So... either the kids have left the house and gone to college, there is a new addition to the family and you're needing more space, the long drive to work has gotten FAR too OLD, or you just have an itch for something new, you find yourself knowing you have to sell your home...but NOW WHAT? I'm going to outline a few steps that will make your listing and home-selling process a bit smoother. Whether it's been 20 years since you've sold a home, or this is your first home to sell, let's shed some light on the process, shall we?
First of all, contact your lending institution and get your payoff. This will help your Realtor gauge the "net" you will possibly make on your home (so that you know how much you can put "down" on your next home) by putting together a CMA (Market Analysis that shows the average price per sf that similar homes are selling for). A broker price analysis (ask me if you'd like one!) will dig into the numbers a bit further and show possible scenarios of net profit in which you will likely make on your home given different scenarios. If you are a neighborhood with an HOA, order your HOA docs. Something this simple can hold up a closing if not prepared. Always best to have them ready to go and not have to wait later. Some buyers are contingent upon selling their first home before buying their second; is this you? Contact a trusted lender to find out different variables and the best loan plan for your next home, or have the Realtor that you choose recommend a few.
Secondly, interview a few of those Realtors. It's important to have someone in YOUR corner representing YOUR best interests. The listing agent represents the seller, while the buyers agent obviously represents the buyer and his or her best interests. Selling a home is not brain-surgery and while everything CAN go right without the use of a Realtor, do you know what to do if one of the hundreds of things could go "wrong"? (Let's face it, we can all give ourselves stitches, but do you really WANT to?). Interview several, and make your decision based upon the best plan to market your home well, the Realtor's network or sphere of influence, their experience and knowhow, but most importantly, their open line of communication with you. Is this a person whom you know is looking out for your best interests and not just another commission? Is this person available to answer questions that you might have throughout the process? Are you comfortable entrusting this person with possibly the sell and or / next purchase which could be the biggest investment of your life?
Now, the fun part!? A good Realtor will give you suggestions on the prelisting phase of listing your home so that more buyers are attracted and will want to look at it. Curb-appeal is always important. Make sure you aren't turning off passers-by by having neat, tidy landscaping, freshly cut grass, and inviting exterior. Now is the time to power-wash the front if need-be, touch-up or exterior paint, and possibly have some fresh bulbs planted. Once inside, make sure the home touches all senses--does it LOOK good, FEEL good, SMELL good? Relaxing music always sets the mood. Have the blinds turned three fourths of the way up to still let in sunshine. Make sure everything is neat and tidy...especially the closets and counterspace, which will both seem more abundant if clean. Also see my article on prelisting tips (this will go over this phase in more detail). If following these highlights carefully, you should soon have an offer on your property and be in your new home in no time. Feel free to visit my website for additional helpful tools and articles on sellng your home, or contact me directly. I would love the opportunity to earn your business.
Help me Sell My Home Search for My New Home
* Amy S. Arey * Halo Group Realty * AA@SuburbanStreetsRealtor.com * 214.901.1341 *
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