Tips to
help you sell your home:
-
Planning Ahead...READ
MORE
-
Choose an Agent VS. For Sale by Owner...READ
MORE
-
Pricing the Value of Your House...READ
MORE
-
Preparing Your Home...READ
MORE
Plan Ahead
If you are planning on
purchasing a new home in the near future, it is a good idea to
place your home on the market as far in advance as possible. If
you wait to place your home on the market until after you have
found a new one, you may end up paying two mortgages until you
find a buyer for your home.
Also, consider the
fact that closing and moving dates will need to be coordinated.
More than likely, the buyer of your property is selling their
current home as well. Make sure that all parties involved commit
to a specific time period for the closing dates. Put your
closing date agreement in writing and negotiate monetary
penalties for failure to comply.
As you begin to think
about looking for a new home to purchase, you may also want to
start preparing your current residence to be placed on the
market. Start cleaning out attics and basements of any unwanted
or unused items. By doing this early on, it will save you time
when beginning to pack for your big move.
BACK TO TOP
Choosing An Agent
Many homeowners decide
to sell their property on their own to save themselves the cost
of commissions paid out to a real estate agent. Commissions are
generally around 5% or more of the selling price. You may want
to consider, however, the costs you will incur to market your
home yourself. You will be responsible for placing ads and
creating flyers for your house. Also, you will have to devote
much time to answering phone inquiries about your home and
showing the property. Consider whether or not you will feel
comfortable showing your home to strangers who show up
unannounced.
Should you decide to
sell through a licensed real estate agent, ask your friends and
family for recommendations. Interview several agents before
choosing the one you wish to hire. Find an agent that you trust
and feel comfortable with.
Below are some of the
advantages of working with a licensed real estate agent.
The seller’s agent
will:
· Help you to
establish a fair asking price.
· Handle all
advertising and marketing of your home.
· Schedule
appointments and show your home without your presence.
· Market your home to
other real estate offices and agents.
· Represent you in the
negotiations with the prospective buyer.
· Guide you through
the closing process.
BACK TO TOP
Setting a
Price for Your Home
Once you have decided
to sell, the next big step is to determine what the fair asking
price should be for your home. Try to avoid overpricing your
property; this may cause your home to remain on the market for
an extended period of time. Instead, you should price your home
so that you get a fair return on your investment and in a
reasonable time period.
If you have chosen to
use a real estate agent to represent your interests, he/she can
guide you in setting the price at just the right amount. The
agent, or a licensed appraiser, is able to complete a
Comparative Market Analysis on your home. A CMA compares your
home with similar properties that have sold within a specified
period of time. This will enable you to set a comparable price
to others that have been on the market.
Other factors to
consider when setting a price for your home:
· Economic conditions
of your community
· The supply and
demand ratio in your local housing market
· The location of your
property (school districts and subdivisions)
· Your home’s special
features (garage, pool, fireplace, in-law or guest quarters)
· The age and
condition of your home
· Seasonal influences
(the housing market may be stronger during certain times of the
year).
BACK TO TOP
Preparing
Your Home to Sell
There are many minor
things you can do to your home to enhance its marketability.
Remember, you want your home to make a great first impression to
a potential buyer. Spend some time prior to placing your home on
the market cleaning out storage spaces, closets, and cabinets.
Remove any excess clutter from your home as well. You want the
prospective buyer to remember the architectural features of the
house and not the furnishings you have in it. The potential
buyer needs to be able to envision their furnishings in your
home.
Below is a list of
things you can do to increase the value of your home:
Consider Curb Appeal:
It is estimated that
more than 50% of homes are sold before the buyers even get out
of their cars. Stand across the street from your house and
review the curb appeal.
· Keep the lawn mowed
and raked, shrubs trimmed, and the sidewalk swept.
· Plant shrubs or
install fencing to block unpleasant views.
· Clean the exterior
of your home. Clean oil stains from the driveway and garage.
· Repair and/or paint
exterior siding, trim, gutters, shutters, glazing, and window
frames.
· Repair or replace
the street numbers on the house.
· Make sure all
exterior lighting is working.
Garages, Carports, and Sheds:
· Replace burned out
lights.
· Clear away cobwebs.
· Keep areas clean and
uncluttered. Organize and put away tools.
· Lubricate, adjust,
or repair garage door.
Interior Maintenance:
On the inside, remove
as much clutter as possible. Hire professionals to do a deep
cleaning. Cleanliness is a sign to buyers that the home has been
well cared for.
· Clean and vacuum
carpets. Replace worn carpet and use area rugs as needed.
· Apply a fresh coat
of paint.
· Wash curtains and
draperies.
· Clean ceiling fans
and light fixtures. Check for cobwebs in all corners.
· Clean and organize
all closets and cabinets.
· Lubricate window
slides; make sure doors close smoothly.
Kitchens and Bathrooms:
Overall, kitchens and
bathrooms should be spotless. These two rooms alone can sell a
home.
· Clean all appliances
inside and out.
· Replace all light
bulbs (appliances included).
· Clean floors and
light fixtures.
· Deodorize disposal,
dishwasher, and refrigerator. Neutralize odors and clean all
mold and mildew.
· Repair leaky
faucets. Make sure toilet flushes properly.
· Test all electrical
outlets.
· Unclutter counters
and cabinets.
· Clean shower door or
replace curtain. Remove soap residue and lime deposits from
sink, shower, and bathtub.
· Put out fresh
towels.
Create a Pleasant Atmosphere:
Overall, make sure
your home exudes an inviting atmosphere. You want the potential
buyer to have a pleasant experience visiting your home so that
they remember the positive attributes that your home possesses.
· Turn on all lights.
Open drapes to allow natural light as well.
· Light candles and
put out fresh flowers.
· Play quiet
background music.
· Turn on the air
conditioner or heater so that your home is at a pleasant
temperature.
· Be absent during
showings and keep pets outside.
BACK TO TOP
