Prepare your home before you sell.
Making your home shine is important in order to get it sold quickly. Many sellers use a Realtor to actively promote and sell, however you can sell your home just as quickly, if not faster, using for sale by owner websites. Do research on comparable properties in your area to ensure that your home is priced competitively, and conduct repairs and easy fixes before putting it on the market.
Instructions
1. Prepare your home to sell. Evaluate the obvious and possibly hidden issues within your home. Buyers must be able to visualize personal items and their family living in your home. If you have decorated using a lot of trendy colors, consider re-staging your home to appeal to a wider audience. Use neutral colors in every room, remove clutter and personal items such as trophies and photos, and minimize furniture to give the appearance of a larger space.
Some repairs may not be apparent, but can be important in making a fast sale. Hire an inspection company or private electrician, plumber and roofer to evaluate your home's structure, plumbing, roof and electrical system. Even if you receive a fast offer the home inspection could reveal issues that you may need to repair, or the seller could back out. Address issues beforehand so you don't have to deal with them while you are trying to sell the house.
2. Settle on an asking price. If you are selling your home in a down market the price you may have received three years ago may be unrealistic. One of the best ways to determine what you should ask is to compare your home to what people are asking for a similar home. Use the multiple listing service (MLS) to search for homes in your area that are the same age, square footage, property size and offer similar amenities.
Examine the asking prices for at least three similar properties, then determine how much you will ask for your property.
3. Photograph and take video of your home. Take photos of every room to feature on websites and in email. Before taking a photo, ensure that the room is spotless and is showroom ready. No clutter, mess or errant items should appear in the photo.
Some websites offer virtual tours of homes. A virtual tour gives the buyer a better idea of the room's dimensions and provides a realistic view of the home. Your video should be no longer than three minutes and silent. Don't narrate or include music because it could turn off buyers.
4. List your home on "for sale by owner" websites. Some popular sites include Homes for Sale By Owner and For Sale By Owner. Once your home is ready to sell, list it on as many "for sale by owner" websites in your area. Many of these sites provide national coverage so people moving to your area can preview your home even if they haven't moved to town.
5. Promote your home to local Realtors. Although you aren't listing your home with a Realtor, agents are still interested in your property because they will earn commission for the sale from the seller.
Send an e-mail about your home to the top five or ten Realtors in your area. Some agents specialize in certain types of property such as estate homes or second homes, so seek out Realtors with a specific interest in your type of home or property.
Include snapshots and your virtual tour in the e-mail along with your contact information. Invite the Realtor to visit your home to preview its features and benefits.
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