Tips for a First-Time Home Seller in Real Estate

Buying and selling a home are two completely different things. When it comes to buying a property, it’s all about emotions and feelings, but when it comes to selling a home, it’s all about maximizing profit potential, as listing agents like to put it. The advice presented here is applicable to first-time home sellers as well as any seller in need of a real estate refresher.

Correctly Value Your Home

Here, a reputable listing agent can assist you. Choose someone who isn’t your cousin’s sister-in-law that works part time in real estate. Selecting an experienced real estate agent who sells a significant number of listings, particularly in your community, will benefit you much.

Your agent will conduct a comparative market analysis (CMA) and generate a value estimate. It’s fine to compare this to Zillow or Zestimate, but take note of the differences your listing agent will point out, as your listing agent should have the knowledge and education to give you a more realistic estimate of value.

Home staging increases the appeal and selling power of a home.

Inquire with your agent about how to prepare your home for sale. With about half of the furniture eliminated, most homes seem better. You’ve done your job well if a buyer walks in the door and wonders if anyone lives there. Consider home staging to increase your attractiveness and selling power.

When Is the Best Time to List Your House?

Choose the best day to put your house on the market. This period will vary depending on your local neighborhood, the weather, the time of year, and a variety of other factors, including the current health of your real estate market. On the first day on the market, you only get one chance to present your home in its finest light.

Inquire about your real estate agent’s standard commission.

Consider the larger picture and benefits of hiring this person if the agent’s regular real estate commission looks appropriate. Check out their track records to see how they’ve performed in the past. A full-service agency is unlikely to offer a discount. Getting into a contract is merely the first step; you must see it through to the end.

Despite what you may read or hear, or the tendency of real estate websites to make the process appear as simple as clicking a mouse, your home will not sell itself. It’s not the case. You have no idea what you’re missing out on. You will almost certainly rely on the pros you hired to sell your house to acquire the most money from the transaction. If you try to compete for commission by pitting agents against each other, you’ll almost certainly end up with a weasel. You don’t deserve to be called a weasel.

When it comes to home showings, be flexible.

When it comes to showings, be flexible. If home showings are becoming too much of a hassle, consider taking a vacation the first weekend your house is on the market. Allowing outsiders to walk through your house and inspect your soft-closing kitchen drawers can feel intrusive.

Organize an Open House

Allow for an open house if your home is suitable for one. An open house is not appropriate for every home. If your home is near a major thoroughfare, there’s a good chance the open house signs will bring in some guests. Inquire with your agent if the open house will be advertised online. Many people have no desire to buy a property until they see an open house and fall in love with it.

Make it a point to get a professional photographer.

Of course, if you’ve engaged a top-notch selling agent, professional images are almost certainly already included. It’s not enough to get the photo’s angle absolutely right.

NOTE: The most popular photographs have a lot of color and depth to them, and they’re really appealing. Before the virtual tour or photo tour goes live, make sure you approve it.

Examine your listing on the internet.

Examine your home’s listing on a variety of websites to ensure that the information provided is correct. Agents do their utmost to ensure accuracy, but because it is your property, you are the expert on the details. If you see a feature that is missing, contact your agent right away and request that it be added.

Respond to a Purchase Offer Quickly.

When you receive a purchasing offer, try to answer as soon as possible. If you receive multiple offers, set a deadline for offers to be submitted.  Regardless, forcing purchasers to wait for a seller to determine whether or not to accept their offer or submit a counteroffer can drive them insane. Remember that if you’re selling because you need to buy a new house, you’re in the same boat as a home buyer.

Organize your movers as soon as possible.

Organize your movers as soon as possible. Let’s say you want to move in the end of May, which is the busiest time of the year for movers, you may find it difficult to hire movers on the day you want to move. You can begin packing before your home goes on the market, giving you an advantage in the process. Being prepared will also give you peace of mind. It’s stressful enough to sell something.

To find what your home is worth, click here.