It is evident that we are experiencing a seller’s market. If you have been wanting to sell your property and are ready to make “the next move,” now is the time! Inventory is low, and there aren’t enough houses for all the buyers out there. This is also the time to take advantage of low mortgage rates. If you have decided to list your home, you will be better off considering the following:
Choose the right REALTOR®
It is important for you to choose an agent based on the following skills: negotiating ability, market knowledge, experience, and problem solving. More importantly, your agent must be ethical and uphold high values so that your interests are protected at all times. Ask for references or look at testimonials.
Timing
It is not news that Spring is the best time of the year for real estate.
Families want to move into their new home right before the next school year starts. This causes buyers to start looking for homes during Spring so that they can work on moving arrangements during the Summer and be in their home by the next school year.
Professional photos show better outside during Spring than if you are photographing during Fall or Winter.
Buyers are more likely to fall in love with the neighborhood when they can walk around and see the everyday activity.
Not all agents offer marketing costs included as part of their fee. Marketing a house typically involves hiring stagers and photographers. It also involves costs associated with advertising the house thru marketing brochures and other mailings. Where many agents charge for these additional services, I include this as part of my fee.
Inspections
Generally, buyers are the ones that get home inspections done once they go under contract. However, if you are about to list your home and have concerns about the condition of your house, it may be beneficial to arrange a prelisting inspection.
Numbers are everything
As your REALTOR®, I will provide you with a comparative market analysis, an estimate of your closing costs, and other typical costs during the process.
- What are the comparable sales?
- How much do you owe on your mortgage?
- Do you need to net a particular amount?
- How much would it cost you to make the improvements / repairs that need to be done?
Staging
De-cluttering and staging in my opinion is 50% of the sale, the other 50% is pricing the property correctly. As your real estate agent, I will bring a professional to assist in any staging than needs to be done for your house.
I hope these are helpful tips for the sale of your house! Have any questions? Please do not hesitate to contact me.
