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The four most important factors of selling a home are:
1. Asking Price
2. Location.
3. Condition
4. Marketing
10 Questions to Ask Your Listing Agent
1) Are you a real estate agent or a Realtor®?
Real estate agents are not always Realtors®. Realtors® are members of the National Association of Realtors®. Realtors® are pledged to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
2) Are you a full time or part time agent?
It is important for your agent to respond quickly to customer inquiries about your home via email and cell phone. Part-time agents can be skilled marketers, but they have other commitments that can limit their responsiveness.
3) Is your company a full service brokerage?
One stop shopping is a great way to save time, and some full service brokerages offer discounts to their clients.
4.) How do you use technology in your business?
This is very important in this day and age. Approximately 80% of buyers start their home search online. Google the name of the agent. Do they have a strong internet presence? Do they know how to type, text, IM with younger clients? Do they have their own personal website?
5.) What are the average days on market right now for this area?
This will give you a better idea on the time frame involved in the selling process.
6.) Is there anything I could do to make this house sell faster?
It's always best to work as a team with your agent. Depending on finances, there are usually some things you could do to enhance the home.
7.) What type of marketing will you do?
There are many different ways to market a home. A sign in the front yard is not enough.
8.) How accessible are you?
You'll want to know what hours the agent can be reached at home, as well as the office and cell phone, and how often the agent checks messages. These issues are not only important to you, they're important to potential buyers and their agents.
9.) Has a client ever filed a complaint against you?
If you're uncomfortable asking, just check with the state licensing board.
10.) The main question you should ask yourself at the end of your meeting is "Would I feel comfortable using this person?"
How To Prepare Your House To Sell
The next step is to get the house ready to put on the market. You don't want to just list it right? You want to sell it. Here are some helpful hints:
1. Disassociate Yourself From The Home.
Your home probably has a lot of great memories, and you are emotionally attached to it, but it's now time to look at it as a product to market. Pretend that you're a buyer looking at it. Would you like what you see? Does it look clean and bright, and well maintained?
2. De-Personalize
Pack up pictures of your family, so the new buyers can envision themselves living there. It's best not to let the buyers get distracted by wondering about you. They need to be able to picture themselves living there.
3. De-Clutter
Over the years we all tend to collect a lot of stuff. Make the house look uncluttered and clean by removing nick nacks, and extra stuff. Put items in boxes. You will need to pack anyway, so now is a good time to give the house an uncluttered look. Take everything off the front and top of the refrigerator. If you haven't used something in a year, you may want to consider donating it.
4. Create Great Curb Appeal
You only get one chance to make a first impression. Mow the lawn, rake the leaves, pull the weeds,sweep the front step, paint the front door, add a new handle if the old one is worn. Hang something welcoming on the front door, and replace the welcome mat.
5. Shampoo Rugs, Or Replace
You can rent a carpet cleaner or hire someone. This will give the house a cleaner smell, and the dirt will be gone. If the carpet is worn, or has stains that wont budge, consider replacing it with a neutral colored carpet.
6. Paint Where Needed
Do the walls look old and dingy? Is there paint chipping anywhere inside or out? Fresh paint is one of the best and cheapest things you can do to sell a house.
7. Repair Broken Items And Any Leaky Faucets.
If something is broken, it's best to fix it now. Replace any burned out light bulbs, torn screens, or cracked windows. Buyers want move in condition. They don't want to feel overwhelmed with a list of repairs.
8. Clean Out Closets and Cabinets.
Buyers will look in there to see how much space there is. So it's best to send a message that you are organized. Have the cans, and spices facing forward. Stack the pots neatly. Have all the clothes buttoned, and facing the same way. Line up the shoes, or use an organizer.
9. Make The Bathroom(s) Sparkle
Nothing says "gross" more than mold or mildew. Scrub and shine fixtures, walls, and floors. Remove personal items and keep them in a cabinet.
10. Consider A Pre-Inspection
A buyer will most likely hire their own inspector prior to closing, so it's best not to have any surprises later. If you do it ahead of time, you will have more time to make the necessary repairs.
These items may seem overwhelming at first, but you will want to have your home shown in the best light. You may also want to consider consulting a home stager if you can. Staged homes sell faster. If your home yells "I'm fresher, cleaner and better maintained!" it will stand out among the rest, and sell faster.
The correct selling price of a home is the highest price that the market will bear. To assist you in determining the correct asking price, I can provide you with a free comprehensive market analysis of comparable properties sold, and offered for sale in your neighborhood.
To provide a more detailed Comparative Market Analysis, I would be more than happy to also assess your listing in person. Simply enter your criteria below, and I will provide you with a speedy response. The more information given, the more accurate the evaluation. All information you provide is secure, and will be kept strictly confidential.
