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SELLING TIPS : HOW TO SELL YOUR HOME
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Whether you’re planning to sell your home in the next few months or just studying up
for that eventuality, there’s no time like now to prepare. If buying a house seems complicated,
selling involves even more responsibilities and expenses.
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WORKING WITH A REALTOR®
If you’ve been through the home-buying process, you already know how complicated the
real estate business can be. While you can opt to sell your home yourself, it can be
time-consuming and often not worth the money saved on commissions.
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PRICE YOUR HOME
To price a home properly, you and your REALTOR® will have to study the local market,
research comparable properties and consider current market conditions.
This is where the “comparative marketing analysis” will come in handy as a place to start.
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Prepare Your Home for Showing
Curb Appeal Is Essential - A mowed, trimmed lawn and weeded garden create
a good first impression. Inspect the exterior of your property: Shutters, windows,
front door and steps. If the house needs painting, buyers will notice and may
consider it a major objection to purchase.
Neatness Counts - Scrub each room thoroughly. Give special attention to the
entryway, kitchen and bathrooms. Shampoo the carpet if necessary. If carpet is worn
or old, consider replacing or removing it if hardwood floors are underneath.
And don't forget cobwebs in corners!
Eliminate Clutter - Buyers will open closets and cupboards, so make sure
they're as tidy as possible. Get rid of items you don't use. Remove unnecessary
furniture to help make each room appear more spacious.
Don't Forget About Aromatherapy - Make sure your home passes the scent test.
Right before an open house, bake some cookies or bread, simmer a pot of apple
cider & cinnamon on the stove, or light a few scented candles. Strong odors could
send potential lookers running out the front door.
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ACCEPTING AN OFFER
Someone has decided your property is just right––and makes you an offer.
When your Real Estate Sales Professional conveys the offer to you, you'll know whether
the price the buyer has suggested is fair. It may be less than your asking price.
Yet you don't have to reply immediately if you're not certain the price and terms are acceptable.
Consider the current real estate market: Are houses in your neighborhood selling quickly,
slowly or not at all? Don't assume that one offer will lead quickly to others.
One predictable factor in the real estate market is that it's totally unpredictable.
Finding a Compromise
If you and your potential buyer are far apart, you could offer a few concessions such as
appliances or a security system, or make some improvements prior to closing.
Drawing Up a Purchase Agreement
Your purchase agreement will include:
The total price.
The amount of the down payment.
The date the closing will take place.
When completing the agreement, provide as much detail as you can about what's being
sold and what's not. The more fully you spell out the details of the sale, the less
room there is for problems later.
Most buyers insist that a provision for cancellation without penalties is included to protect
them if they're unable to get a mortgage, or the home inspection uncovers major problems.
They might also ask you to make your sale contingent on the sale of their current home.
Delays happen frequently, so expect to do a little waiting before your agreement is finalized.
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COMPLETE THE SETTLEMENT
Once you have accepted an offer to buy your house, expect to make your house available to
a housing inspector, a termite inspector, an appraiser and other inspectors.
After seeing the results of the inspections, the buyer may request additional work is
completed before purchase, such as repairing a damaged roof or fixing a leaky faucet.
There will be a final walk-through before all signatures are collected and the deal
considered done. The buyer will go room by room to check that everything is in working
condition and, if you had agreed to do so, any additional work requested after
inspection is completed.
Now you can prepare for your own move, notify your utility companies of the date to transfer
your account to a new address and start packing. Congratulations, you’ve sold your home!
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