Special offer

If you are trying to sell now...follow these guidelines!

By
Real Estate Agent with NorthGroup Real Estate/www.TonyORealtor.com 218572

 

We all know what a hard time most sellers are having selling their houses these days.

I am experiencing this first hand as well.

Below is a list of "must do's" if you are trying to sell your home...

 

 

1) Sellers should know the competiton in their area- what homes are listed for and what homes have sold for will give them an idea of what to list their house at. Hopefully, they have hired a competent Realtor who has done the homework needed to achieve the best results.

Woman Using a Canister Vacuum clipart2) CLEAN the house!! Declutter rooms, closets, and storage areas. Try to put away as many personal items as possible. Make repairs- do the small ones yourself and if need be, hire someone for more major repairs. And for Heaven's sake!- increase your home's curb appeal. Rake the leaves, trim the landscape, plant season appropiate flowers and bushes. The grass should be cut, and paint anything that is worn. This really matters to a prospective buyer.

 

3) If you find that you have to lower your asking price for less than what you owe...then perhaps you should reconsider selling at this time. Most people cannot take that kind of loss! Can you?

4) If you are selling because you are transferring due to your job, perhaps your employer can come up with a plan to help offset the costs you may incur. Also, some companies will buy your home, others will put you up in corporate housing. It can't hurt to ask.

5) Another route to go, not one alot of people are willing to undertake, is renting out your home. This is most effective to people who have bought another home before selling their first one. At least they'll have rent money to pay the mortgage. It's not always ideal but it is an option worth looking into.

Good luck to all the sellers out there!!

 

Agents: if you have more suggestions, please add them in a comment. Thank you!

 

Broker/Realtor

The Suddreth Group

980-254-7263

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Broker/Realtor     NorthGroup Real Estate     Cabarrus County, NC

980-254-7263     TOrefice628@gmail.com    

www.TonyOreficeRealtor.com

Ann Allen Hoover
RE/MAX Advantage South - Hoover, AL
CDPE SRES ASP e-PRO Realtor - Homes for Sale - AL

I see more and more people giving in to renting......they have to do something to pay that mortgage.

Feb 08, 2009 03:11 AM
Steven L. Smith
King of the House Home Inspection, Inc. - Bellingham, WA
Bellingham WA Home Inspector

Tony,

Looks like good advice. Around here, I think, the market is better than many areas but it is sure slower than it was.

Feb 08, 2009 04:13 AM
Anonymous
Anonymous

Two words...

Curb appeal!

If you want a speedy sale and are hoping for "top dollar," you must create great curb appeal.

There should be no cracked or peeling paint.  No green mold.  No overgrown weeds.

You NEVER get a 2nd chance to make a first impression.

Feb 08, 2009 04:40 AM
#3
Gail Szeluga & JoAnna Siminerio
Coldwell Banker Realty - Manalapan/Marlboro - Manalapan, NJ
Fostering Community Spirit Through Real Estate

pssst... That last comment was from me... I wasn't logged in at my open house!

Feb 08, 2009 08:34 AM
Tony Orefice
NorthGroup Real Estate/www.TonyORealtor.com - Concord, NC
Realtor- Cabarrus County, NC

Ann- You are absolutely right!

Steven- Glad to hear your market is doing OK.

JoAnna- Truer words were never spoken!!

Feb 10, 2009 02:52 AM
Jim Frimmer
HomeSmart Realty West - San Diego, CA
Realtor & CDPE, Mission Valley specialist

I've come across many people who are wanting to sell and own their homes free and clear. Unfortunately, they think that because they don't owe anything on the home, it should sell form $100,000 more than the foreclosure next door or the short sales across the street. Nope. Doesn't work like that.

Feb 11, 2009 06:47 AM
Tony Orefice
NorthGroup Real Estate/www.TonyORealtor.com - Concord, NC
Realtor- Cabarrus County, NC

Hi Jim,

You are absolutely right! Too bad alot of homeowners don't understand that!

Feb 11, 2009 01:08 PM
Rich Mielke
REMAX Results, Frederick MD - Frederick, MD
REALTOR, Frederick Maryland Real Estate

Tony, cleaning can make such a difference in a house, and all it takes is some elbow grease.

Feb 12, 2009 01:45 PM
Tony Orefice
NorthGroup Real Estate/www.TonyORealtor.com - Concord, NC
Realtor- Cabarrus County, NC

Rich- I agree with you completely.

Feb 13, 2009 01:16 PM
c m
Colorado Springs, CO

Not an Agent, but I would reccommend Staging! Many Realtors and homeowners believe that it is too expensive, and in some areas of the country it may FEEL cost prohibitive, but it is always less than the first markdown.  In our area, most stager fees are very reasonable, nothing like you see on TV.  Arranging furniture to make the best use of the space, (not just how it feels comfy for the homeowner!) , after the de-cluttering, cleaning and depersonalizing is an essential element often left out of an agents description of preparing a property for sale.  Even a consultation with a stager would be of benefit, if you feel you cannot afford for them to do the work! That's my 2 cents! =o)

Feb 18, 2009 01:32 AM
Tony Orefice
NorthGroup Real Estate/www.TonyORealtor.com - Concord, NC
Realtor- Cabarrus County, NC

Cheryl- You are absolutely right! A well staged home shows better than one that is not staged. We have to understand that most buyers can not see past clutter, misplaced furniture, etc.

Feb 19, 2009 11:17 PM
Sandy Shores FL Realtor®, Melbourne Real Estate
M & M Realty of Brevard Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Brevard County Real Estate, Florida's Space Coast

Tony, Good idea for must do's in getting ready to sell your house. That list could go on indefinitely, couldn't it?

Mar 26, 2009 04:42 AM
Tony Orefice
NorthGroup Real Estate/www.TonyORealtor.com - Concord, NC
Realtor- Cabarrus County, NC

SS- Thanks, and yes, the list is pretty much endless.

Mar 27, 2009 02:08 PM