What you should know before selling your house.
From finding the right Realtor to represent you, to surviving showings and open houses. There's a lot of things you should know and consider when it comes the time to sell your home. Here's a list of things every seller should know before listing their house on the market.
1. AVOID THE URGE TO OVERPRICE YOUR HOME.
Sure, we understand you want to get the most you can for your home, but always look at your home objectively. Of course, you do not want to price too low, If there is interest your buyers will raise the price for you. If the home is overpriced from the get go, it could sit on the market for months and start to “stale.” On the other hand, pricing at, or slightly below market value will generate vital attention from buyers during the first couple of weeks after listing, which is usually when sellers see the most activity.
2. Dot't demean the agent by haggling to cut her commission.
We all are entitled to reasonable competition. Remember the agent has worked with many who took up his time without any return. So it balances out. Rather insist that the agent you list with works diligently to get you offers. Let her outline what she will do and how she will show you that she will keep her promise.
The agent you list with promotes your home to hundreds of other agents. Agents will work harder to sell a property where they are adequately compensated.
3. MAKE SURE YOU AND YOUR AGENT ARE ON THE SAME PAGE WHEN IT COMES TO THE WORTH OF YOUR HOUSE AND HOW IT WILL BE MARKETED.
You and your agent should be in agreement on the price the home will be listed at, so if the range she/he suggests doesn’t match the one in your head, don’t be hesitate about asking for an explanation.
As important, of course, is how she/he will promote your home. Figure out if professional pictures will be taken, what places the ads will be placed and if your agent will hold open houses and advice other agents to bring in some buyers.
Asking the right questions will tell you the resources the agent is willing to use, it will also give you an idea on how they work and how excited/committed they are about your home.
4. How you show your house is all important.
On top of the scheduled open houses, there will be (If the house was priced right) frequent calls from agents who want to show your home to prospective buyers, frequently on short notice. And every single time, your place has to be looking its best. For you this means that, until you sell your home, you are responsible for keeping it spotless 24/7.
No leaving mail out or leaving your shoes out. You have to think about all those little things and fix them when you come home. And on weekends, if someone wants to come over for a showing, you must be ready to just get up and leave.
5. Keep your cool with buyers.
Even if you think your house is perfect and it has been good enough for you all these years, buyers may think otherwise, and they are not shy about letting you know!
Perhaps they didn’t like the paint color in the master bedroom or the tile in the kitchen. The location of the inground pool. Maybe they are bitching about the house not having four full bathrooms. They always have something to say.
6. SELLING YOUR HOUSE COULD TAKE A WHILE.
Of course, you want to unload your house as quickly as possible, but hold your horses in. The truth is, most of the time, the process is sell your house fast, is not so fast. It may take a while before offers come in and even longer before anything is negotiated. And THEN there's the closing. If the buyer is getting a mortgage, it could take them up to 45 days after contracts are signed to secure a mortgage commitment from the bank!
A sharp agent will help you avoid so many pitfalls that can come up.
7 EXPECT A LOT OF "TIRE KICKERS".
Open houses are great to bring potential buyers, without a doubt, but they also bring many curious people who aren’t even interested in a new home. Nosy Neighbors, passer buyers, teenagers interested in the snacks... It’s hard not to be excited about a filled guest book after an open house, but keep in mind that not everyone on the list is serious! A resourceful agent will steer you comfortably through these times.
8. GIVE YOURSELF SOME TIME TO GET YOUR HOME “MARKET READY”.
Before thinking on putting your house on the market, take a moment to walk the home and try to see it through a possible buyer’s eyes. Then give yourself at least a month to paint over any unappealing colored walls, do a deep clean of the entire house, get rid of clutter and personal objects and make any necessary improvements that could upgrade curb appeal and ultimately affect the asking price.
. A neat, organized space is always welcoming for buyers, since it facilitates for them to envision themselves in your home.
9. TRY NOT TO HIRE YOUR FRIEND AS A REALTOR.
Now this can go both ways, it really all depends on who you are dealing with, some times it can work great, some times it may not. You see, selling your house can be a long, and annoying process, and you should feel comfortable to speak up without having to worry about putting your relationship in jeopardy.
Conclusion. Let us help you through this life changing experience. Call me today.
A most satisfying and enriching experience awaits you as you experience your Carson Real Estate professional helping you sell your home. It is just not a sale. It is an adventure which is orchestrated to show your home's features and benefits so that many will want to present offers. You want an agent who will handle this delicate transition with care and competence. Call Bill today.
914-262-3441 Cell
homes@taiw.org