Selling a property can be a complex process, particularly if it’s not something you’ve done before. Most people only sell property a few times throughout their life, so don’t panic if you’re not sure where to start. By taking the time to prepare in advance, you can streamline the process and potentially increase the sale price. To get started, take a look at these four things to do before selling a property:
1. Get Your Home Valued
Before you can advertise your property, you’ll need to know exactly what it’s worth. Getting your home valued will give you an idea of what a fair market price is, so you’ll be able to determine when offers are too low. Real estate agents can often provide you with a valuation but don’t necessarily accept just one. By asking a range of realtors to visit your property, you can obtain multiple valuations and confirm their accuracy. In addition to this, meeting with numerous realtors will give you the chance to decide who to sell your property with.
2. Hire a Lawyer
Some states in the U.S. require you to use a lawyer when buying or selling property but, even if this isn’t a legal requirement in your location, it can still be beneficial to hire a real estate lawyer. The complexity of the sales process means that it’s advantageous to ensure your interests are protected. As your property is likely to be your biggest asset, you don’t want to risk anything going wrong when the deeds are being transferred. With help from an experienced lawyer, you’ll have extra peace of mind as the sale is processed.
3. Carry Out Repairs
If repairs need to be carried out on your property, you may want to complete them before you list it for sale. The need for repairs could put prospective buyers off and those who are interested are likely to make a relatively low offer. If you want to maximize the value of the property, it’s well worth completing necessary repairs yourself in advance. Often, investing in repairs can allow you to make a bigger return when selling a property, so the extra time and effort you’ll put in can be a savvy way of pushing up the sale price.
4. Find a New Home
When you’re selling a residential property, you’ll need to ensure that you have somewhere to move to once the sale is completed. Often, this means searching for a new home while your current property is on the market. Alternatively, you might choose to rent temporarily so that you don’t miss out on an offer on your home. Whichever option is right for you, make sure you’re ready to move as soon as a buyer wants to purchase your property.
Spruce Up Your Property Before a Sale
Decluttering your home and boosting its curb appeal is an essential way of attracting buyers and increasing its sale price. By making the property even more appealing to potential buyers, you can sell your home quickly and get the best return on your investment.
