Are You Selling Your Home? What You Should Know

TIP! The small efforts in maintaining the landscaping, painting, and other small repairs can be a bother for many homeowners. However, neglecting the maintenance of a home can result in delays in closing on a home’s sale if a buyer insists that certain tasks be performed before closing, and it can also negatively impact the sale price a buyer pays for a home because buyers will be calculating how much they will have to spend on painting or repairing leaky faucets.

It’s vital that you have some knowledge when you sell real estate. Fortunately, there are hundreds of useful resources available. But, it can take too long to look through it all. Here is a short article to help you learn some of basics when it comes time to real estate sales.

TIP! You are sure to find large returns in the appeal and the value of your home by making small kitchen updates. Swap out one appliance for a focal piece, and instantly update the look of the room.

The mere effort that it takes to upkeep the painting, landscaping, and repairs in an old home can be very frustrating for any homeowner. However, neglecting the regular maintenance your house requires can come back to haunt you when you want to sell it.

TIP! Before listing your home for sale, make sure the heater and air conditioner are in good working condition by having them serviced. Because these units can be very pricy, they are one of the first things that most buyers will ask about.

For most people, price is everything. You must work towards a transaction that is fair for both sides, and that includes a price that accurately reflects the current market and your home’s specific value.

TIP! In many areas of the country, the seasons drive the housing market. Using fall decorations during the season could make your home more welcoming to potential buyers.

When you have decided to sell your home, try adding a few energy efficient items to help entice buyers. Additions such as LED bulbs, outdoor solar lights, energy monitors, and Energy Star certified appliances can all appeal to buyers who would otherwise have to purchase such items themselves.

TIP! A bidding war, though a little intimidating, is an ideal position for you, as the seller. If you set a competitive price by looking at the local market, you can expose many interested buyers.

If you plan on selling your home, get rid of as much clutter as possible, even if you intend to remain living there while it’s on the market. Prospective buyers must be able to come in and envision themselves living in the home, which is difficult if you have all of your furniture and personal belongings filling up each room. Besides, you’ll knock out some of your packing ahead of time, leaving less work for you later.

TIP! Ensuring that your windows are free of streaks and smudges can make your home seem clean and airier. Clear, gleaming windows enable the sunlight to flood into your home, making it appear freshly renovated.

Have your furnace and air conditioner serviced before listing a home. In most cases, buyers aren’t looking for a property that will require them to make a lot of investments, so ensuring things are in tip-top shape will increase the property’s appeal with most buyers.

TIP! The last thing you should do when selling a home is to move out into a new residence before your old one is sold. For most people, juggling two house payments is not possible.

You should make certain that any information that a potential buyer might be interested in is readily available. Create a list of all the contractors who have worked on the house and all the work they’ve completed. Buyers are risking a lot of money on even a modest home, so they definitely want their questions answered. If you can answer them and put them at ease, you have a better chance of selling your property.

TIP! Depending on local market conditions and your home’s listing price, you may have to prepare yourself to negotiate a deal. If you need to sell your property in a short time period, remain flexible about your price and terms.

You might find yourself deep in negotiations, depending on the sale price of your home and the market in its area. If you want to make a quick sale, remain open-minded, and be willing to take any reasonable offer that you are given. If you are in no hurry for your home to be sold, then don’t be afraid to hold out for the best possible offer.

TIP! If you have chosen to do some inside painting before selling your home, be certain not to pick colors based on your taste. It’s always best to stick with a traditional neutral color, such as eggshell, white, cream or taupe.

Don’t paint the inside of your home based on what your favorite colors are. Remember that you’re selling your home and its new owners might not like those colors. Always use a traditional color palette, such as off-white, taupe or eggshell. A new paint job is probably the most economical, effective way to attract potential buyers to your home.

TIP! When selecting a real estate agent, take your time and ask lots of questions. Selling real estate is important, and there is a lot of money involved.

If you would like to sell your house very fast, it is probably a great idea to price the house at least 10 percent cheaper than what the cheapest comparable house is in your area. Buyers will find the price attractive, and will want to see the house right away.

TIP! Make sure you open your drapes and let some light in when showing your home. By opening your curtains, your home will appear brighter and more cheery.

Organize and clean your home before showing it. Your home should be as clutter-free as possible when buyers look at it. Closets should contain the least amount of items possible, arranged in an organized manner, and should also be free from dust. Also clean out kitchen cabinets. You may want to consider a few gourmet, fancy packaged foods, which will add some sophistication.

Ideally, your home should be listed for sale during the winter and spring months. Buyers generally want to be in a new home by early or mid summer.

Potential Buyers

TIP! Once your interior is ready to show, try going outside and walking around to check the exterior of the house. The house should have what is called “curb appeal.

Paint your house in neutral colors; this will allow potential buyers to project their own ideas onto the home and more easily picture themselves living in it. Using pleasant aromas in the atmosphere, as well as offering some homemade treats can really make potential buyers feel more at ease. An inviting atmosphere can help the potential buyer realize your home would be a good place to live.

TIP! Selling your home at an auction is a great way to get a good price for your home, especially in a slow market. There are several advantages to selling you home at auction, including a lower commission rate as compared to a Realtor.

We hope you found these real estate tips to be very helpful. All you need to do is take the information learned and apply it to fit your own situation. While there’s much to consider when you’re selling real estate, time spent learning about it can pay off big time!

By John Kurczak ,Michigan Real Estate for sale, Realtor, agent

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