Home Selling Tips
Secrets to a Happy Seller
When you decide to sell, the first thing to do is investigate the local housing market. This is something we do every day and can assist you with a customized automated search via email. It is good to know how sales were running, a year ago, so you get an idea of whether the market is heating up, cooling down, or staying put. This exercise should give you a sense of what your home is worth.
When you discuss the listing agreement, discuss other issues as well. For instance, if there are certain times when you want the house off-limits for a walk-through, etc., be sure to let us know so that information is tied to your listing when other brokers look at it in WVMLS
Before we put a Sign in the Yard
Try to take an objective look at it: Is it cluttered? A little worn and tired? Consider a new paint job. Tidy up. Remove some of your personal items, like family pictures and knickknacks. Move unneeded furniture into the attic, basement or rented storage. These seemingly insignificant details can add thousands of dollars to your eventual sales price. Please use us as a resource on what improvements would be worth the cost and effort; we are immersed in this world every day and know what buyers typically value.
The critical selling time is within the first month after your home hits the market. If the price is too high, you’ll turn off potential buyers and agents and then have a hard time attracting them back, even if you lower your sights later.
Also make sure that all the buyer’s contingencies are restricted within specific amounts of time. For instance, if the deal is contingent upon the home passing an inspection, then the inspection must occur within a week to 10 days of an accepted bid. The same is true of the closing date: We will assist you in making sure the buyer commits to a reasonable closing date.