Selling your home has become more complex than it used to be. Seller disclosure statements, in-depth paperwork, and a range of liabilities have all become a bigger concern in recent years.
The home selling process has changed. Buyers are now required to be under a “Buyer Brokerage Agreement”. This means that REALTORS represent home buyers under a contract much as we do with sellers. The result is buyers have more effective representation and they are often more educated about the market and more determined in the negotiation process. When selling your home, it is important to work with a Realtor who is experienced in real estate marketing, financing, negotiating and closing.
Is Your Property Ready To List?
This is a question you should ask yourself a few months before you are ready to list your property. Take the time to look at your home through the eyes of a prospective buyer and make a list of what items to be cleaned, painted, repaired, put in storage or simply thrown away.
While this preparation stage often focuses on repairs, painting, and other home improvements, you can also use this time to make a list of the things about your home that you would like to be different. This list will be helpful in 2 ways
1) it will be a handy tool to help narrow down what you really want when you go to buy your next home,
2) It can also be used as a prep tool for your Realtor and you when you discuss potential issues with the home – items that prospective buyers might also see as a drawback. Marketing what you see as a drawback in a more positive light can go a long way.
When Is The Best Time To Sell?
Real Estate markets tend to be more active in the summer because families want to ensure they are settled and ready to start their new schools in the fall – this also tends to be the time of the year when most homes become available.
A balanced market is when there is an equal demand for buyers and sellers. This allows for the “supply and demand” to be in balance. When one side of a market is higher it tends to put itself at a disadvantage over the other. For example, if there are more houses than buyers at any given time then the selling price gets pushed downward because buyers have more options. I would be happy to sit down and discuss the market trends with you and help you plan the best time to list your property.
How To Improve Your Home’s Value?
A good rule in real estate is that buyers should seek the least expensive home in the best neighborhood that they can afford. It is important for sellers to make sure their home suits the neighborhood and is not under or over improved. Improvements should be made so that the property shows well, reflects the community and does not involve a great deal of money which may not be recovered from the sale.
Cosmetic improvements, paint, wallpaper, landscaping, etc., are always important and often is a good place to spend some money. However, mechanical repairs that ensure all systems and appliances are in good working condition are required to get a top price.
I would be happy to meet with you a couple of months in advance to share my
suggestions on how to best prepare your property for an upcoming sale!
