Selling
a Home
Everyone wants to sell their property at the best price,
quickly and with minimum hassle. Help ensure it by setting
a reasonable asking price. Knowing what is happening in
the marketplace, having up-to-date price comparisons and
knowing the financial terms and conditions of other similar
properties are all key factors that contribute greatly
to having your house sell quickly, at a price you like.
Using a REALTOR® will help ensure that you have the information
and expertise you need to make selling your home a great
experience.
Marketing
Marketing your property can include everything from repairs
and cosmetic work to advertising and open houses. To market
your property effectively, you will need time and a budget.
If you plan on using a REALTOR®, the marketing is part
of the service they offer. You may not realize that an
estimated 50% of real estate sales are the result of other
agents bringing in a buyer. Your REALTOR®’s network of
contacts through personal knowledge, marketing efforts
or the MLS system will put your property right in front
of the people who need to see it. In fact, according to
the National Association of REALTORS®, 82% of real estate
sales are the result of agent contracts through previous
clients, referrals, friends and family, and personal contacts.
Selecting The Perfect Home
Making the final selection of the property you are going
to buy can be both an exiting and frustrating experience.
Your continued happiness with your choice is in direct
proportion to knowing what you’re getting into. Using
a REALTOR® can ensure you get the ins and outs of zoning,
utilities, school zone information, local community information,
resale value, etc., and help keep you from unpleasant
surprises. There is no substitute for the right information.
Advertising a property effectively can be tricky. Both
the choice of media and the frequency and appearance of
an advertisement should depend on the specific property
and the market it is being sold in. Overexposure of a
property, for instance, can lead to the impression that
the seller is desperate. Your REALTOR® will help you devise
the best marketing strategy for your property.
Security
No one likes having lots of strangers inspecting their
house. If you have a family, a job, or just an active
life style, finding the time to meet, greet and guide
strangers through your home can be taxing and even unsettling.
REALTORS® have tools to pre-screen for qualified buyers
and will make themselves available to accompany anyone
viewing your property.
Negotiating
Negotiating the sale of your home follows the same general
guidelines as in the purchase of a home, discussed above.
However, ensuring that the appraisals, inspections, financing
and the composition of a legally binding contract go smoothly
make a REALTOR® Professional invaluable to the transaction.
Monitoring, Renegotiating and Closing
Between the initial sales agreement and closing, questions
may arise. Unexpected repairs may be required; problems
with the title may be discovered. A REALTOR® not only
knows the paperwork you will need to cover these situations,
they will help you resolve the problems to move the transaction
towards closing.
Here’s a few hints to help you get the best price
possible.
Grounds & Exterior
A fresh coat of paint for your home, garage and fences.
Lawn trimmed, weeds pulled, yard clear of debris
Gutters sealed and cleaned
Polish door brass, paint worn trim, replace worn or faded
mailbox
Clean all windows, storm doors and screens
Inside
Your Home
Paint and repair walls and woodwork
Oil door hinges, tighten loose cabinet knobs, have any
stains removed
Check windows, doors and drawers for smooth opening and
closing
Replace damaged tile work and clean soiled carpeting
Tighten leaky faucets, repair or replace faulty wall switches,
outlets, light fixtures and appliances staying with the
home
Clean bathroom tile & grout, polish faucets, keep toiletries
and medicines out of sight, and make sure laundry is in
the hamper
Clean windows and keep closets, basement and garage clear
of clutter
Have a garage sale to rid yourself of items you may not
want or need |
