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6 [Steps] to Selling a House [2017]

By
Real Estate Agent with RL Real Estate Group

It's never easy selling your house. On the emotional side, you hold on to memories made while you lived in the home. Still, there are times when the need to move on to another adventure arises. When it does, you do the best to walk into the process prepared for what’s to come. Here are six basic steps to selling a house that can help you feel confident above moving forward.

Find the Right Real Estate Agent

You need a real estate agent who has the knowledge and experience to sell your home as quickly as possible. Finding the right real estate agent is the first step to taking the stress from your shoulders. It's crucial that you find someone who is trustworthy, listens to your needs, and communicates at the highest level. Don't be afraid to interview several real estate agents before setting your heart on someone. Be sure to ask a lot of questions.

How much experience do you have?
How do you plan to market my home? How will we communicate on a day-to-day basis?

  

Staging Your Home for Buyers

You can make your house more appealing to potential home buyers by removing your personal belongings, collections, and photographs. Remove anything that could make the property seem cluttered or cramped. Homes on the market that have less furniture may look more spacious and can bring in additional buyers. Choose neutral colors, organize closets, and make sure your kitchen is the highlight of the home. Start with curb appeal and make them want to see what’s on the inside.

Set the Right Asking Price

One way to find the right asking price is by looking at your competition. Your real estate agent provides a comprehensive report to help determine the value of your property. Consequently they use current market trends, information about the area, and details about the house to give an accurate home value that is used to set the asking price. Remember that the asking price is what you want to receive, and the selling price is what a buyer is willing to pay. You want those two amounts to be as close as possible.

Accepting an Offer

However it's common to receive an offer that is 5-10% lower than your asking price. Hence you don't have to accept, of course, and can always counter with your listing price. Someone who is engage with the property may want to negotiate. You may even get a few people bidding on your home and can decide on the best offer. Your real estate agent can advise you on specific strategies that may make your situation better. 

What Happens After You Accept an Offer

Besides jumping for joy, accepting an offer requires little on your part. The buyer will have the opportunity to have an inspection within 7-10 days after their offer gets accepted. If everything goes well, they will have an appraisal. If the appraisal comes in at the value of the purchase agreement and there are no repairs need, you just need to get your items out for closing. Be sure to transfer utilities, water, electricity, subscriptions, cable, and anything else out of your name.

What to Expect on Closing Day

On this day, the title of your home will be transferred to the new owner. You will sign closing documents, payoff any mortgages, and receive your sales proceeds. You will be officially moved out and ready to nestle into your new home. Your real estate agent is the best source of information about the local community and real estate topics. Give the RL Real Estate Group a call today at 605-212-8431 to learn more about local areas, discuss selling a house, or tour available homes for sale.

Comments (2)

Maria Sapio
Keller Williams of Central PA - Carlisle, PA
Real Estate Agent- Carlisle, PA. Mariasapio.com

A clearly laid out plan to help guide the journey is always helpful.  Thank you for your post.

Nov 05, 2017 11:59 AM
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Thisi s a great start, especially finding a capable agent that understands your needs

Nov 05, 2017 04:05 PM