10 Important Considerations When Selling A House

There are many factors which influence the sale of a house. However, here is a list of some of the most important things to consider when you want to maximize your proceeds from the sale.

Give these tips careful attention as they could mean the difference in your home selling quickly for top-dollar, your home sale dragging on 'forever'... or worse yet, not selling at all!

Maximize The Proceeds From Your Home Sale

1. Price the property competitively. Listen to your agent's advice, even if the price may not be quite as much as you want to get for your home. They should be using and showing you market data to price your home right and competitively. Sometimes, they will suggest more than you are thinking too. It really depends on the market data which your agent will share and review with you.

Sellers need to understand that if the price is set too low the offers that come in will typically start a bidding war which will drive the price to at or slightly above market value. 

Keeping this in mind, it is better to list lower and get action and showings rather than list high and be a stale listing.

2. Be willing to consider offers based on VA/FHA terms. Government terms give many buyers a head start on the ability to afford a home. While these loans may have additional requirements often in requiring home repairs, they could mean the difference in someone buying your house or not.

One thing to consider about FHA/VA loans is the appraisal process by the lender is a bit more stringent. Items such as peeling paint, exterior deterioration, and broken items may become a notable issue while with a conventional appraisal they would not typically be of concern.

3. Making it available to show at the buyer's convenience. Allow the property to be shown with or without an appointment, just as long as the prospective buyer’s agent is present and even that is really optional. If they do have an agent, be sure to get their agent’s business card.

Discuss showing procedures with your realtor in advance so you'll know what to do if and when this happens. If anyone contacts you directly about the property the best thing to do is direct them to contact your listing agent. Your agent is experienced in answering questions and divulging the information best suited to get your home sold. 

4. Whenever possible, please be out of the house when prospective buyers and their agents want to see it. Buyers need to "make it their own", and they can't do that as long as you are there. If you have nowhere to 'go', simply go outside, go into your car for a drive, or just go for a short walk. Usually home showings do not take that long, and if they do it is usually a good sign!

5. Eliminate any barrier to the free-flow of traffic in the home. Items such as bulky or extra furniture, house plants that stick into traffic ways, toys or clothes not put away, beds not made, general clutter, etc., slow down traffic and make rooms look smaller and darker. Clutter implies a lack of care to the home so be sure to keep the house tidy, and clutter free as much as possible for you. 

6. Pets (usually dogs) that, under ordinary circumstances, provide needed security can prevent buyers from comfortably viewing your home. It is best to keep pets such as dogs outside or out on a walk during your showings. Plus, walking your dog(s) gives you a place to go during showings. Even dogs who are friendly may bark, whimper, make noises, distract, or otherwise deter a potential and qualified buyer. Even if you have the cutest pets in the world some people do not like animals and it is best to have them out of the house during showings. 

7. Your agent is on your side and won't get paid until you get results. Advice from a professional is useless unless you take it! If you want the best result be sure to consult with a real estate agent. Your agent has experience which may make the home buying or selling process seem easy but that is because they do it all of the time. A mechanic, barber or surgeon may make their craft seem easy but I assure you you wouldn’t want just anyone doing those jobs on you, would you?

8. Curb Appeal. Look at the front of your house. Size it up as objectively as you can while asking yourself this question: if a buyer pulled up in front, would the appearance draw them inside or could you see them just driving away? How could you make it better? 

Dead trees, bushes, flowers, debris, worn paint on the house or fence, broken or dirty windows, full overflowing gutters, a dirty roof, or toys all strewn about are all common things that could lead to a deterrent for a potential buyer for your home. While there are many others this is just some of the few common curb appeal killers. 

9. Make all improvements with an eye toward marketing your home to the most people. Be aware of unusual colors or styles which might clash with a prospective buyer's taste. Although you may love something, someone else may not. Neutral tones such as grey, beige, white are the best choices. It is expected that most people who purchase a home will likely paint it to suit their needs. Covering any damages in walls such as holes or dents, scratches, or stains with a fresh coat of paint is highly advisable and will return on your investment ten-fold. 

10. Be willing to consider ANY offer at any time. Just because an offer comes in does not mean you need to accept it. Remember, you are always the final judge of what's accepted and what's not! Don't take any low offers personally. Simply work with your agent to get the offer you are looking for and gets you to accomplish your home selling goals. 

Contact Brian Walsh @ Re/Max The Real Estate Leaders

If you would like an in-home value consultation or have a referral for me please contact me at [email protected] or DM me on any social media platform to get started.