Getting your home ready to sell can be overwhelming, especially if you have lived there for more than 5 years, but there are some things to make the process easier. Check out these 10 helpful steps.
1. Talk to a lender. It doesn't make sense to put your house on the market if you aren't able to purchase a new house. If you are behind in your mortgage and facing a possible foreclosure call a Realtor NOW. They may be able to assist you with a short sale.
2. "Disconnect" emotionally from your house. It's now a business and financial matter. This can be very hard...we become attached to our homes. Homes are filled with memories and letting go can be difficult, but this step is very important in order to get your home in top selling condition.
3. Depersonalizing your home is the third. Prospective buyers need to visualize their belongs, which means yours need to come down and be packed away for their new home. This includes family pictures, grandma's favorite quilt hanging on the wall, and even the prize fish trophy. I recently listed a house that had a six foot shark hanging on the wall. It came down.
4. Get a home inspection? If your home is older than 10 years, it may be a good idea to have a home inspection done prior to listing the house. This will cost $300-500 but could ward off any surprises after you have an offer and the buyer's inspector finds out that the water heater needs to be replaced. It's good to be proactive.
5. Make necessary repairs. Tighten doorknobs, caulk around the bath tub, replace rotting wood, touch up paint blemishes and have the carpet's cleaned. These minor issues can leave a lasting negative impression on buyers.
6. Interview two or three experienced Realtors. It's important to find not only a qualified Realtor but also one that you enjoy working with. Your Realtor should take the time to understand your needs and motivation for making a move and they should be able to clearly explain how they will market your home to sell.
7. Choose the right Realtor.....
8. Price your home right! You want to be "in" the market not just "on" the market. If you overprice your home you will miss out on the best opportunity to sell your house....the first week.
9. Go around making the final touches....polish, shine, and SELL.
10. Final tips....don't turn down showings, remember to turn on the lights, open blinds and LEAVE! No one enjoys looking at houses when the seller is present.
Hope this helps the thought of selling.... a little less scary.
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