Are you thinking of selling your home and planning a move? There are over 6.5 million sales recorded in the US in 2022.
The home selling process can be stressful. However, there are things you can do to make the process easier. Once you prepare your home for sale and find a reputable realtor, you’ll increase your chances of selling quickly and for a reasonable price.
Below, we’ll explain the home selling process and highlight tips to help you sell your home faster and for a profit.
Curious about learning more? Then keep on reading.
Ready Your Home for Sale
Getting ready and selling a house takes time, planning, and preparation. To make the process easier, understand the steps to take to get your home ready for sale.
Decluttering and Organizing Your Home
You will need to go through every room in your home and get rid of or organize items that don’t need to be there. Start by sorting through your belongings, getting rid of those items that you no longer need or use, and then organizing the rest of your items in an orderly fashion. If you are looking for best apartment you can get new apartment for sale in Fuengirola.
Move out furniture that is too big for the area and replace it with more appropriate-sized furniture that appeals to buyers. Local movers can help transport furniture and help make sure that the home is staged properly.
It is essential to clean everything from the floors and windows to the kitchen appliances and carpets.
Do Any Repairs and Maintenance
Perform any necessary repairs or maintenance. This includes assessing the home’s exterior and interior, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems.
Items that may need repair include loose or missing roof shingles, broken windows, damaged flooring, electrical outlets or switches, leaky plumbing fixtures, or non-functional HVAC systems.
Consider these items before listing a home and ensure they are repaired to maximize the home’s value and appeal.
Freshen up the Look of Your Home
Freshen up the look of homes for sale before the listing. It is key for a quick sale and making a good impression on potential buyers.
Paint any areas that need updating or patching any existing damage, such as dented walls or flooring. Don’t forget to liven up the atmosphere by adding colorful, unique decor throughout the home’s common areas to create a lasting impression.
Secure a Licensed Real Estate Agent
In selling a home, it is necessary to secure a licensed real estate agent. This is a critical step in the home-selling process. They have the knowledge and expertise to navigate the negotiation, legal, and administrative hurdles that often arise in a real estate transaction.
Asking Family and Friends for Referrals
When you get a referral, ask questions like what was their overall experience like, whether they were satisfied with the offer they received, and whether there were any issues during the process.
Doing this will get you an idea of what to expect and allow you to make an informed decision about the real estate agent you hire.
Ask Agents to Provide References
A real estate agent with glowing references from past clients is a sure sign of success. Ask specifically about their previous clients’ overall experience with their services.
This will help to ensure that you are working with a trustworthy individual who has the experience necessary to complete the sale of your home.
Check the Local Licensing Board
Check the local licensing board for the agent’s credentials. This means confirming that the agent has their license and is in good standing.
It is also vital to verify that the agent has a satisfactory record regarding complaints that have been filed against them.
Read Contracts and Don’t Hesitate to Negotiate
Before signing any agreements, it is essential to read the contracts thoroughly to ensure that the terms are clear and agreeable to both parties. You should also not hesitate to negotiate an appropriate fee for the services of the real estate agent.
A great agent should be able to work with you to achieve the optimal sale price and secure the highest commission fee possible.
Set an Attractive Asking Price
It’s best to start by researching the current market of comparable homes in your area. Look at similar properties that have recently been on the market and those that have already sold to gain an understanding of your home’s value.
Also, consider how much you’ve invested in repairs and upgrades to the house, as potential buyers will do the same.
Come up with a strategic pricing strategy and decide how you want to position the property in the market. Make sure you don’t undervalue your home, but you also don’t want to price it too high above comparable properties.
List Your Home on the Market
Listing your home on the market is a crucial step for sellers to take to maximize the success of their sale. Be sure you stage your home to show off its best features. Also, market your home to reach the right buyers.
Open Houses
Start by scheduling an open house with a qualified real estate agent. Make sure your house is clean and in good shape. So you don’t have to do any extra work for buyers.
Social media is also a great way to get the word out. Post the date, time, and location of the open house on your website or other media platforms.
Set up the home how you think buyers would like to see it. If possible, provide refreshments for those attending and provide them with a copy of the listing details.
Online Listings
One of the best ways to get your property out on the market is to list it on an online classifieds website. This type of website is one of the most popular platforms used by potential home buyers and real estate agents. This can provide widespread exposure to your home and help you find a qualified buyer quickly.
You can upload photos and a detailed description of your home, as well as information regarding contact information, price, and any other pertinent details.
Realtor’s Network
Realtors provide expertise with pricing, negotiating, and understanding the current real estate market and trends within a particular region. They have the marketing network and resources to list a seller’s home on the features of various real estate websites, along with syndication to other real estate websites.
Using the realtor’s network, realtors can also list a seller’s property with the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). This way, other member agents can access the property details and spread the word to their respective clients.
Negotiate Offers
Knowing what you will accept and having a good understanding of the market and current trends can help you and your real estate agent find an offer that meets your needs and the buyers. Have a list of desired terms and conditions before the negotiation begins, and work with your agent to determine a budget and value range.
The best way to negotiate is to aim for a win-win outcome. Do some research and stick to a predetermined budget when negotiating. Remember to remain flexible and build a friendly rapport with the buyer.
Schedule Home Inspections
Schedule a home inspection within a few weeks of listing the property. Contact a qualified home inspector to discuss the types of inspections you need and how quickly you need them done.
Once you have decided, the inspector should estimate the cost. You can then make the payment, agree to a date and time, and the inspector will come to the home and perform their inspection.
Follow up with any repairs or maintenance recommended by the inspector to ensure the home is ready for sale.
Preparing Necessary Financial and Legal Documents
The proper paperwork helps protect you from any legal issues further down the line. This includes a detailed record of all utility bills, home maintenance, and repairs, mortgage statements and appraisals, title insurance policy, and any other financial documents related to the home in question.
Gather all contracts related to the house sale together at this point. Also, sign off on all documents that confirm your understanding and agreement to the home sale.
Review the documents with a real estate lawyer to ensure the paperwork meets all applicable regulations and laws.
Finalize the Closing and Receive Funds
The buyer will provide a good faith deposit which is put in escrow, and a closing attorney will facilitate the transaction providing relevant forms and overseeing title searches. The buyer, home seller, and lender all will provide signatures to the closing documents.
Once all is completed, the legal transfer of ownership takes place, and the sale is complete. The buyer may receive a cashier’s check or wire transfer covering the sale price, closing costs, and fees.
Lastly, the escrow agent will release the good faith deposit to the seller.
Follow These Steps in Home Selling Process
The home selling process can seem intimidating, but by following the steps in the home selling checklist outlined in this article, you should have a smooth and successful experience.
Secure a licensed real estate agent, ready your home for sale, set an attractive asking price, list your home on the market, negotiate offers, schedule home inspections, prepare financial and legal documents, finalize the closing, and receive funds.
Stay organized, and understanding the process of these home selling tips can ensure success. Get started on your successful home-selling journey today!
Check out our other articles to learn more tips.