People have different reasons for wanting to sell their houses. Perhaps you want a more spacious place or need to relocate because of a new job offer. However, you must drum up interest to attract potential buyers. A well-prepared home ensures your property sells at a better price and faster.
Most home buyers start their search online, so their first impression will be the photos of the home. The quality of photos may decide whether a potential buyer goes on to read your property description or moves on. Poor-quality photography can lead to more days on the market, even when experiencing low inventory. If you feel like your photography skills aren't up to par, you can enlist the services of a professional photographer.
Promotional videos can also help market your property to larger audiences. Today, with a smartphone, you can shoot professional-quality HD videos. Share these on social media or YouTube.
Potential buyers may not be familiar with your community. They won't know about the area's entertainment venues, restaurants, shopping malls, and fun spots. Therefore, quality images of local landmarks will show buyers what living in your area is like.
Selling a house is a major undertaking, and depending on the level of available inventory and property market conditions, it can take several months from start to finish. The process involves different types of documents, including mortgage certificates, tax records, property surveys, proof of insurance, government approval, purchase contract, and certificate of occupancy. Buyers may request to see these documents during the inspection, and delays in availing them could derail your house sale.
Consider getting a pre-sale home inspection at least two to three months before listing your property. This will identify any problem areas that might need attention. Give yourself ample time to schedule and do necessary repairs. Several weeks before listing your house, start working on staging the property.
Buyers must envision themselves living in the space, which is impossible if the place is dirty or messy. Perform a thorough deep cleaning, remove all clutter, and hide personal memorabilia such as family photos. Rearrange the house items to make the place inviting and easy for buyers to move through without bumping into furniture. A crowded room may look smaller, so move bulky items to storage or the garage if necessary.
The temptation to sell your house without the help of a real estate agent is always high, as it may save you from paying a commission. Although an agent may earn between 5 percent and 6 percent commission on the total sale price, their input is big. An experienced agent can help you on many fronts.
A real estate agent can reach a larger audience and negotiate the best possible offers on your behalf. On top of the marketing, they will prepare the property, review all buyer offers, and handle all the price negotiations and closing details.
It's important to look for an agent who understands the local property trends and knows the market. Today, using the Internet, you can delve into the agent's designation, profile, reputation, and sales history to ensure you choose the right property professional to work with.
