Home Selling Tips

Posted by Elizabeth on January 4, 2010

Marketing your home
If you’ve decided to sell your home on your own, there’s a few things you must first keep in mind:

These days, just putting a sign in your yard wont get you very far at all. This market has caused people to modify the way they reach potential buyers, and one sure-fire way to advertise your home is on the internet.
There are several websites you can place an ad on like FSBO.com and Owners.com.
It’s also important that you put your home on a multiple listing site (MLS.com).
This gives your home exposure to more Realtors who are representing buyers.
Feel free to use other sales websites like Craigslist.org and Yahoo Real Estate.

Remember:
Potential buyers are scouring the internet daily so make sure your pictures are up to date. Change them every 20-30 days. If possible, upload a virtual tour of your home – you can do it yourself or hire a professional.

Online advertising has become increasingly popular, but you cannot forget about print advertising. Purchase a classified ad though a newspaper, and when you do, check and see if they also offer online marketing as well. Most times, you can purchase a classified ad that includes an Internet Home Sales section.

*Before placing your ad, proofread it.
Make sure the price is listed correctly, the address is right, and all the features are listed. The smallest error can turn away a buyer. You don’t want to miss out on any opportunities!

*It’s the little things that count
Focus on the detail that potential buyers might pick up on. You never know what could turn them off. Put yourself in their shoes – if you were looking at a home you’d most likely scrutinize every nook and crannie, so be sure you’re re-touching all the little nicks on the walls, baseboards, and any other imperfections you would pick up on if you were walking through a house.

*After you’ve listed your home online, and purchased a classified ad, have an open house for
buyer’s agents and the public.
Don’t forget that first impressions are everything. Make sure your landscaping is clean, you house is spotless and free of excess clutter. Clutter makes any room appear smaller. Having clean lines and neutral colors gives buyers an opportunity to visualize their belongings in your home.

*We know you love your dog, but who knows if they will?
Remove all of your pets from your home while it’s showing. Vacuum all hair, deodorize, and clean any stains they may have left.

*Make a portfolio of your home’s information and facts about the community.
Make the buyers feel like this community is where they belong. Compile information about parks, events, and schools. Also include warranty information about the appliances, pictures of the home during the holidays, during summer, in the fall – help them feel comfortable.

*Remove the fixtures and window treatments you’re taking with you.
You’re selling the house as a package, you don’t want the buyers to think they’re getting Grandma’s chandelier and your custom drapery. Take them down and replace with fixtures that can be sold with the home.

*Take a look at the competition.
Go to other open houses to see what those owners are doing to appeal to buyers. This will give you a better idea of what to “re-do” and what to “re-touch.”

and finally…
*Get out of the house!
Buyers feel uncomfortable touring a home with the owner in it. Let them be alone with their Realtor and really get a feel for living in the house.

If you’ve chosen to use an agent to sell your home…
You’re probably really anxious to sell your house but, don’t just work with the first broker you find; do your research. Find a few agents in your area that have been recommended by your family and friends. Set up a day to interview these potential agents and be sure to have a solid list of questions to ask.

1) Ask if they have a resume and how many homes they’ve sold in the last year.

2) Don’t be afraid to ask for references.
Have them give you a list of past clients that you can contact.

3) Ask them how they’re going to market your house.
Will they list it on the internet? How many sites will they list it on? Will they list your home in the paper?

4) How often will you hear from them?

5) Will the agent be representing you exclusively, or the buyer as well?

6) What are the commission fees?

7) What did they think of your home (curb appeal, inside)?

8 ) How will they determine the price of your home?
Your home should be priced relative to what other homes that are under contract are selling for. Consider pricing your home lower than other houses in the area to generate interest in your property. A high demand will drive the price up.

Selling your home safely
Selling your home can in some cases, make your home a target for theft.

*Be sure the potential buyer is an actual buyer.

*Have people come with pre-approval letters.

*Lock up your valuables and items you treasure.

*Don’t allow your children to allow in buyers who just saw the home driving by.

*Know who they are. Ask for identification.