How to Sell a House in these Simple Steps. Whether you’re selling your own home or buying a house, there are steps to selling that must be followed. Once you follow these steps, you will be ready to market your home and get top dollar for it. Learn how to sell a house in the simple steps below.
Research real estate trends. Learning what is popular with buyers in your area, or even nationally, can help you sell your home faster. Find a stellar real estate broker. Most agents specialize in specific areas of real estate like foreclosure sales, short sales, assisted living, etc. Find someone who can super-serve the deal, negotiate on your behalf, and quickly Selling A House In Massachusetts to the highest bidder.
Be prepared before a home sale. Research trends like foreclosures. Determine how long the closing will take and how far in advance you have to complete all required paperwork. Know how much you will have to pay for real estate closing costs. Be sure you have a financial preparedness plan in place and your budget in mind before beginning the home sale process.
Have your home-selling plan ready. Find a real estate agent who specializes in the type of property you want to sell. Let your real estate agent know if you have specific needs (like owning lots, older homes, etc.)
Be open to getting feedback. Contact potential buyers and tell them about your home. Always give people options and listen to their feedback. Don’t sit on the fence and let them pass you by. If they offer to meet with you, accept.
Hire a professional photographer. Find a photographer who is knowledgeable in residential properties and who has experience photographing homes in a professional manner. Your real estate agent or assistant can take professional photos of your house and arrange them on a flyer that you can distribute to potential buyers. Ask for at least two photos: one in color and one in black and white.
Plan your marketing strategy. Once you have the buyer’s contact information and scheduled a photo shoot, work on your marketing plan. If you are selling FSBO, list your home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and local newspaper classified ads. If you are selling FSBO to a buyer with financing, be prepared to include a complete disclosure statement with all the details about your financing arrangement and the buyer’s obligations.
Close the escrow. Once the buyer agrees to buy your home, you can be sure that the paperwork is complete and everything is in order. The real estate escrow officer will send you a title report confirming that your property is properly titled. Once the title report is received by the county recorder’s office, you can be sure that your buyer will be protected against title issues and that your closing date will be secure.
Have professional photos taken. One of the best ways to get past local buyers’ objections is to have professional photos taken. Buyers tend to disregard homes for several reasons: poor photos, bad lighting, an unattractive property, etc. Photos speak a thousand words, so it is important that buyers see what they want to make their decision about your home. A clear, natural-looking photo of your beautiful backyard set against a backdrop of rolling lawn or lush garden will likely influence buyers to at least schedule a walk through.
Have repairs made. After the home inspection, the buyer may suggest repairs or ask if you will consider repairs before the close. Before agreeing to the repairs, make sure you know what they are, the cost involved, and if they meet your closing requirements. Your repairs should run the gamut from replacing shingles to completely gutting and rebuilding the house. If your repairs do not meet the buyer’s needs, he/she may reject your offer and choose another home.
Have a professional deep clean. After the home inspection, schedule a professional deep clean, which is when the real estate agent cleans the home using eco-friendly products such as vinegar and Nature’s Miracle detergent. This not only ensures a healthier property for the buyer, it also makes it appealing to potential buyers. Many buyers skip the agent’s clean, but a deep clean gives you an opportunity to gain buyers trust and shows your commitment to keeping your property in excellent condition.
If the buyer does approve the repairs, get them finished as soon as possible before the scheduled closing date. The last thing you want is to have to wait until after your buyer bows out of the deal to complete any repairs. Once you have received all of your buyer’s approval, you can focus on getting your property in shape for the closing. With a little help from a real estate agent, you can move forward with the repairs and have your home look as good as new before your buyer even walks through the door.