How to Sell Your Home in NEPA: A Personalized Guide from Realtor Jon McLeod's Perspective

First let's talk about who’s selling? Maybe it’s you. Maybe it’s your neighbor down the street or your cousin who’s finally ready to move closer to family. Maybe an executor of an estate or empty nesters that's downsizing. The point is, selling a home means big life changes, and you want to do it right. Trust me, I’ve seen people get this wrong by skipping over the basics or rushing into things. Let’s not do that. When i says “the basics,” I'm referring to the fundamental steps you’d want to pay attention to, so you don’t get caught off guard. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Setting the right price: Understanding the local market to price your home competitively.

• Curb appeal: Ensuring the exterior of your home looks inviting.

• Preparing your home: Decluttering, cleaning, and making any necessary repairs.

• Good photos: Investing in professional photos to make a great first impression online.

• Flexible showings: Being ready to accommodate potential buyers’ schedules.

• Transparency: Being honest about any issues with the home to avoid future conflicts.

These basics help create a smooth selling process and make your property attractive to buyers. 

Now, what are we selling? Your home. And here’s the thing: Your home isn’t just another piece of property. It’s where you’ve had Sunday dinners, celebrated birthdays, and made countless memories. But when it comes to selling, we need to take off the rose-colored glasses and see it the way buyers will. Is the lawn neat? Are the rooms free of clutter? Have you patched up that little hole in the wall you’ve been ignoring? Keep in mind, buyers are looking for their dream home, not your to-do list.

Our region has a lot of amenities to offer that draw buyers to our area from other neighboring states. Whether it’s the hiking trails, fishing lakes, vibrant towns, or tight-knit communities, the opportunities are there. But the local market? It’s competitive. That means we need to position your home to stand out. And no, that doesn’t mean overpricing it. Trust me, we’ll talk more about that in a minute. Instead, we focus on showcasing what makes your location special. For instance, if your home is in Glenmaura, we’d highlight its proximity to Montage Mountain Ski Resort. If it’s in Wilkes-Barre, we’d emphasize the Mohegan Sun Arena and Casino. In Sweet Valley? Ricketts Glen State Park is a big draw. See where I’m going with this? 

When should you sell? Timing matters. The truth is the best time to sell is when you’re ready. That said, spring and early summer tend to attract more buyers. People love to move when the weather’s nice, and families often want to settle in before a new school year starts. But if you’re reading this in fall or winter, don’t panic. Homes sell year-round you just need the right strategy.

Okay, now let’s get to the how to make it all happen. First things first: The Price. It’s the first thing buyers filter for when browsing online and one of the top things on their minds when touring your open house. The right price can spark interest, but the wrong one? It can turn buyers away. I hear you guys, and I completely understand how natural it is to aim for the highest possible price, But overpricing? That can backfire, leaving your home sitting on the market too long. And the longer it sits, the less attention it gets, often leading to dreaded price reductions. Ain't nobody got time for that. My advice? Trust your agent’s expertise, they know your local market and what buyers are looking for.

Now the curb appeal. Picture this, a buyer pulls up to your house, and the first thing they see is an overgrown lawn and peeling paint. Not great, right? Now imagine a freshly mowed lawn, a clean front porch, and maybe some cheerful flowers. That’s a win. And no, you don’t need to spend thousands. A few simple updates can go a long way.

Inside, it’s all about decluttering and depersonalizing. Look, I get it, your collection of family photos and knickknacks is part of what makes your house a home. But buyers? They need to imagine their life there, not yours. Box up those personal items and keep things neutral and inviting.

And please, for the love of all things real estate, invest in good photos. I’m not talking about snapping a few pics on your phone, I’m talking about professional, high-quality photos that make your home look its best. Most buyers start their search online, so those photos are your home’s first impression. Avoid over-edited HDR photos, they don't look realistic and can be misleading, causing buyers to wonder what else you might be covering up.  

Here’s something else people don’t always think about: being flexible with showings. I get it, it’s inconvenient to have strangers walking through your house, especially on short notice. But the more accessible your home is, the more buyers will see it. And more buyers usually mean more offers. Pro-tip: Hosting multiple open houses during the first couple weeks of listing, this increases the chance of your home selling quickly.

Finally, let’s talk about honesty. If your home has issues and let’s be real, most homes do, it’s better to be upfront. Leaky faucet? Disclose it. Old roof? Mention it. Did repairs or upgrades? Highlight them.  Buyers appreciate transparency, and it saves everyone a lot of headaches down the line.

So, there you have it. Selling your home in NEPA isn’t about reinventing the wheel, it’s about doing the basics well and avoiding common mistakes. Keep it simple, stay focused, and remember you’ve got this. And if you’re ever feeling stuck, don’t hesitate to reach out. Sometimes, a little guidance is all you need to turn “overwhelmed” into “confident.”

Is this something you're planning to do soon, or are you just exploring possibilities right now? If you need any specific advice or tips about the NEPA market or anything else, I'm here for it.  Share this post to help others like that neighbor I mentioned before.