When it comes to selling a home, there are a variety of tasks that need to be conducted prior to putting it on the market. Some of the more important factors include finding the right Realtor, fixing that faulty air-conditioner and performing touch ups and repairs. In many cases, however, sellers often overlook some critical items. Review these tips to make it a lot easier and less stressful to sell your home.
1. Google Your Address
Not many sellers use the internet to conduct their own research on who has looked at or said something about their home, but they really should. Over 90% of buyers use the internet when it comes to searching for a home. You need to know what your home looks like online since it influences the type of concerns that the buyers will have when considering competing homes.
You need to find out if the estimated value on sites like Zillow are similar to or very different from the asking price that you agreed to list. It could be that tax records have incorrect information on the number of bathrooms or bedrooms. In addition, you need to check if Google Maps street view shows any recent improvements or updates to the exterior of your home.
2. Account For Any Issues Or Improvements
If you have owned your home for many years, it is advisable to make a list of any issues you may have solved while you lived there. For instance, these could include a flooded basement, water or fire damages, roof and major appliance replacement. Regardless of whether you were able to solve these issues, you are required to disclose this type of information to any buyer to avoid a lawsuit once the sale has closed. Disclosing any invisible improvements made such as the addition of a French drain system offers a sense of comfort to potential buyers.
3. Check On Your Realtor’s References
A Realtor’s incompetence or bad behavior can translate into a waste of your money and time, and it is really worth the time to take additional steps to find the right agent for your needs. Start with asking friends or family members for recommendations and ask the agent to provide you with references from past homes that they have sold.
Make sure the candidates that you consider have a valid real-estate license that is free from any complaints filed against them. When you meet with an agent, make sure that you contact the references they provide you with and ask them any questions you may want to know about the agent.
Professional and reputable agents are always eager to provide various references to their new clients. When you talk to a friend, family member or work colleague about a recommendation on a real estate agent, here are a few questions you should consider asking:
- Did you feel confident with the Realtor’s skills?
- Did you think that the Realtor had an extensive knowledge of the markets in your local area?
- Was your Realtor able to communicate well and did they keep you up to date throughout the transaction?
- Did you think that your agent negotiated to the best of their abilities for you?
- Did the Realtor have reputable vendors that were able to assist you?
- Did the Realtor return emails and calls on time?
4. Make Sure The Realtor Uses Social Media Marketing
You may have successfully staged your house, chosen the right competitive price as well as listed your home, but before you are fully prepared to sell the home, you need a good social-media marketing plan. This can include photo galleries, floor plans and video tours which are promoted on sites such as Instagram, YouTube, Twitter or Facebook.
Your agent should be making use of multiple avenues in order to attract the correct types of buyers for your property. This will also mean ensuring that your house can be found on the Realtor’s website, the agency’s website as well as promoted on all types of other websites that can successfully market your property as well as provide information on open house days.
5. Make Sure That Your Intercom System Or Door Bell Is In Good Working Order
Attention or neglect to the slightest details is what can make or break the sale of your home. If a buyer is able to pick up that you were not even bothered to fix something as minor as a doorbell or light switch, they may already be thinking of what else may need to be repaired and then have a negative view of the home.
The first impression of a home is what makes a the difference and a property that is well-kept which begins with your curb appeal offers the impression that you as the seller take pride in the up keep and maintenance of your home.
6. Make Sure Everything Is Clean On The Inside
Storage spaces are one of the big selling factors when it comes to homes. This means you need to be aware that buyers are going to be opening refrigerators, ovens, cabinets, closets and drawers. For this reason you need to make sure that everything in your home is neatly packed away and clean when it comes to a house show day.
7. Make Sure You Let Buyers Know Exactly What Will Not Be Included In The Sale
You don’t want to risk the chances of a buyer that has fallen in love with the property, due to custom made blinds or curtains and then retract their offer when they have found out these decorations are not a part of the sale. It is important to know that according to the law anything that has been bolted or nailed down to a ceiling or wall will go to the new buyer unless it is stated as excluded specifically in the sales contract.
