Last week we discussed the strategy for how to buy a home. This week let’s take a look at the opposite end of the spectrum. What steps do you need to take if you’re planning on selling your home? Here’s a breakdown of the basics!
First and foremost you’re going to want to hire professional help. Choose a realtor who you want to work with and have them help you decide on a selling price. They’ll know the market much better than you! You’ll also need to fill out a Seller’s Property Disclosure, which will assess the current condition of the home. You must be honest with this form so that it doesn’t come back to bite you later!
Once all that’s out of the way, the actual marketing of your home comes into play. It’s time to make your home look great, inside and out. You’ll definitely want to maximize curb appeal. You know how people say not to judge a book by its cover? That’s because everyone does! You want people to be enticed by the exterior of your home, so make sure the lawn is well-maintained and that the pathway is clear and clean. Increase your exterior lighting so that people can still check out the property at night.
Staging your home is also critical. You want to make your home seem as inviting as possible while also feeling neutral. The goal is to have prospective buyers be able to imagine their own possessions being in the home. This isn’t the time to show off your eclectic style. The more the home feels like a blank slate the better. Make sure to declutter so that the home is clean and comfortable. Now’s a good time to get some professional photographs to show off on the web and for potential buyers.
The last several steps are mostly related to paperwork. Take a good hard look at the Agreement of Sale and make sure that it has all the correct details that have been settled on by both parties. Once both parties have signed the agreement then the terms must be met. If there are repairs that you’re responsible for then you definitely want to hire a professional. Forget about DIY. It’s not your house anymore! Next you’ll get the appraiser’s valuation, clear the title, and prepare for settlement.
Selling your home is a long process, but these are the basic steps you’ll need to hit along the way. Good luck!
Read the full article here: Home Seller Guide: How To Sell Your Home