From listing to closing: The dos and don’ts of selling a house

The real estate market is constantly evolving but some home-selling practices remain the same. Avoid some of the most common mistakes that homeowners make with these general tips for selling your home.

BEST PRACTICES FOR SELLING YOUR HOME

Set a realistic price

No matter the temperature or condition of the market, it is important to price your home correctly from the start. This will help you attract good offers and avoid delays in the selling process. When determining the correct price for your home, work with a real estate agent who will provide a price range based on recent comparable sales in the neighborhood. They will also help you develop an effective pricing strategy based on current market trends and home prices. 

Stay objective

Many homeowners have an emotional attachment to their properties that could drive them to overvalue their homes. Some sellers may also lose their temper during difficult negotiations. However, it is important to keep your emotions in check and stay focused on your goals for the transaction. Stay objective and make informed decisions based on relevant market data and professional advice.  

Prepare the home for its sale

Get your home ready for its sale by making basic repairs and minor improvements that could help increase its perceived value. If you want to take it a step further, consider remodeling the main bathroom and kitchen. Install new countertops, hardware, and lighting fixtures, and repaint the walls with a neutral shade. However, it is important to weigh the costs of remodeling against the amount of money you can realistically make from the sale. Also, make sure that all the work gets finished before you start showing your home to potential buyers.

Stage the home 

Staging your home will make it easier for potential buyers to view the property in the best possible light. It typically involves general cleaning, decluttering, rearranging furniture, and depersonalizing the space. It also involves highlighting your home’s best features, such as additional storage space, walk-in closets, and outdoor areas.  

Use adequate lighting

Make sure that the entire property is well-lit inside and out. This will enhance the appearance of your home in listing photos and make it more attractive to potential buyers. Clean the windows and throw back the curtains or remove them altogether. Install modern lighting fixtures and bulbs with higher wattage. Bring in a few lamps to create an additional light source in your home. 

Keep pets out of sight

When showing your home to potential buyers, keep your pets in a dedicated room or a pet boarding service. Keep pet toys, feeding bowls, training pads, or litter boxes out of sight. Deodorize each room and eliminate pet odors. Remember that not all people are into pets so doing this will ensure that your home will appeal to everyone – including non-pet lovers. It will also help prevent your pets from escaping or experiencing stress during home viewings.   

WHAT TO AVOID WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME

Don’t expect to get the asking price

Many buyers will try to negotiate a lower sale price. Stay open to offers and evaluate each one in a holistic manner. When setting the price for a home, it is common practice for some agents to leave room for negotiations. Whether or not you get the asking price depends on market conditions and the housing demand in your area. In addition to the offer price, determine whether the buyer is willing to waive certain contingencies or close the sale quickly.  

Don’t cut corners with listing photos and videos

Invest in high-quality photos and videos. Using clear and well-lit images will help you make a positive first impression on potential buyers. It is also important to include multiple images in your listing. Don’t hesitate to include a photo of each room and key areas of the home. When taking photos and videos, use a good camera. You can also hire a professional real estate photographer and videographer.   

Don’t limit your home-viewing appointments

Be more flexible with home-viewing appointments and show your property as often as possible. Don’t schedule home viewings solely around your work schedule. Make your property available even on weekends and holidays. Though this may be inconvenient, it will give qualified buyers the opportunity to view the property and make them feel more valued.  Sell your home fast with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Caliber Realty. As one of the most reliable real estate brokerage firms in the Brazos Valley, they will guide you through the selling process. Contact the team at 979.694.8844 or message them here. 

Filed under: Blog by AgentImage
Comments Off on From listing to closing: The dos and don’ts of selling a house