You might be planning to sell your home due to specific reasons. It’s important to be aware of what you need and want before making any final decisions about selling your home. Here are some things that can help guide your decision-making process:
The selling process
Selling a home can be a complicated process, so make sure you’re familiar with what’s involved. It involves more than just putting a “For Sale” sign in the yard and waiting for buyers to come knocking.
Be prepared to have open houses and be available for showings. Have patience while your home is being shown to potential buyers, and be ready to negotiate. You may also need to get a real estate agent who can guide you through the entire process and help you understand what to expect.
Location, location, location
Consider where you live and how accessible it is for potential buyers. Is there a lot of traffic? Busy streets? A good school district nearby? If not, this may make the property less attractive to buyers.
It’s an investment
Remember that while homes lose value on average about 1% per year, they also gain value on average 2% per year. So if you’re looking for a fast sale to get out from under a mortgage or other financial obligations, consider renting instead.
The market is hot
If the market is hot, you may be able to sell your home quickly and for more than its estimated value. But if the market is slow, it can take a while to find a buyer, and you may have to lower your asking price. Know the right time to sell your home by staying informed on market trends.
Getting top dollar
If you’re planning to sell your home quickly, you may want to lower the price to move it faster. It’s important that any negotiations reflect current market conditions and not what you paid for or spent on upgrades over time. Knowing factors in the market, such as rates from mortgage companies, home inventory, and prices of nearby homes can help you avoid overpricing your home.
Selling with or without an agent
Selling a home yourself (FSBO) can be a lot of work, but it can save you money on real estate agent commissions. However, both you and the buyer still need to deal with paperwork. If your property is unique, you may also have difficulty finding the right buyers without the help of a real estate professional.
Prepare your home for sale
Make sure your home is in the best condition so that it will attract potential buyers. Consider hiring a stager, someone who can advise you on preparing your house for sale and provide tips on what changes should be made to get potential buyers interested. If you decide to make changes, think about what might make your property more attractive to buyers and what will be the most affordable for you.
Repairs before selling
To get the best price for your home, you must make necessary repairs before putting it on the market. This can include any of the following:
- Fixing leaky faucets
- Repainting walls
- Repairing cracks in the driveway
- Fixing a broken window
- Repairing a hole in the roof
You don’t have to do everything at once, but addressing these issues can help sell your home quicker and for a better price.
Get your finances in order
Make sure you have your finances in order once you sell your home. This may mean paying off debt, establishing an emergency savings fund, or putting money aside for retirement. If you’re not sure how to do that, a financial professional can help.
Sellers must disclose
If you don’t disclose any problems with the property, you could be sued by a future buyer or open yourself to liability if someone gets hurt on your property. So make sure you’re aware of any known issues with your home and disclose them to potential buyers. Common problems in the property can be anything from a leaky roof to faulty wiring.
Tax implications
Selling a home can have tax implications, so be sure to talk to an accountant or tax specialist about what to expect. This can include capital gains and passive loss issues, so make sure you handle any tax implications before selling your home.
Closings
Ensure you know what to expect during the various phases of a closing, including inspections and how long it will take for an offer to become final. This can mean the difference between a smooth and easy process or one that’s more complicated. It can also prevent any surprises that may affect your sale.
Protect yourself
Many things need to be taken care of when selling a property, so you must protect yourself along the way. From hiring a real estate professional to getting financing in place, every step of the process can be different depending on your situation. Make sure you understand what’s involved and what you need to do to protect yourself.
There are many things to consider when selling a home. By being aware of the process and what’s involved, you can make the sale go as smoothly as possible.
