How to Sell Your Home

Selling a home is a major decision.  Figuring out how to do it can be confusing, which is why we have created a step by step guide to how to sell your home.

1.  Select the Listing Realtor right for the job

Select a full-time Realtor with an established Brokerage. Ask to see how he/she markets her listings and make sure you choose a Realtor who is tech savvy and will provide the maximum exposure for your home on the Internet.

Talk to a handful of professionals, do your own research and listen to your gut instinct. It’s important that you choose a Realtor who is best suited for your needs.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions

• What would they highlight about your home?
• What would they change before it goes on the market (paint, decor, arrangement of furniture, etc)?

Get a detailed marketing plan from your prospective Listing agent. Find out how they plan to market your home.  Does their marketing mix include print advertising and Internet marketing? Ask them to see examples of how they have marketed similar properties.  Ask for references. Gather as much information as possible, and hire the Listing agent with whom you feel the most confidence.

2.  Can you and your Realtor agree on price?

Don’t choose a REALTOR® who will allow you to set the price. Pricing your home correctly from day one will promote a smooth, rather than frustrating, transaction.  The agent you are hiring knows what the current condition is of the local real estate market and can advise you on the best price.  Both you and the Listing agent you hire have the same goal; to sell your home quickly and for the highest price possible.  Remember, the more you get for your home, the more money the agent will make so they are not going to try and make you give your home away.

3.  Getting your home ready to be placed on the market – “Move-in Ready” is Key

Buyers expect homes to shine, and they need to see themselves living in your home. Paint the walls, replace worn carpet, clean your home from top to bottom, and don’t forget the landscaping!  Maximize your chances of people being excited about your property when it hits the market!  Home buyers are going to come in with high expectations. They will not consider a home that they can not imagine living in. If you need assistance with home improvements or repairs, check out our Preferred Vendors list.

4.  Digesting, Accepting and Benefiting from feedback

Buyer Representatives will be brutally honest with feedback. If two agents complain about the purple wall color that you love, paint it a neutral color. New homes sell every day with white walls and beige carpet. Temporarily consider your home as a commodity.

5.  Negotiating the Contract: offers and counter-offers

Don’t lose your temper if your first offer seems insulting. A patient and skilled Listing agent can negotiate the low low offer to where it needs to be.

6.  Repairs – we’re still not through negotiating

Inspection results show harmful mold in your basement of which you were unaware. Everyone has time and money invested in this transaction –let your Listing Agent negotiate a compromise.   Don’t be surprised when the inspection comes back with multiple items on it.  Remember, the inspector is paid to find things wrong and they will find at least one thing on every inspection they do.

7.  Going to the Closing Table: Saying Goodbye

We’ve worked hard and we’ve worked well together. Hopefully this was as smooth a transaction for you as possible and you are happily on your way to your next home!

To start this process in selling your home
feel free to fill out my home evaluation form
and we will contact you soon!