Owning your home is an ultimate goal for many. Homeownership provides so many opportunities, gives you stability, privacy and security for the future. You will likely come to a time in your life where it makes sense to sell your home. Whether that is upgrading, downsizing or moving to a new location, there are a few simple steps you can take to ensure you get top dollar for your home.
1. Use a Real Estate Agent
I realize coming from a real estate agent, this reason can seem a little off. However, in the last 3 years, the market has made dramatic changes in just a few months at a time. And the market we are in now is no different. There are many things to consider when selling your home including: price, timing, paperwork and much more. Unfortunately, if you are not working with an experienced real estate agent, you are likely leaving money on the table. According to NAR, the typical FSBO sold for $225,000 while a home listed with an agent sold for $330,000. That could be a life changing amount of money for you and your family. Agents are helpful from start to finish when considering selling your home. The bottom line is that working with a trusted agent can help you get top dollar and put more money in your pocket!
2. Make the RIGHT repairs and renovations
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when getting their home ready to put on the market is spending too much time on repairs that are going to make a difference in the sale price. We get it, some of the repairs and renovations that can change the sale price are costly but addressing those upfront can help you in the long run. If you choose to work with Housman Partners, you can expect an in-person visit to help you understand the immediate repairs that need to be made and those that would help you earn more money when selling your home. We can help you identify any issues that may arise with a potential homebuyer’s loan requirements to avoid any hiccups when your home goes under contract!
3. Get professional photos and video of your home
51% of homebuyers in 2021 found their new home on the internet, according to a study by the NAR. That means that over half of all homebuyers are seeing your home online before they ever even consider scheduling a showing. First impressions are crucial when listing your home and that means you want to make sure you are getting the highest quality photos out on all platforms. Videos are becoming essential in marketing your home not only on social media channels but also when considering virtual tours. When working with Housman Partners agents you can be assured that your home is getting top notch marketing efforts with our proprietary listing approach.
4. Be flexible when showing your home
A huge mistake you, as a seller, can make is limiting your showing availability on time and days. We understand there may be times that you just can’t allow your home to be open to the public, but if at all possible we recommend approving showings when they come in. The best way to combat this is to make sure before listing your home that you are prepared. Have a plan in place for where you will take pets, make dinner plans elsewhere, if you work from home try to make other arrangements for the time being and try to be flexible. By allowing the most possible showings, you open up to all buyers with different schedules and out of town buyers. This will give you the best possible opportunity to get top dollar for your home!
5. Pricing your home correctly
One of the hardest parts of listing your home is making sure that you are pricing it correctly for the current market. As we mentioned already, the market continues to change rapidly meaning the way we price homes can change drastically. The best way to get this price right is enlisting a trusted real estate agent. They have access to more information regarding recently sold homes, recently listed homes and what homes have gone under contract quickly. All this information combined with experience and any repairs that have been made can help ensure your home goes on the market at the appropriate price point. Listing at the right price will attract the right buyers and get your home sold quickly!
6. Be willing to negotiate
Negotiating can be difficult, especially when you have a set dollar amount you are willing to settle on or there are certain terms you are unwilling to work through. It is important to keep in mind that there are solutions to both of the issues when you are working a potential offer on your home. It is essential to take into consideration loan types, possession dates, etc. that may seem like a hassle at the time but may end up putting more money in your pocket in the long run. We often work with sellers to understand all the terms of a contract to get the best option for their goals. So, when you are ready to put your home on the market, make sure to keep in mind that you may need to be flexible and if there are things you are unwilling to negotiate, make those known upfront to save any hassle!
Bottom Line
When you are considering selling your home, there are several factors that you will want to take into account. It is always important to get a professional who is experienced and knowledgeable to help guide you through the process of selling your home. A real estate agent can help you determine what repairs/renovations need to be done, arrange for professional photos to make your home stand out, price your home correctly and then negotiate with buyers once your home receives a contract. If you have any questions about selling your home in Paducah, KY or Western KY, please reach out! Our agents would be happy to help get you started and guide you through one of the biggest decisions of your life.