You’re moving and now it’s time to sell your current home. To make a successful sale you must prepare your property for the market. Creating a positive first impression can make the difference between finding the right buyer and showing your home to many browsers.
Create a Marketing Plan
Develop a marketing plan that will help distinguish your property and attract buyers. This may include posting your listing on SandraGuthrie.com, producing a streaming or virtual tour, holding an open house and more. Personally, I create individualized plans for each client. The purpose is to sell your property at the best price possible in the shortest amount of time.
Set the Price
A key part of the marketing plan is determining the list price. If a property is priced too low, you loose money. If a property is priced too high, you will not attract buyers. To determine the best asking price, I prepare a Comparative Market Analysis. It is also helpful for me to know if there are other terms and conditions—such as your moving time frame, can you offer seller financing, and other items that can be included with the sale of the property. These contingencies can make your property more attractive to potential buyers.
Prepare Your Home
Now it's time to increase your property's curb appeal and impress potential buyers once they're in the door. Start with an investment in landscaping where it can be seen at first sight, a thorough cleaning, fix damaged items, add a fresh coat of paint and then eliminate any clutter.
Another way to make a property more attractive is to purchase a Property Protection Plan. This insurance protects you, the seller, from paying repair or replacement costs of major items during the listing period. It also protects the buyer during their first year of home ownership.
Protect Yourself
In some cases, a property sale can also be an invitation to thieves and other risks. Here are some things you can do to make the process safer.
- Show you property by appointment only. Do not open doors to strangers.
- Lock up and hide family heirlooms, collectibles and other valuables.
- Restrain your pets.
- Repair or replace damaged items.
Make Yourself Available
A buyer has made an offer - now it is time to make the deal. I will guide you through this process to help you arrive at an acceptable price, terms and conditions. Remember, I place your best interests above all else.
Once you have accepted an offer, you will need to meet deadlines and obligations such as home inspections, buyer visits, scheduled deposits and other tasks. In fact, during this period there may be a need to renegotiate the accepted offer price based on the outcome of these visits.
As the closing nears, you may need to complete work to the house as agreed upon in your contract. In addition, you will need to have the house "broom clean" prior to the closing so that the buyer can complete a final walk through.
When you finally arrive at the closing table, come prepared with the appropriate certificates and approvals as required by your city, county and state.
Selling your property may seem overwhelming. That's why having a professional real estate agent represent can greatly reduce the amount of pressure you feel during this stressful time. Please email me or call me directly at 773-392-4252 or 847-337-4252 to discuss any of these matters in further detail.
