Selling Process
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Preparing to Sell:
Creating Curb Appeal-
“Curb appeal” refers to how attractive your property looks from the street, and its value is inestimable in terms of first impressions and influencing passers-by to want to come inside the property. The yard should at least be comparable to others in the neighborhood; the cost of a quick clean up by a landscape crew usually pays for itself through a faster sale near the asking price. We will offer advice and solutions if the property’s exterior needs any improvement.
Quick Repairs-
It’s amazing how a little goes a long way, and that’s true when it comes to sprucing up your property’s appearance. A quick coat of paint and other simple and affordable cosmetic updates can take years off a property’s appearance. Which is best for your situation— making significant repairs prior to putting your property on the market, or selling it “As Is”? We can help you make that decision.
Having written estimates from contractors in hand helps alleviate buyers’ fears of the unknown. Also, allowing the buyer to choose their own contractor relieves you of liability compared to pre-sale repairs, and they are free to choose their own materials. Consult with your agent before spending any money – we will advise you on how best to allocate your budget.
Put Your Best Face Forward-
You know that feeling when you walk into a home whose owner is indifferent about housekeeping? It’s hard to feel comfortable in a house like that, and when you’re selling your property, you want people to feel so comfortable in your home that they’ll want to buy it!
To make sure that happens, keep your property clean, well-lit and smelling good. Your agent can view your property through a buyer’s eyes, and make recommendations on how to show it in its best advantage. Often this requires removing personal items that mean much to you but others may see as clutter. The property should be like a new canvas, as blank as possible, that let buyers visualize their own belongings in the house.
Get your carpets cleaned by a professional who can remove stains and odors that you may not notice but are immediately noticeable and often offensive to buyers who don’t smoke or own pets.
Staging-
Agents may recommend this fairly new concept so the property appeals to the widest possible audience. There are a few things you can do yourself, like placing fresh flowers around the house or baking something that fills the home with a delightful smell. Professional stagers take it to the next level by rearranging or even refurnishing the house with their special furniture that bring out the best in a property.
Disclosures & Inspections-
One of your primary duties as a seller is to make a list of anything that should be disclosed to buyers, and failing to do so can have serious repercussions. Real estate agents are conversant with the legal environment surrounding disclosures and will aid in the development of disclosure documents that protect both you and the buyer in creating a sound and satisfactory transaction.
Showing Your Property-
Your property is a prized possession, and it’s only natural to want to be there when strangers come to walk through your home. However, this is one time when it’s not in your best interest to hover over potential buyers, so it is important to leave your property while agents are showing it to potential buyers or during open houses.
There are several reasons for this: buyers are more comfortable discussing the property’s merits and drawbacks with their agent if you are not there to overhear; your presence might make them feel like they are intruders, and remember, you want them to feel comfortable. Your agent has extensive experience in dealing with others on your behalf and has a fiduciary duty to represent your best interests.
Check out these other great resources for more articles and information on real estate:
Find the charm of the Northwest in Bellingham Waterfront Homes.
Consider working with the Hartanov Team for top results in your next Laguna Beach real estate transaction.
Eric Bramlett specializes in Austin real estate and homes for sale in Texas.
Search for Phoenix Lofts and other real estate information with Brian Enright today!
Read up on La Mesa CA Real Estate, in wonderful Southern California