional help is needed, we can discuss resources that may make the process easier.

Should I Sell First or Find My Next Home First?

There isn't one correct answer.

Your finances, timeline, destination and comfort level all matter.

Some homeowners want the security of knowing exactly where they're going before listing. Others need the proceeds from their current home before purchasing the next one.

We'll look at the entire picture and create a plan that makes sense for you.

What Is My Home Worth After All These Years?

Your home's value isn't determined by what you paid for it decades ago—or simply by an online estimate.

I'll look at recent comparable sales, current competition, condition, location, updates, lot characteristics and today's buyer demand to help you understand where your home may fit in the current market.

And there's no obligation to sell simply because we discuss its value.

Sometimes knowing your options is the first step.

What Does SRES® Mean?

SRES® stands for Seniors Real Estate Specialist®, a designation awarded by the National Association of REALTORS® to REALTORS® who have completed specialized education focused on the real estate needs of clients age 50+.

I am proud to have earned the SRES® designation, giving me additional training and insight to help clients navigate the unique decisions that can come with selling a longtime home and planning what comes next.

For homeowners considering downsizing, relocating, simplifying or transitioning from a longtime home, that additional knowledge can be particularly valuable. My goal is to help make the process feel manageable, informed and tailored to your individual needs.

You Don't Need to Have Everything Figured Out Before You Call Me

Maybe you're ready to sell this year.

Maybe you're thinking about next year.

Or maybe you've simply started wondering what the next chapter could look like.

That's enough.

We can start with a conversation and a walk through your home. No pressure to have the closets cleaned out. No expectation that you've already decided where you're going. And, certainly no requirement that everything be perfect.

We'll figure out the next steps together.

Joanne Dal Santo, REALTOR®, SRES®, SRS®, ABR®

You Can With Joanne!™

Licensed in Illinois & Indiana