Tips To Help You Sell Your Home

1. Should I stay or should I go? Having trouble deciding whether or not you should sell your home? There are a few options you should consider if you are having trouble deciding. Is the main reason you are considering selling because you are running out of room? Maybe an addition would be a good option for you. If you are tired of the crummy old cabinets and outdated kitchen floor, maybe you would be much happier if you remodeled. Be sure of your decision to sell before you put it on the market. You do not want to end up with a bad case of seller’s remorse.
   
   
2. How to choose a good real estate agent. Talk to people. Ask a few different agents from different companies to come out look at your house. See what kind of commission they want and ask them what they will do to sell your house. Ask questions about listing options and find the listing method that is right for you. Find out about their credentials, experience, and qualifications. Pick someone you are comfortable with and feel you can trust.
   
   
3. Let’s play the price is right. How do you know what price to sell your home for? Before making a decision, it is a good idea to do your research first. Have your real estate agent put together a competitive market analysis to find out what similar area properties have been selling for. If you are planning on doing any remodeling, have it appraised afterward. However, the competitive market analysis is the best method for deciding what price to sell your property at.
   
   
4. How much remodeling is too much? One of the most difficult decisions to make when selling a house is how much repair work and remodeling needs to be done in order to make it sell. As a rule of thumb, unless it’s a major issue don’t spend lots of money on a major remodel. If there is a major issue with the property, like for example it needs a new roof, then if it is not fixed make sure to disclose this information to any potential buyers to avoid a possible lawsuit. However, there are lots of minor repairs you can make that will help your home sell. A fresh coat of paint on the ceilings, walls, and trim can make a big difference. If you choose to do this, make sure to pick neutral colors. Repair any broken or squeaky doors and windows. Check out the plumbing for any leaks and repair any old water damage from past problems. Consider updating the flooring if it is old and dated or if it would not cost too much. Don’t forget the outside! If it needs paint, paint it. Make sure the entry looks good and the door is fresh and clean. Keep the lawn mowed and the landscaping properly manicured. You want a potential buyer to see the house at its best.
   
   
5. Going once, going twice, SOLD! The key to selling your house is advertising. An agent would probably have access to listing your house with a multiple listing service. This type of advertising reaches numerous agents and buyers in the area who could potentially buy your property. Local real estate books are another good place to advertise. And don’t underestimate the power of running an add in the local papers and perhaps in papers in nearby cities where people often relocate to your area from. Sit down and discuss with your agent the best way to market your property.
   
   
6. Put your best foot forward. The way you choose to show your house to potential buyers and agents will affect your ability to sell your property. There are some minor, but important things you can do to leave a good first impression. Above all else, make sure your house is clean before showing. Clean everything! If possible, move as many of your personal belongings and knick knacks out as you can. You don’t want your home to look cluttered because it gives the appearance of not having enough space. Make your home inviting by getting rid of anything that could cause offensive odors like trash cans, pets, or even air fresheners that are too strong. You don’t want buyers leaving your home thinking about the rotten smells there. Open all the shades and let in as much sunlight as possible. Turn all the lights on. A clean, uncluttered house with good lighting feels open and spacious when you walk in. And last, but not least, don’t follow the potential buyer around when they are walking through the house. Answer any questions that they have if they ask, but it is best to not be there at all. It makes the buyer more comfortable to go through and really look at the house and take their time. Remember these simple tips to make your house showing a success.