Selling your home is a huge decision. With it, comes a few vital considerations. After all, you’ll want things to run smoothly while getting the best possible price for your property.
Whether you’re selling a house in California or in another state to a friend, it doesn’t have to be an overly complicated process.
That’s why we’ve got everything you need to know, from start to finish. Keep reading for a comprehensive guide on how to sell your house.
Do Your Research
Now that you’ve made up your mind, you’re ready to dive in, but first, do your research. Timing is crucial as the market conditions are always changing. You can maximize your potential profit by selling at the right moment.
Perform a Comparative Market Analysis to gauge the average selling price. This will give you a better idea of what your home can be sold for, and what the market is like.Generally, an agent will help you with these things, which brings us to the next point.
Find a Great Listing Agent
While you don’t have to enlist an agent, it’s most likely the fastest, easiest, and safest way to secure the sale of your home.The knowledge, experience, and resources an agent brings to the table can prove invaluable. However, make sure that you find one that understands your unique needs. A proven track record is also important, so ask around, check online reviews, and meet with a few before choosing an agent.
Prepare Your Property
First impressions go a long way, so you’ll want to present your property in the best light possible. This is especially true when most people will view your listing online before coming to look in person. Tap into the psychology of a potential buyer, and see your house through their eyes.
Is there anything you could do to improve the overall aesthetic? A fresh coat of paint? Replacing a cracked window? Clearing the gutters? Even small things make a big difference. Do as much as you can, but stay within your budget. It can be easy to lose track of expenses in the pursuit of giving your house a face lift. A property sold “as is” will usually result in a sale for less than its potential value. By making sure you prepare your property before putting it on the market, you can negate this.
List & Market Your House
Typically, your agent will assist you with a marketing campaign and the Multiple Listing Service, an extensive database of all listings across the U.S. Nonetheless, it’s still a good idea to make your own listing online. Most potential buyers will usually browse the web first.
Be comprehensive and describe your house in detail. What makes it special? Are there unique features a buyer should know about? Also, include a decent number of high-quality photographs.
Showcase Your Home & Assess Offers
Once your house is officially on the market, you can start expecting prospective buyers to show interest and request a viewing.
Make sure that someone is always available to answer any questions. Your home should also be in tip-top shape with everything in working order.
Soon, you’ll have some offers coming in. Your agent will help you to assess these, and negotiations will commence. Stay fair, but don’t settle for a price you’re not happy with.
Accept an Offer
Once an agreement is reached, you can accept an offer and conclude the transaction. However, prepare to wait a while for things to be finalized. Before you get the sale proceeds, a few things need to happen first. These include:
- Signing a disclosure form and a purchase agreement
- Opening an escrow account
- Hiring a title company
- Home inspection and appraisal
- Final walk-through
- Signing title documents
Your agent will assist you every step of the way while ensuring the process runs smoothly.
Now You Know
Selling your house can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Once you’ve familiarized yourself with the process, you’ll know how it works, what to expect, and what to do.
Doing your research, getting a good agent, and preparing your property are the first steps. Once you’ve listed your house, you’ll have viewings, and potential buyers will eventually start making offers.Assess them and negotiate fairly before accepting an offer you’re happy with. Be patient and allow the process to run its course, and the sale of your house will be complete.
