How to Sell a Louisville Home
Chances are you haven’t sold a home in a while, if ever. To do so properly requires teamwork between the real estate agent (aka me) and the homeowner (aka you). If we work together and follow the principles discussed below, we can create a win-win situation. You will be able to sell for the most money in the shortest amount of time and move on with your life. I will earn your undying gratitude and be the namesake to your first born. (Ok, I’ll settle for a referral).
There are 3 main factors influencing your ability to sell your home – Price, Preparation, and Promotion. This post and the linked articles attempt to explain why each matter and how we can influence each to achieve your goals. Several of the links contain “Insider’s Secrets” so be sure to click on each.
Sell Your Louisville Home - Price
1. Capitalism at its Finest
Pricing your home properly is the single most important aspect of getting your home sold. If you price too high, no one will see the home. If you price too low, you will give your equity to the buyer. Both are lousy alternatives. The goal is to find the correct listing price based on market conditions.
For more, see: How to Sell a Louisville Home - Price
2. What is a CMA? (Hint – Not Country Music Awards)
As a Louisville real estate agent, I believe in a 3-step process for completing the Comparative Market Analysis on your home. The initial step is to create a rough valuation model based on general features of other homes for sale and recently sold in your area. Items such as the number of bedrooms, number of baths, presence of a garage or basement and size of the home are included. The estimate is then further refined based on additional home and feature amenities. The model is completed after an in-home tour to verify curb appeal, condition, and floor plan.
3. The Price is Right
Completion of the CMA is a starting point when it comes to pricing your home. The result of the CMA is the price your home is likely to sell at in reasonable amount of time. However, you have particular wants and needs that can affect the list price. For instance, I recently had clients who wanted to sell their home and move before their next child was born. As she was 7 months pregnant, we were a bit more aggressive on the pricing.
For More See - The Price Puzzle
Sell Your Louisville Home - Preparation
4. Pimp Your Home
The condition of your house is the second biggest contributor to whether your home will sell for the most money possible. Many buyers, especially the first-time home buyers, who currently dominate the market, cannot see past dirt, clutter, or even the color of your home. By cleaning, decluttering, and neutralizing your home, you can sell faster and for more money.
For more See - Preparing Your Louisville Home for Sale
Sell Your Louisville Home - Promotion
5. Paperwork - Ugh
Of course, a perfectly price and staged home cannot sell if no one knows about it. When we meet to discuss the sale of your home, I will have a handful of forms for you to fill out. (Don’t worry; this isn’t as painful as going to the dentist…. That part comes later). This post will describe the key forms and give you a little background on why you need to complete them.
6. Real Estate Porn – Buyers love to look
Just like you, buyers are busy. They want information that is accurate and easy to understand. Quality photos are the most efficient way to meet their needs. By having good photos attached to your listing, the buyers who show up at your door are more likely to be very interested. This will be important to remember when you have to walk out the door when there is still 2 minutes left on the game clock.
7. Syndication – Ready for Prime Time
Like the lottery, finding buyers is a numbers game. Putting your listing on the MLS only, is no longer a valid strategy. There are 795,643 websites that list properties, but do not syndicate from the MLS. (I know this number is accurate because each of them feels obligated to call me weekly). When you list your home with me (not that you really have a legitimate other choice), your Louisville Home will show-up on dozens, if not hundreds of locations.
Let's Get This Party Started
Now that you understand the basics of getting your Louisville home sold, call me (502-921-3989) and let’s get started.
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Erik Hitzelberger is a licensed REALTOR with RE/MAX Alliance in Louisville. If you need a Louisville Real Estate agent please email me or call 502.921.3989.
I specialize in the following areas of the Metro Louisville Area: Prospect, Middletown, Jeffersontown (J-Town), Fern Creek, Okolona, Shepherdsville, Mt Washington, Hillview, Brooks and Pewee Valley. Click the following links to learn more about Louisville and Bullitt County Real Estate or to Search for Louisville Homes
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