The process can seem daunting, but rest assured that getting organized and working with the right agent will make all the difference in the world!
1. FIND AN AGENT
Most sellers call an agent when they think they are ready to sell, and truth-be-told, you should contact an agent months before you are considering listing your home. The right agent will be an excellent resource as you prep and stage your home to sell and will be able to give you direction on must-do repairs verses nice-to-do staging tips. Our goal at Styer Real Estate is to save you time and money before you even try to sell! You work very closely with your REALTOR, and we all know communication is the key to a great relationship, so make sure your agent is someone that not only knows your market but is someone you like to talk to!
2. PROPERLY PRICE YOUR HOME
A seller’s greatest mistake is often overpricing the home. Many factors go into the valuation of a property, including the market volatility, quality of construction, cosmetic upgrades, lot size, location, etc… Things that you may see as valuable may have no true monetary value according to an appraiser. Keep your price in line with recently sold homes that have a similar condition and style to your own. A Styer Real Estate agent can provide a free comparative market analysis report that is similar to an appraisal that will help to identify current market value. This is a crucial time to lean on the local expertise of your REALTOR.
3. STAGING YOUR HOME
There is so much more to think about than just painting and organizing! You must determine how much energy, time and resources you want to invest in the sale of the home, and allow your agent to help you prioritize your efforts. How much you want to do will ultimately be a determining factor in the pricing of your home and how quickly it will sell, so it is important to discuss all available options. Click here for a comprehensive guide to prepping and staging your home. Styer Real Estate agents can offer professional stagers that can assist you in using your own furniture and decor to maximize impact. Remember, you only get one chance — and sometimes only 3 seconds or so — to make a great first impression, so make it count!
4. SHOULD I DO PRE-INSPECTIONS?
The question really should be, “do I like surprises”. Hiring professional inspectors for pre-listing home, septic, pest, and stucco inspections can serve many purposes but is certainly not required. Often times it can eliminate uncertainty down the line and can save both you and the buyer money. Your Styer Real Estate agent can suggest which pre-inspections might be right for your property and situation.
5. MARKETING YOUR HOME
Once your home is prepped and ready it is time to get it out to the masses. At Styer Real Estate we pride ourselves on our ability to individually market your home and help buyers see the unique and special qualities that make your home one of a kind. The difference is in the details when it comes to sharing your home with the world. From professional photography, to open houses, social media and grass roots marketing, you can relax as our agents focus on meaningful marketing that gets results.
6. SHOWING YOUR HOME
Once the word is out, it’s time to welcome the buyers with open arms. Buyer’s tour your home with their agent and without you there, so it is important to make sure that your home can speak for you. Your REALTOR will have flyers and marketing materials available, and it is always nice to have the lights on and the home ready to welcome guests. Buyers will deliver feedback through their agents, usually within a day of touring, and it is crucial, but not always easy, to listen to what they have to say. A buyer’s perception is valuable and can help in tweaking price, marketing campaigns, or how the home is shown!
7. OFFERS AND NEGOTIATIONS
This is often the most stressful part as emotions for both parties often run high. Your agent will be there to help you ask the right questions and fight for the best terms for you. Be prepared to receive multiple offers if your home is priced right and the market is hot. Don’t ignore any offers, even if you receive an insulting lowball offer. Negotiate by making a counteroffer with the guidance of your Styer Real Estate agent.
8. THE WAIT
Once your home is under contract, the buyer has a due diligence period to investigate the home to determine if your property is really “the one”. During this time period, the buyer will perform agreed upon inspections, make a mortgage application, and research the title of the property, while the lender for the buyer will send out an appraiser to determine if the contract price is supported by recent local sales. You will negotiate repairs during this time as well.
9. FINAL STEPS
Inspections have been completed, appraisal received, and the buyers’ contingencies have been satisfied, so now it’s time to kick the packing into high gear! You will make final arrangements for moving, transferring utilities, and closing down this chapter of your life.
10. SOLD!
The buyer chooses where settlement takes place. On that day, your home should be fully empty and clean. The buyers and their agent will perform a pre-settlement walk-through to ensure that the property has remained in the same condition as it was when they submitted the offer, that any items agreed to be left behind are present, that any agreed-upon repairs have been completed, and that all of your items are out of the house! You will hand over keys at settlement and move on to your next life adventure! Congratulations!
