Preparing to Sell your Home… Let’s make it count.

  • #1 Best Time to sell

    Home buyers generally recognize that although there isn’t really a bad time to purchase a house, the market can become more active at certain periods. According to Veterans United, “When you decide to sell a house, the timing can greatly affect how long it stays on the market and how much you profit from the sale.” Properties tend to sell more quickly and command higher prices between April and July, likely because many buyers seek homes close to specific schools, which can influence their decision.

  • #2 Carb Appeal

    When welcoming guests to your home for the first time, it is important that the exterior provides a strong impression before entry. Remove any clutter and consider refreshing the front door or enhancing the entrance with elements that draw positive attention. If repainting is not feasible, power washing the home’s exterior can significantly improve its appearance. Inspect the outside thoroughly and address any necessary repairs. Additionally, maintain the lawn consistently throughout the listing period to ensure a neat and inviting presentation.

  • # 3 Get the inside ready

    Keep in mind that what appeals to you might not suit a potential home buyer. It's usually wise to depersonalize your space and give it a thorough cleaning. Having your carpets cleaned can make a big difference. Be sure to eliminate any strong odors, as buyers may decide against viewing the rest of your beautiful home if an unpleasant smell turns them off. Once everything looks its best, take high-quality photos. Since many people browse homes online, great pictures can help you sell your home faster.

  • #4 Pricing Strategically

    Numerous websites offer estimates regarding the value of your home. However, these assessments often fail to consider unique upgrades and finishes that distinguish your property from others in the neighborhood, or vice versa. Relying solely on online estimates without a thorough evaluation of your home's interior may not provide an accurate reflection of its true worth. Engaging a real estate professional for a complimentary Market Analysis can yield a more precise valuation based on current market trends and local sales. It is advisable to consult multiple agents for informed opinions. Setting an asking price that is too high could result in extended time on the market and potential loss of interested buyers, while pricing too low may lead to a quick sale but significantly less return than anticipated.

  • #5 Things that may come up

    Whether you sell your home yourself or use an agent, keep a few key points in mind.

    1) If the buyer has an agent, you'll be asked to sign a form granting permission for them to show your home. This agreement can cover just one day and one visitor, or it might extend over several months and include multiple people, it’s completely up to you.

    2) It's very likely that the buyer will hire a professional, at their own expense, to conduct a Home Inspection. This step is so crucial that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides a form called “For Your Protection: Get a Home Inspection”. So, don't be caught off guard when home inspection becomes part of the process.

    3) If the buyer obtains financing through a government-backed loan, an appraisal will be conducted. The results of the appraisal may significantly impact whether the transaction proceeds to closing or necessitates the buyer seeking alternative options.

  • #6 The Closing process

    Even if you decide to sell your home independently, it is advisable to engage a Title company early in the process to facilitate a smooth closing. The closing procedure comprises several essential steps, such as property appraisals, title searches, surveys, and the preparation of requisite documentation to ensure that all matters are thoroughly addressed. I assisted a client who intended to sell land but discovered it was landlocked, requiring access across adjoining properties. The owner had originally acquired the land through a "For Sale By Owner" transaction, foregoing a title company, and incorrectly assumed that the named dirt road constituted a legal easement. To effectuate the sale, collaboration was necessary among the client, the title company, and neighboring parties to secure an easement for the existing dirt road bearing an official street name. The closing process is vital to guarantee uninterrupted enjoyment of your property.

#7 Work with a Real Estate Agent

The expression "This home can sell itself" is often cited, reflecting the belief that certain properties, due to their location, size, and correct pricing, attract buyers with minimal effort. While selling a home independently is feasible, engaging a knowledgeable real estate agent can streamline the process considerably. There are numerous benefits to partnering with a real estate professional, each contributing to an easier and more efficient home-selling experience.

Researching Comparable sold properties to help the seller strategically price the home.

Advising Seller on needed Repairs and/or Upgrades

Explaining Current Market Conditions

Presenting some Marketing Options

Explaining Buyer & Seller Agency Relationship​s and Forms

​Helping ​investigate Any Unrecorded Property Easements

Establishing Showing Instructions

​Helping Set-Up Photo/Video Shoot

Meeting the Photographer at Property

Meeting the Termite inspector at the property

Inputting the Property Listing into The Multiple Listing Service (MLS)

Setting-Up Showing ​instructions for agents of potential buyers

Gathering Feedback After Each Showing

Preparing “Net Sheet” & Present All Offers to Seller

​Helping make arrangements with the buyer, seller and the title company for the closing

And on, and on and on… Engaging the services of a real estate agent can significantly alleviate many responsibilities associated with property transactions. Regardless of your choice of agent, it is advisable to work with a qualified professional and consult a reputable title company at the earliest opportunity.

“Real estate cannot be lost or stolen, nor can it be carried away. Purchased with common sense, paid for in full, and managed with reasonable care, it is about the safest investment in the world.”

Franklin D. Roosevelt