Selling a house is a cumbersome process. Sellers want to draw good customers and score a price worthy of their real estate. For this, they would ideally wait for the right buyer to come around. Many also market their house during the property-buying season or when real estate prices are high. If the “house for sale” board is already on your lawn, consider the following steps for a smooth selling experience.
Ready the home for potential buyers
The first thing to do is keep your home ready for buyers. Make necessary upgrades such as repainting and fixing necessary stuff to ensure that your house looks furnished and as good as new. The interiors should be appealing to prospective buyers. Also, clean the house thoroughly to add to the overall “feel good” appeal. Some sellers also choose to set up the house in a specific way to target certain buyers. But the aesthetics aside, keep in mind that you don’t want to overdo the work and lower your profit margins. Make an estimate of all the work that is to be done. Once done, add the cost to your asking price.
Choose a suitable agent
Getting an agent is the next step towards selling your house profitably. A professional agent knows the kind of customer that will be interested in your property. They will also be aware of the ongoing prices for houses and know the right season to sell. This will increase your chances of getting a lucrative deal. The agent will also help you with the necessary paperwork like insurance records, property appraisals, and the original sales contract. The home selling process may take a while, making selecting a suitable agent crucial. Take your time, ask for referrals, and pick one that understands your interests entirely. Time is money in the business, and the last thing you want to do is waste it on miscommunication.
Determine the time period
Once your house is ready and you have an agent, pick a time limit to sell your house. You may have to move to another location on a specific date or need the money from the sale immediately for personal reasons. Whatever the case, set a specific time period and ensure that your agent knows about it. As per the National Association of Realtors, closing a sale in the planned time is difficult for homeowners without an agent. That’s why step two, followed by step three will ensure that you get the job done in time.
Negotiate offers and close a deal
Once your house is on the market, and you begin to receive offers, negotiate until you get the desired price. The agent you choose will negotiate for you and bring several offers in writing for your perusal. However, in the later stages of discussion, you can also step in to make a point. At the end of the day, as the owner of the house, you might be able to help the buyer see the merits of your property clearly. Being part of the process also allows you to justify the asking price. On finding somebody interested in the house and willing to pay the discussed price, ask your agent to finalize the deal.
Sign agreement and handover necessary papers
The final step is to finish up with the paperwork. After you and the buyer sign the agreement, you will need to hand over necessary papers like home inspection and appraisal reports. Always speak to your agent in advance about what you will need to hand over after the agreement is signed. This way, you can avoid delays towards the end and ensure that nothing stops the sale of your house. On the day of settlement, the buyer receives the keys with all necessary documents.
Follow these steps to ensure that you enjoy a smooth and hassle-free selling process. Ensure that you and your agent are clear about your demands at every step of the deal. Do not hesitate or panic whenever you get an offer.
