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Tips for First-Time Home Sellers

By
Real Estate Agent with Halo Group Realty, LLC

Tips for First-Time Home-Sellers

So, you’ve decided to sell your home and no idea where to start.  In this complex market, especially if it’s the FIRST home you’ve sold, the experience can seem a bit terrifying, to say the least.  Below are some tips to ensure a smooth process.

1.  Start searching online or asking for Realtor referrals from friends whom have had a good experience.  Interview 3-5 and determine who you would best be represented by.  A good Realtor in your corner is going to guide you through the process without overwhelming you with all of the data and transactional details.  They will also help you in the “pre-listing” stage by suggesting ways your home would be better perceived by buyers.  Your Realtor should show you their marketing plan of how they will advertise your home.

2.  Determine your goals.  Are you wanting to sell at top dollar?  Are you wanting to sell as soon as possible?  Be honest with your Realtor and tell him / her your goals so that he / she can tailor the marketing plan specifically towards your wants and needs.  Your Realtor will also be able to suggest a list-price based on comparative sales.  Remember, three things influence the sale of a property:  1.  Location, 2. Aesthetic Value 3. Price.  Obviously, the last item can always overcome the first two.  Keep this in mind when deciding upon your list price in this competitive market.

3. Do spruce of landscaping, make sure your curb-appeal is inviting and the interior of your home clean and clutter-free.  However, this doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune in needless upgrades.  There is a buyer for every home, but DO list competitively based upon recent statistics in your own area for like properties.

4.  Do not cancel showing appointments unless absolutely necessary.  If they can’t see it, they won’t buy it. :)

5.  Be prepared and ready for showings every weekend.  Just expect it.  One question I am asked by sellers all of the time is “Have they came to my house yet?  My showing appointment was at 2:30 and it’s 3:00 and no one has showed”. Keep in mind that the buyer will likely be looking at quite a few homes and not just yours.  As much as the buyers Realtor tries to keep things on schedule and update the showing service with and delays, it’s tough to judge exactly where in the one or two-hour window the potential buyer will arrive at your home.   That being said, the same is also true.  Buyers don’t want to inconvenience you needlessly, but sometimes when driving a neighborhood, I have been asked by buyers (on the way to another home) “Can we stop at that one???”.  Again, just be prepared for showings.  (Contact me for a list of ways to create less hassle for showings…especially with kids and dogs in the house).

6.  Most importantly, have a PLAN.  In today’s market, and in some subdivisions with every other home up for sale, it’s important to know what you are doing and follow through.  Know how long properties are staying on the market in your area so that you can gauge what to do next, and when to start looking for your new home.

Know your Goals.  Know your Expectations.  Know your competition.

For additional tips on selling your first (or 10th!) home, feel free to contact me directly at 214.901.1341.  I would be happy to answer any questions that you may have.

Amy S. Arey, Realtor * Halo Group Realty * AA@SuburbanStreetsRealtor.com

                                    www.TheFastestGrowingCityinTexas.com

Comments (1)

Beth Good Realtor
Prime Horse Property - Temecula, CA
Temecula Horse Property Specialist

We always hear about tips for first-time home buyers, so good on you for providing this post for first time home sellers.

Nov 02, 2011 03:51 AM