How Do I Get Started When I Want to Sell My Home?

Whether you’re selling your home for the first time, or you’re just ready to sell it, there are steps you can take to ensure the sale goes smoothly. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Get a pre-listing appraisal

Getting a pre-listing appraisal can help to sell my house fast and for the best price. A pre-listing appraisal is an estimate of the value of your home, based on current market data and comparable home sales. The appraisal is done by a licensed real estate appraiser.

A pre-listing appraisal is an accurate measure of the value of your home. It will take into account recent improvements, as well as the size and condition of your home. It can help you decide whether it is worth completing some home repairs before listing.

A pre-listing appraisal may help you avoid an unwanted appraisal gap. If the appraisal reveals that your home is worth less than what you paid for it, you may be forced to take a hit on your expected sale price.

Find a real estate agent

Choosing a real estate agent is an important step in the home buying and selling process. An agent can act as a knowledgeable sounding board and guide you through the process. They can also help you narrow your search for the perfect home.

If you’re planning to buy or sell a home, you need to make sure that you find a real estate agent that you’ll enjoy working with. Ask around for recommendations, read online reviews, and contact colleagues or friends.

You should also interview at least two agents. Find out about their experience and their personality. You should also be upfront about your preferences. For example, you might prefer to communicate through phone calls, emails, or texting.

You should also ask your agent about their marketing plan. You can ask if they offer professional photography and 3D virtual tours.

Write an enticing listing description

Using the right words to describe your home can make a big difference. Using the right adjectives can generate interest in your property and even influence buyers’ first impressions.

One study by Zillow found that the 250-word mark is the ideal length for a listing description. This may sound like a lot of words, but it provides plenty of room for describing the great features of your home.

The key to using the right words is to remember your audience. It’s a good idea to study the neighborhood you’re selling in to find out what people look for in homes in your area. This will give you a good idea of what to focus on.

Using the correct grammar is also important. Search engines favor descriptions with correct punctuation. However, using all caps may make you seem like you’re yelling at a buyer.

Get a buyer’s agent

Getting a buyer’s agent can make the buying process easier. It can also save you money. It’s important to find an agent who will protect your interests and help you buy the house you want.

The first step in finding a good agent is to compare them. You can find several agents through online listings, referrals from friends and family, or local real estate groups. You may also want to get an agent who is knowledgeable about the neighborhood and school districts.

The National Association of Realtors reports that over half of agents use social media. You can search social media websites like Facebook and NextDoor to find agents in your area.

When you find an agent, it’s important to ask him or her questions about his or her experience. You want to make sure you are working with someone who will listen to your needs and offer realistic solutions.

Complete repairs and obtain certifications before closing

Getting certifications and repairs completed before closing when selling a home is a smart move. Even minor items in good working order can make a home more appealing to buyers and reduce buyer backouts during escrow.

For instance, a seller may be willing to put in some cash to repair a leaky water heater or furnace. It’s also a good idea to ask the seller to hold funds in escrow to pay for repairs before closing. You can also ask the seller to make repairs to a structural issue or replace a missing door stop.

Getting certifications and repairs completed before closing is important because a home buyer has the right to request them. A general property inspection is also a good idea. The right inspector will let you know what buyers expect from their new home.