You are a homeowner. You have gone through the process of procuring a mortgage, closing on a house, moving in, and creating a home for yourself and your family. Chances are you have developed a loving attachment to your first home, but for one reason or another, it is time to move on. Maybe you have outgrown it, or maybe you are being transferred for a job. Whatever the reason, now it is time for you to begin the process of selling your home. This is no small task. A lot of time and energy go into preparing your home to get the best possible price when you sell. So, if you are ready to list your house for sale, take a deep cleansing breath and take one step at a time:
- THINK BEFORE YOU ACT
Before putting that “for sale” sign in your yard, make sure you know exactly what you want. Communicate with your partner (unless you live alone) so that you are both on the same page. Ask yourself and your partner these important questions:
- Why are we moving?
- What is our timeline?
- What do we expect from the home selling process?
- What role will we play in preparing our home for sale?
- DO YOUR HOMEWORK
You will want to have an idea what kind of real estate market you are entering. There are a lot of factors that influence the market, including fluctuating mortgage rates and inventory shifts. Educate yourself so you will know what to expect.
- INTERVIEW AND CHOOSE A PROFESSIONAL REALTOR
There is no more important relationship in your selling process than that
which you have with your Realtor. The right agent will guide you, advise you, answer questions, and market your home so that you get you the best possible price for it. Desi Sowers
- DETERMINE YOUR SELLING PRICE
Your Realtor can help you decide the best asking price based on current market values.
- PREPARE YOUR HOME TO IMPRESS POTENTIAL BUYERS
These days, home buyers have free access to look at property listings online, so it is vital that your home makes a good first impression. That means getting your home in “show-worthy” condition. The time and effort you put into decluttering, making necessary home repairs, and cleaning until it sparkles will go a long way toward getting your house sold for the best possible price. Even better? Stage your home to sell. Staged homes sell faster and for better prices than those that aren’t staged.
- MARKET YOUR HOME
You not only need your home to be visible online, you need it to stand out! Consider having professional photos taken that showcase the best attributes of your home. The best listings also have compelling property descriptions that generate interest. Videos and virtual tours can also be used to draw interest from buyers. Be sure that your property is being promoted in the best possible way.
- BE FLEXIBLE WITH SHOWINGS
You want every interested party to be able to come see your home. So, even though it’s inconvenient sometimes, make sure that you can make your home available for potential buyers to visit.
- CONSIDER OFFERS AND NEGOTIATE WITH SELLERS
Again, your Realtor will play an important role here. Desi Sowers is an expert negotiator who will assist you in deciding on a strategic counteroffer to the buyer’s offer. They will consider not only the money being offered, but the contingencies as well.
- CLOSING THE SALE
Before you arrive to sign the final paperwork and collect your check, make sure your home is ready for the buyer’s final walk-through and take care of any last-minute issues.
Selling your first home may seem overwhelming and confusing at times, but with Desi Sower’s help you will be on your way to getting it sold for the best possible price!
If you’re thinking about selling or buying a home in the New River Valley area, contact professional, experienced Realtor Desi Sowers and let her assist you with all your real estate needs. Give her a call today at 540-320-1328!