How Do I Sell My Home?

If you're thinking of selling your home, whether with a REALTOR®, or for sale by owner, you'll need this valuable information to understand the mechanics of how it all works!  Real estate is a market, like any other commodity, however, each location has it's own nuances and specifics, depending on location.

For instance, sellers in the Jacksonville, North Carolina area understand that it is primarily driven by buyers using the VA loan.  There are certain contingencies and conditions that are presented with using this particular loan program.  Knowing who you will most likely be selling to allows you to market it properly and understand how the rest of the experience will go.
So first, do your homework and clean up after yourself!  
Get your home in "show room" status.  Selling a home right now is a beauty contest and a price war!  Be proactive and get it looking good for those buyers you've all ready identified!
Next, Stage That House!
This simply means, get it clean, declutter and consider moving the furniture!  You live in your home differently than how you sell your house!  You don't have to hire a professional stager- you can simply move your furniture and possibly declutter to make it feel more inviting and brighter.  Ask your listing agent for help with this, and don't be offended if they give their honest opinion and advice!
Listing and Marketing
Figure how much your home is worth by checking comparable homes in the immediate area that have sold recently.  Comparable equals same age range, size range and features!  Immediate area is as close as possible!  Be reasonable and don't factor in personal details.  Overpricing your home is never a good idea.  Overpricing your home by as much as 10% will shut out over 50% of potential buyers!  
Consider if you're going to want internet advertising and/or print advertising.  Consider professional photography!  There is a world of difference between a good photo and a good photo that sells a home!  How about an open house?  There is a right way to do it and a wrong way!  Be sure to study up on the art of an open house.
Selling Your House
This can be tricky if you choose for sale by owner.  Much easier, usually, with a professional REALTOR®.  You'll need a place for the key, and you need to be gone for showings!  No one would feel comfortable viewing a home if the owner were lurking over their shoulder during the viewing or talking incessantly about the improvements they've made.  Leave!  It's the best way to show your house!  Consider each offer carefully.  Never reject an offer- if someone took the time to make an offer, take the time to counter it.  Most people want to get the best deal possible, so be reasonable, even if the offer isn't.
A Proper Closing
Typically, a buyer will want to do a home inspection, appraisal, septic inspection and perhaps a survey.  In the Jacksonville, NC area, the seller typically gets a pest inspection prior to closing.  Make time allowances for these instances and plan to be away from the home.  If you're using a REALTOR®, they will be organizing closing with the closing attorney, title company, lender and other agent.  If you go it alone, make sure you know who the experts are in your area for all of these. Once all of these items are completed and everything is negotiated, it's time for settlement with the closing attorney.  
This very basic overview of the home selling process is meant to answer questions, however, things always come during the process.  And if you need assistance, you can always hire a REALTOR® or a real estate attorney to help you with the experience!
It isn't hard to find tips on how to sell a home in today's market.  The difficult part is keeping it all in line!  If you could skip the hassle and sell your home today, would you?  Call Amanda to find out how!  910.545.0450