Steps to Selling Your Home Successfully

Selling your home can be a tough decision as it entails you moving out, preparing for a sale, and moving into your new dwellings. It’s a complicated procedure and requires homework.

Before you even consider listing your property on the market, you have to be prepared mentally and financially for the eventuality that your home may not sell as fast as you want. If good fortune favours, your house will be sold within 1-3 months, but if not, you might have to wait it out. So here we have a pocket guide for you:

01Hire a realtor

Saving money on a Realtor commission could be a tempting thought. All you have to do is; do everything by yourself and also put up a For Sale by Owner sign. However, enlisting the services of a Realtor is necessary for the following reasons:

• A Realtor helps you not just with listing your property; they help and guide you throughout the selling process, from taking photographs to helping you boost the curb appeal, and negotiating on your behalf, they almost take the entire responsibility on their own shoulders.
• They can generate the maximum audience of potential buyers for your property since it’s their very job description to do so.
• They can deploy various online and offline marketing tactics to advertise your property and make it accessible to a larger number of buyers.
• They can help you with home inspection and home appraisal processes.
• They carry out the paperwork for you and help demystify the legal terminologies and procedures.

It’s ideal to interview or consult with at least three Realtors before you take your pick. Be sure to check their accreditation, portfolio, and years of experience. It’s ideal to interview or consult with at least three Realtors before you take your pick. Be sure to check their accreditation, portfolio, and years of experience.

02Set a listing price

Before you decide on the actual listing price, consult with your Realtor and find out the comparable listing and selling prices of similar properties in your neighbourhood and preferably in other areas. Buyers are usually aware of the ongoing market sale prices and if your property is priced too high and unrealistically determined, they will be turned off from the very beginning. At the same time, don’t set it too low as that might put you at a disadvantage during the negotiation stage. It’s always good to get a fair estimate of your property based on location, amenities, furniture, home features and comparable prices.

03Make your home sale-ready

Before you put your house on the market, make sure it is in a presentable condition and move-in ready. Although it’s not mandatory, you can conduct a pre-sale/pre-listing home inspection to understand the repairs and restoration necessary. Your home will not be appealing to buyers if the paint is flaking and the walls are full of cracks.

Consider things like:

• Improving curb appeal
• Decluttering
• Deep cleaning
• Painting and varnishing
• Repairing and replacing appliances
• Inspecting and remedying structural breakages or deterioration

Another decisive aspect of preparing your home for selling is taking professional photographs of your property. Take your Realtor’s help to hire a professional photographer who would have the required knowledge of highlighting the best aspects of your home, take pictures with the most optimum natural light, and suggest ideas that would make the photographs stand out amidst the many other homes for sale.

Staging your home to generate a warm and welcoming feeling is a must for buyers to be taken by your property. Let the natural light in, and decorate all areas of the home with props, lamps, artwork, and accessories. Keep it looking good and smelling good always.

On the flip side, don’t indulge in too many upgrades that may cost you and are not necessary. Buyers may get turned off by permanent fixtures that spell extra-personalization.

04List, market, and advertise

Once your home is ready for showings, the Realtor lists it on MLS so interested parties can check your listing online. Other ways to market your property are by personal networking, social media, and digital ads as well as word of mouth. The more online exposure your property gets, the more buyers it will generate. Make sure your Realtor showcases your home on all available offline and online platforms. Once the house is listed, your Realtor handles showings and open house.

05Carry out your due diligence

Depending on the market, the condition of your house, and other factors, interested buyers will start making offers. It is always wise to negotiate with an open mind (let your Realtor handle the negotiations), but don’t compromise on selling your home for less than it’s worth.

Official steps would include counter bids, home appraisals, and title transfers, among others. Make sure you stay in constant contact with your Realtor throughout so that you are aware of all the important paperwork (disclosure statements, purchase agreements, etc.) you have to fill out as the homeowner and are aware of other liabilities.

If all goes well, you should look forward to selling your property at a good profit but it’s always recommended that you prepare an action plan based on your specific circumstances and needs.