Selling a home can be a daunting prospect. For virtually every seller, the amount of financial value wrapped up in their house is enormous. Risking it on the real estate market seems dangerous. The state of the market does not dictate the wise seller’s behavior, though. A seller armed with ample research and education can turn a good profit in even the nastiest market.
The Internet can be a godsend to the homeowner looking to sell a house. Online house listings put tons of information in front of the potential buyer, and they update much faster than other listings. Making use of real estate websites can save the buyer or seller plenty of footwork and let him or her devote more time to the other aspects of home buying.
Your house should smell fresh. If you have pets or you smoke, you may have become accustomed to the smell. Have a friend come over and give you an honest opinion. If there are any lingering smells, scrub the house from top to bottom, open all the windows to get some fresh air in, and throw out anything that is beyond help. Don’t fall into the trap of using scented candles or a strong air freshener. If a prospective buyer doesn’t like that particular scent, they may be put off the house entirely.
When selling your home, consider having an inspection done before putting it on the market. A clean inspection report is something you can show to potential buyers, and if any repairs are necessary you can address them immediately. This will save you from unexpected and potentially expensive surprises down the road.
If at all possible, you should avoid arranging a move before you actually sell your house. Making payments on two mortgages while you wait for your old house to sell is a dangerous proposition. Give yourself a large window of time to show your house and find the right buyer.
Do your homework. Read up on real estate investments, financial availabilities, marketing and acquisition techniques. Being knowledgeable about the very topic of real estate will put you ahead of other prospective buyers and will also help you have realistic expectations as you move towards buying your home. Even a new buyer can feel confident about home purchases when they are well informed.
Let your neighbors pick the people who will become their new neighbors. Turn an Open House into a block party. Your neighbors should be encouraged to invite their friends and family, who might be potential buyers. Even if they aren’t, they might know someone who is looking to buy. This gives your home maximum exposure and could help you to obtain an offer.
When hiring a real estate appraiser you should ensure they are properly certified or licensed, and have at least three years experience appraising the type of property you need appraised. An appraiser may be certified to appraise your specific type of property, but may not have the experience with it that you need. If an inexperienced appraiser undervalues or overvalues your property, it can cost you time and money.
When you need a home appraised, be sure to pick an appraiser who will not have a conflict of interest. You should look for an appraiser who has five or more years of experience and is either state-licensed or state-certified. You should avoid having an appraiser who is referred to you by a real estate agent.
These are just a few of the ways the well-prepared seller can secure the best prices and avoid the nastiest pitfalls when he or she puts a house up for sale. Learning more about real estate can be profitable all the way through the selling process. The best sellers are those who never feel like they have learned enough.