Studies show that home sellers who use a REALTOR to represent them generally get a better price than those who sell the home themselves. REALTORS are up-to-date on critical processes and can help keep you out of trouble. They can also help you get your home sold at the best price in the right time frame.
Equally as important, REALTORS add objectivity to an inherently emotional transaction: the sale of your home.
Also, when an offer comes in on your home, getting it from "just an offer" through negotiation of sales price, loan acceptance, inspections, title work, appraisals, surveys and all the way to closing takes a lot of work to keep the sale from falling through. Real estate has become even more complicated in recent years with rigid loan financing, short sales and foreclosures, which adds yet another potential roadblock to getting the job done.
You probably wouldn't represent yourself in court regarding a serious legal matter, you would hire an attorney. So, why would you try to go it alone with the most valuable asset you most likely own? A qualified real estate professional is worth hiring to save yourself time and the headache of trying to do it yourself.
Before Your Home Is Listed
It's important to have your home in good showing condition before buyers start going through it. Here are some steps to take:
- Touch up interior and exterior paint as needed.
- Install new carpeting and flooring if it appears worn or dated.
- Make sure the front is clean and spruced up curb appeal will create a favorable first impression.
- Trim bushes and plants as needed, and make sure the lawn is kept mowed and trimmed. In autumn, rake the leaves; in winter, keep the snow shoveled.
- Keep the interior clean, decluttered and odor-free. Eliminate evidence of pets.
- Minimize personal items such as family photos. You want buyers to see themselves living in the home.
- Consider putting excess furniture and belongings in storage. Now's the time to clean out the garage and basement and sell, give away or throw away items you don't need anymore.
- Consider having a pre-listing inspection performed. Buyers will be hiring professional inspectors; here's your chance to address problems in advance.
- Consider engaging a professional stager to give your home the right emotional appeal.
During the Listing Period
- When potential buyers visit your home, either be absent or make yourselves as inconspicuous as possible.
- Have fresh flowers in the entryway. It makes for a friendly introduction into your home.
- If offers are made that don't match your hoped-for price, don't reject them out of hand. Pay attention to your agent's advice.
- Consider dropping the price if several months go by with few or no offers. But if you and your agent have priced your home properly from the start, this shouldn't be necessary.
- Don't get discouraged. In buyer's markets, homes take longer to sell than during boom times. Your home will eventually sell; it's a matter of your agent finding the right buyer for you.
Help Your Agent
You have the best chance of selling your home if you work closely with your agent. Make sure all showings are coordinated through him.
If prospective buyers want to discuss your property or negotiate price or other terms, defer to your agent. He is the expert and can best handle all these details without emotion.
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