You once were in the housing market as a buyer, but now it is time for you to re-enter as a seller. The perspective will be different, and there are some things that you should know before you put the “for sale” sign in your front yard.
Step 1: Real Estate Agent
Selling your home in the quickest, most efficient, way requires the assistance of a seasoned real estate agent. They have years of experience and knowledge to guide you along the right path. Your real estate agent will be your representative when it comes time to talk offers with potential buyers, so make sure you choose an agent who has your best interest at heart.
Step 2: Show Ready
Once you’ve put your house on the market, you want to make sure that your home is clean and ready for showings to potential buyers at all times. Pack away excess belongings and put away family mementos. Organize your pantry and closet spaces to allow buyers to see exactly how much space is offered inside without distraction by your items. It is also a good idea to replace some of your more eclectic furniture and decor pieces for ones that will appeal to a wider audience. Buyers don’t care about how you live in your space as much as they want to envision their belongings inside, so you want to make the process of imagination as easy as possible for them.
Step 3: Asking Price
Deciding what to price your home so that it sells quickly but for the best return, can be a challenge. Talk with your real estate agent about the value of your property based on amenities, home size, location, and local market comparisons. With that information in hand, you’ll be able to set the best-asking price for your home. Be prepared for the actual selling price you receive to be different from your asking price. Sometimes buyers are not willing to pay your asking price and will offer a lower amount. Other times, many buyers will be interested which can significantly increase your profits. Take those scenarios into consideration when selecting the number for your asking price.
Step 4: Marketing
The key to making sure your home sells without delay is to reach out to as many potential buyers as possible, as quickly as possible. Thankfully you have a world of technology to aid you in this regard. With the assistance of your agent, you can put together a marketing plan to make sure that your home stands out against similar properties in the area. You’ll want to discuss photographs of your home, staging, open house dates, and how you’ll market your home online.
Step 5: Inspections and Contracts
Once a buyer decides to make an offer on your home, they will submit paperwork to your real estate agent. Should you choose to accept the offer, you’re now in the final stages of selling your property. There will be an agreement between you and the buyer laying out specific terms of the sale that you both will sign. Their mortgage lender will likely order several inspections and an appraisal of your home. If all goes smoothly with the inspections, you’ll be handing over the keys in no time! Issues with the inspections delay your timeline. But, your real estate agent will be there to guide you over the bumps as smoothly as possible.
Step 6: Closing Time
It’s time to celebrate! Once closing day arrives, all fees are paid, and the final paperwork is signed. You have officially sold your home and are ready to hand over the keys to your buyer.
Your real estate agent is the best source of information about the local community and real estate topics. Give Erica Stietenroth a call today at 979-574-4909 to learn more about local areas, discuss selling a house, or tour available homes for sale.
