It’s important to pinpoint the motive behind your home sale. A lot of factors for pricing and marketing your property will depend on your reason for selling. Let’s take a look at an example. If speed of sale is the most important factor, then this will reflect more in the pricing, than the marketing your home. However, if equity is the number one goal of your home sale, then more thought will need to be given to marketing the property. In most cases, it’s some sort of a combination of both. Your reason for selling, and figuring out what’s most important to you, will help determine the optimal approach to your home sale. Communicate your goal to your agent, and they will be able to tailor the game plan to your needs.
Everyone knows location is a key component to a home sale. However, the appearance of the home will also be one of the most important factors in determining how quickly it sells, and how much it sells for. A simple rule of thumb is to keep the home clean, keep the home simple, and keep the home neutral. The objective here is to allow prospective buyers to not only feel that they are in a comfortable environment, but a place they can call home. If they may not get that impression if they enter a dirty home, or a home that feels like someone else’s! Staging is another option in getting the home prepared. It’s always a good idea to consult a professional stager, especially if the home is vacant.
When you have mentally and physically prepared for your home sale, it’s important to find a good agent. Just remember, it’s easy to find “just another agent”, but finding a good agent takes some due diligence. Ask your friends and family for referrals, and interview a few agents. Things to look for in an agent are their knowledge of your neighborhood, consistent and easy communication, and a well detailed marketing plan.
Once your agent has implemented the marketing plan, you will hopefully begin to see potential buyers taking interest in your home. Within a few short weeks (or even days), if the home is priced well and marketed correctly, you will see an offer on your home. It’s important to review the offer in detail with your agent, before responding. Take the time to read the contract, and ask any questions you might have. Keeping well informed is key to a smooth negotiation process.
If the contract was successfully negotiated, then you’ve just taken the first step towards closing your home! Now begins the process for the buyer to obtain financing and do his due diligence. Any issues that arise will be communicated to you, through your agent. This is why we made sure to select a good agent to begin with! Your listing agent should provide you with a timetable for deadlines and closing. If all goes smoothly, you will be at the closing table in no time!