What are the eight steps to successful home selling? It seems like a lot of work, but in the end you’ll be glad that you followed it and got the most out of it. Here’s a look at all the steps:
Find the right listing agent or broker: Finding the perfect agent is critical to home-selling success. There are numerous different types, ranging from national to regional. Some will do an extensive screening of potential sellers, while others will simply do an online screening. Make sure you select an agent that is experienced and has a good reputation within the real estate community.
Be specific with your listing agent: It is imperative that your agent accurately states the asking price. This is not only to give the buyer a ballpark figure as to what they can afford, but also to inform them of any other fees that could be incurred before making a commitment to buy. A general contract should always be written, with all of the appropriate fine print for the selling process, and a listing agent should be prepared to read this thoroughly.
Take advantage of national association showings: With over 500 members nationwide, it is not at all uncommon for realtors to attend these meetings, which typically last a couple of days. At these national meetings, realtors can network, share ideas, and network among each other. They may even attend open houses and parties locally, which are key to good networking among agents. These shows are a fantastic source for agents to meet potential buyers and have them meet the specific needs of a local market.
Get your home ready for showings: Your home is your biggest investment, and it should be ready for viewings. It’s very important that you clean out all drawers, closets, etc. You should clean out closets and move all items out of the rooms that will most likely be shown. Make sure that your home is free of stains and damage. A little light cleaning can go a long way towards helping to make your home ready for showings.
Make sure that you don’t neglect minor repairs: Major repairs shouldn’t be ignored, even if they aren’t listed on your listing. Minor repairs such as leaky faucets, broken light bulbs, missing moldings, cracked foundation walls, damaged siding, broken floor boards, etc. should be repaired immediately. If you do not repair these problems at showings, buyers will make note of them and make an offer based upon their inspection. Also, these repairs will need to be taken care of before or after you sell your home. So, if you think that a simple fix is necessary, take care of it before you list your home.
Follow up with a qualified realtor: Even if you think that you have a great home that will attract a large number of buyers, potential buyers won’t buy if you don’t have a qualified realtor. Real estate agents are responsible for contacting buyers for your home when a showing is scheduled, and they can also keep buyers aware of any offers. This is critical, especially if you are going through a realtor who is working on commission. Without a realtor, there is a much higher likelihood that buyers will miss the opportunity to see your home.
If you follow these tips, there is a good chance that you will have a successful selling experience. Keep in mind that these tips are only important if you are selling your home as-is. There may be some buyers who will be interested in fixing up the home, but you should only work with these individuals if you have already thoroughly checked out the property yourself. Selling your home as-is, will require you to take on all the responsibility of selling the home, which can make it difficult to do everything yourself. However, this can also mean a larger profit.
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