The goal is to sell your house as quickly as possible for the greatest return on investment. If you can do this without adding an extreme amount of stress to your already busy life, that’s a plus! Check out these 6 steps to selling a house before you begin the home selling process. You might find they save you time, reduce stress, and save you from unnecessary delays.
Step 1 – Secure a Real Estate Agent
With all the information you can find online, it may be tempting to sell your house without the help of a real estate agent. It sounds like a good idea until you consider the amount of experience and knowledge a real estate agent has compared to your own.
Interview potential real estate agents to find the one that best suits your needs. Ask about their previous experience selling homes like yours. Find out how many times they’ve reduced the price on a house in order for it to sell. Make sure their timeline and methods of communication line up with your needs. Ask for details about their marketing strategy.
Step 2 – Decide on the Asking Price
This part of the home selling process is vital to the success of your transaction. That’s why it’s extremely important to seek the counsel of your real estate agent when it comes to setting the asking price for your house. You will make the final decision, but their knowledge and experience can guide you to make the best choice.
They will provide you with a home valuation report that takes into account the other houses sold in the area recently, any upgrades on your home, and market changes. Price your house competitively so that you don’t have to deal with lengthy negotiations and price dropping.
Step 3 – Fix Things Around the House
Make two tours around your property. Walk around once during the day and once at night. Make a list of items that need attention. Repair anything that’s broken, replace dim bulbs, and make sure appliances are in good working order. During the selling process, your house will be inspected numerous times. The last thing you want is a negative report that causes embarrassment, delays a sale, and costs additional money.
Step 4 – Stage Your House
Once everything is repaired, it’s time to stage each room. The goal is to keep your house in showroom condition for the duration of the selling process. People could drop in with a moment’s notice; be ready.
Remove any personal items, collections, photographs, and clutter. Organize closets, cabinets, and rooms. Do a thorough cleaning job – inside and outside. Pay special attention to kitchens and bathrooms.
Step 5 – Consider a Home Warranty
Including a home warranty with the sale of your house is a plus. Having this in place gives home buyers a sense of security should something go wrong with appliances or other items. This will appeal to first time home buyers, but any buyer is likely to be impressed that you included a home warranty.
Step 6 – Be Ready for Showings
People will be walking through your house to check things out, and it may make them uncomfortable to have you on site. Make plans to be somewhere else during open houses and showings. Your real estate agent will represent you. If you have pets, secure them or take them with you. This is for their safety and the safety of those visiting your house.
Call Central MD Homes today at 410-790-1345 to discuss selling your house or to tour available homes for sale.
