3 Basic Steps to Sell Your Home
Selling your home will include a ton of paperwork and a long list of “to-do’s”. Ideally, the entire selling process will be much easier with a trusted real estate agent by your side. If you are planning to sell your home, here are the three fundamental things that sum up the whole process:
Prepare It.
A house that has been lived in for years is bound to be considered a fixer-upper. That homey ambiance that you have enjoyed for so long may not be as appealing to prospective buyers. Armed with a home inspector, buyers will always pinpoint the areas that needed fixing or updating.
It pays to be a few steps ahead and hire professionals to check and repair key areas of the house. Ensure that both exteriors and interiors are in great shape. Also, check if the electrical connections and HVAC systems are working properly. Of course, a fresh coat of neutral-colored paint and a beautiful curb appeal will make your home stand out from other listings.
Compare your house to the similar properties sold in your location. Take note of its selling features to find out if yours looks a bit outdated. A remodeled kitchen, a renovated bathroom, or refurbished flooring are some examples of upgrades that can increase the marketability and value of your home.
List It.
90% of US homeowners hire a real estate agent to sell their home, so you better get a good one to make your life easier. A seasoned agent will ensure that your house is in tiptop condition before listing it for sale. Your agent can help you determine the current market price for your home, based on the comparables in your area. The right price will bring you faster offers, so try not to list your home too high or too low.
With a trusted agent working by your side, your house will be heavily marketed on MLS, social media, and other advertising channels. He/she will screen prospects and will only show your home to serious and qualified buyers.
Sell It.
Generally, the first offer, no matter how tempting, is usually not the best offer. This is where the agent’s expertise comes in. From attracting buyers to handling contract negotiations, your agent will be your guide during the selling process.
There is more to see beyond that pre-approval letter. The buyer must be financially ready to pay the down payment and closing costs, which ideally should already be in escrow. Your agent will help you determine a strong offer and understand the terms and contingencies in the sales contract. Your agent will also spare you from the emotional stress of counter-offers, ensuring that you will get the best possible price for your home.
Seasoned agents communicate well and consistently ask for updates from the buyer’s agent and lender. Upon the lender’s signal to close the transaction, your agent will now coordinate with you and the title company and schedule a closing date.
On the closing day, you are required to bring the keys and relevant documents that will be handed over to the buyer. Upon signing of all the paperwork, the lender will now release the funds and you will receive the payment for your home.
According to the statistics gathered by the NAR, it takes an average of four to six months to sell a home. However, it all depends on how well the house was advertised and priced. With a competent local agent, the house may even be sold in just a matter of weeks.
If you’re selling or looking to buy a home in Bryan County OK, we would be glad to assist you. Call or email today.
Sources:
https://www.thebalance.com/info-for-before-you-list-your-home-1798974
https://www.zillow.com/sellers-guide/choose-right-real-estate-agent/
http://time.com/money/collection-post/2803544/should-hire-real-estate-agent-to-sell/
https://www.araglegal.com/individuals/learning-center/topics/home-and-property/selling-your-house-six-steps
https://www.coldwellbanker.com/Coldwell-Banker-Brokers-of-the-Valley-11107c/Tracy-Warr-426331a/blog/selling-home-7/90-american-homeowners-hire-qualified-agent-0-3387