While one may be considering placing their home up for sale,
challenging questions may arise. How? Often, the first thought is Selling
your home yourself, or what most know it as “For Sale By Owner”. As it may
seem to be the best decision for you, it brings forth a lot of work!
Weighing the decision to sell alone or hire a professional to assist you
in the sale of your home – just what are the pro’s and con’s!
For starters, we already know that it takes a lot of time, energy, and
work to sell your home as the process is not normally quick.
Realistically, sales don’t happen overnight, yet may take weeks to even
months to complete a smooth transaction.
While a prospective buyer(s) determines his/her search specifications,
before touring a home, they have a reasonable understanding of what it is
they are seeking. Does your home meet their wants, needs, and overall
expectations? Placing yourself in the buyer(s) shoes if of the utmost
importance as it will reveal features not so desirable.
Curb Appeal! Though you can’t change the location of the home, you can
change the appearance as this is the key to a Sale!
What does your home look like on the outside?
- Would a fresh coat of paint revitalize the exterior?
- Do the shutters require maintenance, paint, and or replacing?
- Are there any windows with broken glass and or screens that may need
to be replaced?
- Are there viewable repairs that require your direct attention – for
instance gutters and down spouting, missing roof shingles, etc.
- Is the front entranceway open of obstacles – worn sidewalks, damaged
or broken steps?
- Is your lawn trimly kept and attractively landscaped
As not all people know not to “judge a book by its cover”, some pass
judgment from the moment they drive by. Buyer(s) know from the
moment they walk into your home if it is inviting. As every glimpse
catches the eye, it is again important to survey the interior of any
possible updates and or repairs that need your attention.
- Would a fresh coat of paint refresh the inside of the home?
- Would decorative trimming add detail throughout the home?
- Does the floor coverings need to be replaced and or professionally
cleaned?
- Are all lighting fixtures working properly?
- Are your home appliances in working condition?
- Is the plumbing and electrical systems in working order?
- Do entry doors open freely?
- Is your home free of pet or other discouraging odor?
- Is there leakage around the faucets, tubs, or other plumbing
fixtures that need repair?
Once repairs have been tended to, what is your home worth?
How do you decide on the right price – What is the Right Price!
Along with this architectural dwelling providing the utmost of comfort for
years past, comes with a compiled list of facts and figures. In order to
determine your homes value, you should become familiar with the specifics
for instance, what size is lot your home is perched upon, is your home
residentially zoned only or is open to the use of business making it
commercially zoned, what is the total living area (square footage), how
many bedroom(s) and Bath(s). Is it this simple? No – take into
consideration your neighborhood. Are there other homes comparable, have
they recently sold, and for what price?
Is your price realistic?
What if you list too high? As your goal is
to attract the attention of buyer(s), listing at a high price may not show
to be successful but only add more time to the sale of your home. It is
not uncommon to list at a higher price with the willingness to lower your
asking price and or be acceptable to offers.
How do you market your home?
The most common method is placing a “For Sale” sign in your front
yard. As direct as it may seem, sometimes it isn’t enough especially if
you are amid a secluded location. Getting your home out to the public is
another key factor. How? Gather your thoughts on paper. Write-up a short
ad containing a photo of the home, address and available contact
information where you can be reached and advertise it in your local
newspaper as well as newsprints around your surrounding area. In doing so,
be prepared as the minimal expense of an ad can result in numerous phone
calls.
Are you prepared to answer questions! Thus going back to the first step
of compiling home information, buyer(s) will ask a variety of questions.
Preparing a brochure containing information reflective of
the home becomes a handy souvenir as buyer(s) can take it
with them.
Consider opening the house to visitor(s) on a given day – an Open
House! Schedule not a time convenient to you, but a time that is
suitable to others. Think wisely about others as some days may conflict
with employment. Advertise in advance providing the public prior notice!
Keep in contact! While speaking with a buyer over the telephone or
making casual conversation as individuals tour your home, it is prime
opportunity to gather information from them (name, phone # to even an
e-Mail address). Contact with potential buyer(s) cannot be stressed enough
as the simplest follow-up phone call can turn into a Sales Agreement.
In the midst of all the repairs, advertisements, telephone calls, open
houses, price negotiations, and finally that Sale’s Agreement you have
been longing for, did you ever stop to think about your Move? Have you yet
to find a home, began to pack, or contacted local utilities offices about
your status? Selling your home entails a lot more than just a simple “For
Sale Sign”! As it is not the right choice for all, you can only make the
decision as what is in the best interest of yourself.
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