It’s time to decide how to proceed now that you’ve decided to put your house on the market. Being familiar with the home selling process helps decrease stress and increase your chances of success. Check out the six steps to selling a house before you begin.
Step 1 – Find a Real Estate Agent
Selling a home is more than just placing a sign in the front yard. Finding a real estate agent with the experience and knowledge you need during the home selling process is highly recommended. Selling a house can be stressful without the proper representation. Let your real estate agent worry about the paperwork and marketing. Look for a professional real estate agent who communicates at the highest level and uses the latest technology to present your house to as many potential buyers as possible.
Step 2 – Listing Your Show Ready House
People appreciate a home that is warm and inviting. Keep the house clean and free of clutter during the time it’s being shown to potential buyers. Apply a fresh coat of paint, replace worn carpets, and consider using neutral tones for decor choices. You want a buyer to fall in love with your property they moment they pull into the driveway. Have a plan for quick pick-ups when unexpected people are coming by to view the home.
Step 3 – Set the Asking Price
You hope that the home will sell for more than what you’ve invested. Keep in mind that the real estate market is always changing. Talk with your real estate agent about your expectations and listen to their advice when setting the asking price for your property. The agent provides a full report on the value of your home that factors in neighborhood trends, local amenities, and your upgrades. Set the home correctly from the beginning the avoid delays.
Step 4 – Understand the Marketing Plan
Your real estate listing is seen by as many people as possible due to the marketing efforts of your agent. Discuss the marketing plan to make sure you know what’s to come during the process. They’ll use online marketing alongside traditional methods for the highest potential of success. The plan may include open houses, online ad campaigns, staging, and professional photographs.
Step 5 – Expect Inspections and Contracts
Once a buyer has submitted an offer to your real estate agent, and you’ve accepted, it’s time to prepare for the finishing touches. First, an agreement will be signed between you and the buyer that states the sale terms. After that, their mortgage lender will order several inspections and an appraisal of the property. You revisit the terms of the deal if a problem arises during an investigation of the home. If all goes well, you’re one step closer to closing day.
Step 6 – Look for Closing Time
Closing day is when you will sign all the final pieces of paperwork and pay any outstanding fees. Typically, this is also the day that you will hand over the keys to your now former property. Once you’ve signed on the dotted line for the final time, it’s time to celebrate successfully selling your home!
Your real estate agent is the best source of information about the local community and real estate topics. Give KLM Realty a call today at 319-372-1919 to learn more about local areas, discuss selling a house, or tour available homes for sale.
