Pricing a Home
If you are planning on selling a house you have an important decision
to make: what price are you going to ask for it. This is a difficult decision, buyers
comparison shop so your home will have to have a fair market price in order for it to attract
a buyer. A real estate professional can help you determine the market value of your home
while still obtaining the best price for it.
Some factors to take into account when determining your home price are:
- Sales price of similar homes in your neighborhood.
- Good supply of homes for sale in your area.
- Prices increasing or decreasing in your area.
- Age and condition.
The true value of your home is simply what someone is willing to pay for it. By working with
a real estate professional you can ensure that your property will receive the needed exposure
to attract interested buyers.
What Is My Home Worth?
Receive a free evaluation of your home's current
market value
Virtual Tours
We provide virtual tours of all our listed homes at no cost. Virtual tours permit buyers to
look around inside and outside a home while online.
Here is an example of
a Virtual Tour
Sure Close
We use the Sure Close transaction management system. You will be provided with a password to
allow you to log in and monitor the progress of your escrow online.
GMAC Premier Service
I am a GMAC Premier Service provider. You will be provided with a certificate guaranteeing
the superior service that you will receive. On completion of your escrow the independant
Premier Service administrator will ask you to complete a report card on how well I lived
up to the Premier Service guarantee. My continued certification depends upon these report
cards so it is very important that I do a good job.
Making Your Home Look Its Best
Naturally your home should look the best it possibly can when buyers are walking through.
The exterior trim should be painted if it needs it, the hedges clipped, the lawns mowed,
and the edges neat. Planting some flowers can make a big difference.
On the inside put the clutter away (including clothes and dishes) and make everything look
tidy. Open drapes and turn on lights for a brighter feel. Put toys away and turn off the
television. Secure jewelry, cash, prescription medication and other valuables. Place fresh
flowers in the main rooms. Let fresh air in and get rid of odors that may be unfamiliar or
unpleasant.
First Impressions Are Very Important
A good first impression can influence a buyer into making an offer; it influences a buyer
emotionally and visually. If you want buyers to be interested in your home, you need to show
it in its best light.
A bad first impression weighs just as heavily, do not show your property until it is all
fixed up. A negative first impression could be used as a reason for negotiation.
Most likely you are emotionally tied to your house which puts you in a bad position to see
it as potential buyers will. Ask around for the opinions others have of your home, your real
estate agent can give solid advice on what needs to be done. What you need are objective
opinions.
Typically, there are some general fix ups that need to be done both inside and out. As a
seller, you should consider the following:
- Fix squeaky floorboards.
- Clean the carpets and take care of any stains.
- Touch up or redo the paintwork so that it looks like it has been well taken care of.
- Landscaping - Make sure the front yard looks maintained and in good condition.
- Clear everything off the driveway that does not need to be there.
When Considering Offers
Keep in mind that not only do you want the best price but the best terms as well. If you
concentrate solely on the price, you may overlook terms that could be favorable to you as
a buyer. Here are some terms that may work in your favor:
- All cash deal
- Collect high interest on a second mortgage for your home.
- Buyer to pay for most or all of the closing costs.
- Buyer to take care of any repairs.
- Buyer is preapproved and ready to close in a time that best suits you.
When reading through offers, remember to look at the whole package. Take the time that you
need to assess what is being offered and to determine if it meets your needs.
Do Get a Home Inspection
A professional home inspection protects both buyer and seller, the following are usually
covered.
- Structural - any problems with the foundations.
- Roof - general condition and if there are any leaks.
- Electrical - any unsafe conditions or potential fire hazards.
- Plumbing - leaks and blockages.
This is a valuable protection to the seller because it establishes the actual condition of
the property at the time of sale.
What Does Escrow Do?
Escrow has the role of a neutral third party. The escrow company follows the instructions
that were agreed upon by the buyer and seller (basically the purchase contract) and when
everything is in place the seller is given his money and the buyer receives the title to
the property.
The escrow company employs the services of a title company to verify that the seller is
the clear legal owner of the property. The title company issues title insurance which
protects the buyer against loss due to a subsequent discovery that there is a problem
with the title.
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