Selling your home is never an easy task, it takes time, research, patience, and money. With low-interest rates, there is no better time to put your home up for sale. Buyers are out and about, eager to find a home. Here you will find what steps you should be taking to ensure your home is sold and not just continually sitting on the market.
Determine if you want to use an agent or sell yourself
Many people opt to hire a real estate agent in order to cut costs. If you are planning to do so, make sure you are aware of the responsibilities of marketing your home. This is a little tougher when you don’t have the use of MLS (Multiple Listing Service), a tool agents use to find homes available for sale. Also, be ready to figure out the worth of your home, work with a buyer’s agent, know how to market your property, and to negotiate, file, and record paperwork.
Find a real estate agent
Unless you have professional home selling experience, a real estate agent is highly recommended. The best way to find an agent is to keep your search local. You want an agent that has experience and expert knowledge of the city or town you’re selling in. Once you find a candidate, research their experience online or in-person by asking them.
Have your home inspected
When you sell your home, potential buyers are going to conduct an inspection. You should conduct your own before hand so you can find any issues your home may have and address them before the buyer finds them. Inspections usually include appliances, plumbing, septic, electrical, heating and air systems, roof, and foundations.
Decide what to remodel
Easy and cheap improvements should always be fixed before the home is put on the market, but when it comes to the big stuff, how much is too much? Most buyers want a house that is ready to move into, if there are too many maintenance issues, they will move on to the next home. If floors need refinishing, refinish them. Also, chipped titling should be fixed. When it comes to ceilings, fix any cracks and paint over any stains. Kitchens are the most important part of the house. Don’t go spending thousands on a new kitchen, but if it needs a little updating, start with fresh paint, new lighting fixtures, new cabinet hardware and replace any countertop appliances.
