Advice from an experienced house seller for your first time selling your home.
I got my real estate license at age 20 and went to work formy father, who was also a real estate agent, until I started having babies. Since that time my husband and I have purchased three homes and sold two. Buying and selling real estate is my comfort zone—I love it!
Through all the deals I've learned a lot about what can help make the process go smoothly. Here are five things you should know as you prepare to sell your first home:
1. You may need to adjust your expectations.
When I was working as a real estate agent, I had clients who were absolutely sure their house would sell in two weeks for $20,000 more than it was worth. When you meet with your agent (or, if you're selling yourself, as you do your own research), make sure you come away with realistic expectations for:
How long, on average, houses in your area are on the market before they sell
Knowing this stuff right off the bat will help you have a positive selling experience!
2. People don't want to see your stuff.
Empty rooms feel more spacious and airy. They also help potential buyers imagine themselves and their stuff in the space, which is why vacant homes generally sell more quickly than homes that are still occupied. Not everyone can afford to move out before their home is sold though! Help buyers see your home's potential by tossing or boxing up clutter and knick-knacks. Removing most of the family photos helps prospective buyers envision themselves in your home. Ask a friend or your agent to come over and be a fresh pair of eyes to help you figure out how to make your home look its best.
3. Smell matters.
When we were trying to sell our second home we had three showings lined up one after another. I thought it would make the house seem more homey and welcoming if something yummy was cooking in the slow cooker when potential buyers came through. I tried a new recipe I found on Pinterest and went out to run errands. By the time I got back the house smelled horrific. I frantically opened windows and turned on fans but the smell didn't dissipate much before the realtors and their clients showed up. None of them submitted offers.
My clients always tried to make sure their homes were clean but they occasionally forgot about smells—especially ones they had grown used to! Take out the garbage before showings. Scoop the litter box. Open the windows. Light a scented candle in the bathrooms. Don't bust out un-tried Pinterest recipes. Smell has a surprising impact on human emotion and behavior so making sure your house smells good gives you a better chance of turning a showing into an offer.
4. Keep your home showing-ready.
I recommend keeping your house showing-ready (or close to it) at all times. It might give you crazy eyes, especially if you've got small children, but not everyone gives you a heads-up. Our most recent listing asked for an hour notice but one agent said he would be over in 10 minutes and his clients showed up in five. Fortunately, I was neurotic about keeping things picked up so whenever I got a last-minute call I usually only had to open the shutters to let in some light, do a quick mop near the back door where my boys were constantly dragging in dirt, and light a candle.
After the first two weeks I was feeling a bit homicidal but by the end of the third week we had a solid offer and I was able to relax a bit.
5. It's not over until it's over.
Odds are good there will be a few snags. You may have to do some renegotiation and make a concession or two. Just because you've got an offer and the buyer seems well-qualified doesn't mean you're in the clear! After you have a signed contract you then have to navigate the mine field of inspections, appraisals, and loan approval, any of which can blow up your deal. The escrow period can be a roller coaster!
When the house closes, funds and records then you can hand over the keys and relax—you're done!
Original article and pictures take secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com site
Комментариев нет:
Отправить комментарий