So you're thinking about selling your home?
Houses don't sell themselves. Realtors do!
Whether you are upgrading, downsizing, leaving town or whatever else has you needing to sell your home, making the decision to sell your home is a big one.
So where do you start?
I'm sure the idea of attempting 'For Sale By Owner' has crossed your mind, but would you willing change the brakes on your vehicle if you've never even changed a windshield wiper? And would you cut your own hair just to save a few bucks?
Do yourself a favor and hire a Realtor. Yes, just like when you buy a home, finding a Realtor that you jive with is really important; so don't quickly commit to your spouse's cousin's old roommate's Realtor; ask around and interview a handful Realtors. Be sure to ask the agent about their statistics, what's their list-price-to-sales-price ratio, how they plan to communicate with your during the process, are they available when you need them to be, what's their marketing strategy for your home? Because your home and needs are unique, don't settle for a one-size-fits-all approach. And just like when you are buying, your Realtor should be your number one advocate, working hard to bring you top dollar for your home.
As your Realtor, I am committed to, first and foremost, making sure you understand the home-selling process. That, along with providing you a customized marketing strategy, strong negotiation skills and knowledge of the market, I am confident I can provide you with a smooth transaction with a positive outcome.
What does the house selling process look like?
Hire a Realtor.
A listing agent to be more exact. Some agents work only with buyers and some specifically with sellers. Make sure your Realtor has selling experience.
Set a price.
Your agent will provide you with a Comparative Market Analysis, which includes proof of comparable sales in the area. Price is key. Overpricing a home can sometimes be detrimental to the sale of your home; pricing too high can deter buyers from even looking, yet price reductions and homes sitting on the market for weeks can lead buyers to think something is wrong with the home. Trust an experienced agent to assess your home's current value.
Prepare your home.
Repair. Neutralize. Declutter. Clean. Stage.
Whether is chalking the driveway, replacing an outdated light fixture, servicing your HVAC or painting over little Susie's bubblegum pink bedroom walls, your agent will be able to elaborate on each of these based on your home's current condition.
Market the home.
Your home is unique and your agent's marketing plan should be, too. Photos, videos, social media, open houses. Your agent should be thinking "outside of the box."
Open for business.
Once your home is "on the market," let the showings begin! Other licensed agents will now have access to show your home to potential buyers. But before each showing, be sure to pack up the family (pets included!) and leave the house sparkling clean - and please don't leave candles lit, it's just not safe.
Offer and negotiations.
Whether it is multiple competitive offers on the first day or a lousy offer weeks after being on the market, any offer means a buyer is interested in your home. And with every offer, your agent should be negotiating the best price and terms for you!
Inspections, appraisal and clean title.
In most cases, the buyer will request to have a home inspection done by a licensed inspector - on their dime. Inspectors look for defects in and outside of the home. Buyers then have the opportunity to request the sellers to make repairs based on the inspector's report. This is another time that your agent will negotiate the best outcome for you, the seller.
As part of the buyer's mortgage process, the lender will request a home appraisal, which confirms that the purchase price matches market value; depending on the buyer's loan type, the appraiser may also inspect for certain safety deficiencies.
While all this is going on, the title company will get to work, making sure there are no liens on the property, allowing the seller to hand over a clean title.
Packing and CLOSING DAY!
Hopefully you've started packing before closing day....
As the seller, you will actually head to the title company about a week before closing to sign-off on the closing paperwork. And come closing day, once you've completely moved out and thoroughly cleaned the house (yes, those dust bunnies that have been hiding under your bed all those years need to be vacuumed up), the proceeds check is all yours. Congratulations!