SELLING a home is very different from buying a home. Whereas buying a home generally involves emotions and feelings, selling a home typically centers on what listing agents like to call maximizing profit potential.
Price Your Home Accurately
Price your home accurately and your home will sell. For this, you should seek the help of a reputable listing agent. Don't just choose your cousin's sister-in-law's brother, for example, who dabbles in real estate. In order to reach your goal of selling your home, it is best to select an experienced real estate agent who sells a fair number of listings, preferably in your neighborhood.
Your agent will analyze comparable sales and prepare an estimate of value based on a comparative market analysis (also known as a CMA). Zillow may give you a Zestimate of your home value, however, note the variances your agent will point out, because your listing agent should have the experience and education to provide you with a more accurate opinion of value.
Home Staging Boosts Selling Power and Appeal
Consider home staging to boost your selling power and appeal. Ask your agent to advise you on how to prepare your home for sale. Most homes show better after removing quite a bit of furniture as well as decluttering room by room. Painting is the single most effective improvement you can make. Don't let dings in the woodwork or scrapes on the walls make your home reflect deferred maintenance.
Your home will not sell itself, despite what you may read or hear. You don't know what you don't know. To get the most money from the sale of your home, you will most likely rely on the professionals you hire to sell your home.
Be Flexible With Home Showings
Try to be flexible with showings. The best way to sell your home is to let a buyer inside with his/her buyer's agent to tour in peace and quiet. Leave the house prior to or when buyer's agent shows up. Anything you say can and will be used against you, plus, buyer's agents prefer to show without interference.
Host an Open House
Allow an open house if your home is conducive to an open house. Not every home is a viable candidate for an open house. Ask your agent to advertise an open house online. Many home buyers have had no desire to buy a home until they spot an open house and subsequently falls in love.
Insist on Professional Photography
If you have hired a top-notch listing agent, your agent most likely already provides professional photos. It's not just enough to get the angle right in the photo. The most popular photos are rich in color and depth, and they entice. You have every right to ask to approve your virtual tour or photo tour before it publishes.
Review Your Listing Online
Look at your home listing on all websites to make sure the information conveyed is accurate. Agents do their best to ensure accuracy, but since it is your home, you know the details better than anyone. If you notice a feature that is missing, contact your agent immediately and ask for an inclusion. You want to be sure the websites are accurate as soon as your listing appears. You will get the most "hits" when your home is first listed.
Respond Promptly to a Purchase Offer
Try your to respond promptly to a purchase offer. Many offers contain a date by which the offer expires. It can drive buyers crazy if they are forced to wait for a seller to decide whether to accept their offer or to issue a counteroffer. If you are then purchasing another home, you would want the same courtesy given to you as a buyer.
Line Movers Up Early
Start packing early. You can start packing before your home is sold, which will give you a head start on the process. Line up your movers early. You might find it is impossible to locate movers for the day you want. It will also give you peace of mind to be prepared.
