The process of selling your home can be an emotional and exhausting process. There are many things you will need to do in preparation for placing your home on the selling market. By following some simple guidelines, selling your home can be a more enjoyable and smoother process.
PLAN AHEAD
If you are planning on purchasing a new home in the near future, it is a good idea to place your home on the market as far in advance as possible. If you wait to place your home on the market until after you have found a new one, you may end up paying two mortgages until you find a buyer for your home.
Also, consider the fact that closing and moving dates will need to be coordinated. More than likely, the buyer of your property is selling their current home as well. Make sure that all parties involved commit to a specific time period for the closing dates. Put your closing date agreement in writing and negotiate monetary penalties for failure to comply.
As you begin to think about looking for a new home to purchase, you may also want to start preparing your current residence to be placed on the market. Start cleaning out attics and basements of any unwanted or unused items. By doing this early on, it will save you time when beginning to pack for your big move.
CHOOSING AN AGENT
Many homeowners decide to sell their property on their own to save themselves the cost of commissions paid out to a real estate agent. Commissions are generally around 5% or more of the selling price. You may want to consider, however, the costs you will incur to market your home yourself. You will be responsible for placing ads and creating flyers for your house. Also, you will have to devote much time to answering phone inquiries about your home and showing the property. Consider whether or not you will feel comfortable showing your home to strangers who show up unannounced.
Should you decide to sell through a licensed real estate agent, ask your friends and family for recommendations. Interview several agents before choosing the one you wish to hire. Find an agent that you trust and feel comfortable with.
Below are some of the advantages of working with a licensed real estate agent.
PREPARING YOUR HOME TO SELL
There are many minor things you can do to your home to enhance its marketability. Remember, you want your home to make a great first impression to a potential buyer. Spend some time prior to placing your home on the market cleaning out storage spaces, closets, and cabinets. Remove any excess clutter from your home as well. You want the prospective buyer to remember the architectural features of the house and not the furnishings you have in it. The potential buyer needs to be able to envision their furnishings in your home.
Below is a list of things you can do to increase the value of your home :
CONSIDER CURB APPEAL
It is estimated that more than 50% of homes are sold before the buyers even get out of their cars. Stand across the street from your house and review the curb appeal.
Keep the lawn mowed and raked, shrubs trimmed, and the sidewalk swept.
Plant shrubs or install fencing to block unpleasant views.
Clean the exterior of your home. Clean oil stains from the driveway and garage.
Repair and/or paint exterior siding, trim, gutters, shutters, glazing, and window frames.
Repair or replace the street numbers on the house.
Make sure all exterior lighting is working.
GARAGES, CARPORTS, AND SHEDS
Replace burned out lights.
Clear away cobwebs.
Keep areas clean and uncluttered. Organize and put away tools.
Lubricate, adjust, or repair garage doors.
KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS
Overall, kitchens and bathrooms should be spotless. These two rooms alone can sell a home.
Clean all appliances inside and out.
Replace all light bulbs (appliances included).
Clean floors and light fixtures.
Deodorize disposal, dishwasher, and refrigerator. Neutralize odors and clean all mold and mildew.
Repair leaky faucets. Make sure toilet flushes properly.
Test all electrical outlets.
Unclutter counters and cabinets.
Clean shower door or replace curtain. Remove soap residue and lime deposits from sink, shower, and bathtub.
Put out fresh towels.
CREATE A PLEASANT ATMOSPHERE
Overall, make sure your home exudes an inviting atmosphere. You want the potential buyer to have a pleasant experience visiting your home so that they remember the positive attributes that your home possesses.
Turn on all the lights. Open drapes to allow natural light as well.
Light candles and put out fresh flowers.
Play quiet background music.
Turn on the air conditioner or heater so that your home is at a pleasant temperature.
Be absent during showings and keep pets outside.
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