Whether you're making a job change, retiring,
need a bigger house, or just need a change of scenery, you
want to get the most money for your house, with the right
terms and in the shortest amount of time possible. You may
think selling a home is easy, but ask yourself this ...
How many houses did you look at before you bought the one
you now own? How many other people do you suppose went through
those same homes before a buyer was found? You may think
that the first person who walks through your door will fall
in love with your place, but perhaps you need to take a
step back and find yourself a professional realtor. A good
realtor can save you money and help you get more for your
home than you can by selling it yourself. After all, that
is what they are trained to do.
Your home is one of the most valuable possessions
you will ever sell. It requires skill, experience, and understanding
of the current market for a licensed real estate professional
to represent you. His/her expertise and access to marketing
tools can maximize your return.
One of the first
things your realtor will do is help you price your home
effectively. Sometimes sellers mistakenly price their house
higher, knowing that they can lower the price if it doesn't
sell. This can often backfire on the sellers. Buyers often
shop around before they buy and often recognize value in
a specific price range because of this comparison shopping.
Using the Multiple
Listing Service (MLS), the realtor will prepare a Comparative
Market Analysis (CMA) which involves a survey of homes that
are on the market, or have recently sold, that are similar
to yours. Your realtor will then advise you on the additional
value (or deficit) of your home's unique features, and factor
that into the equation. Depending upon how anxious you are
to sell (and how quickly you need to close), your realtor
can suggest different strategies to help you get top dollar
for your home. Once you sign a Listing Agreement, your realtor
will develop a comprehensive marketing plan. But first,
your realtor will take a look at your home and may suggest
ways to make it show better. Remember what you looked for
when you bought the house? Take a look at the checklist
on the next few pages to get a better idea of how you should
look at your home through the "eyes of a buyer "
Your realtor will
put your home on the MLS so other agents will become aware
of your property. Your realtor will also network with other
agents, conduct open houses, and suggest ways to stimulate
activity. Advertising is vital.
Your realtor may
also recommend incentives such as assistance with closing
costs or paying for the home warranty. This may give the
buyer the incentive to offer more or close more quickly.
