SELLER RESOURCES
I have the tools and marketing strategy you need.
In order to sell your home for the best possible price, there are several factors to consider...
Pricing Your Home
is part skill and part science...
With home staging you should be able to present your house in a way that appeals to the largest possible audience.
The definition of home staging is the act of preparing a home (and the contents of the home) for sale, with a special emphasis on presentation and appearance.
Home Improvements that can help you sell your home should be fairly simple, smart, and affordable.
You want to get the most out of your home as possible, of course, but there are several factors to pricing your home.
Selling your home is a big decision and there are many reasons to sell. Life happens! It’s not just a big decision though it is also a big financial investment.
The following is a check-list to help you through the process of Selling your home:
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Know your property. If you are not already, become familiar with such facts about your property as property taxes, zoning, lot size, square footage, etc.
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Look at the terms of your existing loan. Research the current markets in your area. How much are properties similar to yours selling for? What are the terms of the sales?
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Set the price. Once you know the specifics about your home and have checked out what similar properties in your area are selling for, set a realistic price.
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Perform a “walk-through” of your property. Look at it from the perspective of a buyer. Take notes on all items that need to be repaired or replaced.
Outside:
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From the street, is the house appealing? This is called “curb appeal”.
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Does it need a new coat of paint (either because the old paint is obviously cracked or faded, or because of an uncommon choice in color that might turn off prospective buyers)?
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Is the lawn and landscaping attractive and well-kept?
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If it is a condo, you can’t do much about the building, but is the front door (and balcony, if there is one) appealing?
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Are the windows and doors attractive and in good condition?
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Are the roof (and the gutters) in good condition?
Inside:
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Are the interior paints and finishes in good condition (recently updated), or do they need to be freshened up? This is one area with the best ratio of least expensive to most desired. For a minimal investment, you could possibly make or break a sale by having your home look well-kept and inviting.
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Are the appliances in good working order?
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Are the plumbing and electrical systems in good condition? Are they fully functional?
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Are the carpets or other floor coverings clean and in good condition? Like the paint, are they attractive and well-kept? Floor coverings are worth paying for so that your home makes a good impression.
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Are the sealants (sink, shower, tub, windows) in good condition?
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Are all light fixtures working properly, and is there good lighting in each room so that prospective buyers won’t think you’re hiding something?
**Make sure all repairs noted in your inspection
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Know your neighborhood. Most prospective buyers will want to know about the local schools,
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Establish a marketing plan. Having a Real Estate Professional helps eliminate most of the planning process that you won’t have the time nor the patience. Creating a plan on how to reach prospective buyers, both local and out-of-town. Where and how to market your home that will include Internet advertising. If you are working with an agent, ask for their marketing plan on how he/she will sell your home.
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Establish Marketing Designs/ Ads. Having a Real Estate professional is highly recommended, we have all the top marketing tools to our disposable that can create a well-crafted ad that can attract buyers.
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Clear your schedule. Make arrangements so that you have free time to schedule appointments at the prospective buyer’s convenience, as well as for any “open houses” that you hold. If you are working with an agent, he or she will take care of showings and open houses on your behalf. It is best to allow your agent to show your home on their own so that the prospective buyer does not feel uncomfortable or pressured.
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Prepare a fact sheet. Design a single sheet description of your property listing the features and benefits that will draw in prospective buyers. This should be attractive and professional looking. Have enough copies on hand to give out at open house showings. Again, if you are working with an agent, he or she will most likely do this on your behalf.
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Once you have an offer, it’s time to negotiate. Leave your emotions behind when you enter negotiations. You never want to get angry or give away the fact that you’re overly eager.
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Get your forms in order. A number of forms are required for the legal sale of your property. In addition to the contract of purchase and any counteroffers, there are approximately 20 other forms that the seller is required to provide to the buyer. It is necessary to review the contract carefully to determine when these forms/documents are due and what the buyer’s rights are once they receive the document. The form and content of many of these documents are prescribed by state or federal law and must be adhered to in their entirety. If you are working with a professional, they will provide all forms for you and explain if necessary.
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Negotiate final terms of the sale. Buyer(s) need to come to an agreement (in writing) regarding the following:
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Price
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Inspection contingencies
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Financing terms
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Date of closing
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Date of possession
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Final walk-through. When both the buyer(s) and a witness can be present, schedule a final walk-through before you complete settlement in order to determine that the property being conveyed meets the expectations of all parties involved. Resolve any disputes before the transfer of title.
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Find and make arrangements for the home you will be moving to. Unless you have already built or bought a new residence, you’ll need to be the “buyer” for a new property while simultaneously being the “seller” for your current one. If possible, schedule both transactions to close at the same time, or else close your purchase shortly before closing your sale. You need to be moved out before the new owners take possession.