What you need to know to get your property sold... 1. Setting the right price. Today's real estate market is extremely competitive, and buyers have access to more information than ever before. It is important to investigate recent sale prices in your neighborhood and price your home accordingly. If you're serious about selling you home on your own, you may want to have an appraisal done. 2. Create a marketing plan. A sign in the front yard, a classified ad, a posting on Craig's List are all good places to start. Remember that the more qualified buyers who see your property, the more likely you are to get an offer. It's a good idea to ask potential buyers how they found out about your home, that way you'll know which ads are paying off. 3. Staging your home. De-clutter, get organized, and pack anything you don't absolutely need. Walk around your home with a critical eye and make all necessary repairs, before you put your home up for sale. 4. Questions to ask every caller. Are you pre-approved for a mortgage? Do you have a home to sell (If so, is it currently on the market)? What's your timeframe for moving? These questions will help you separate the lookers from the buyers. 5. Showing your property. When showing your property to buyers, it is essential to give them space to explore the home on their own. You might want to take a step outside or wait for them in one area of the home while they look around. Take a necessary safeguards and put all valuables away. 6. Negotiating the sale. Be prepared for offers less than your asking price. It's a fact, even in a seller's market, most homes sell for something less than the asking price. In today's market, low offers are commonplace, especially (and unfortunately for you) for sale by owner properties. One of the main reasons a buyer is looking at for sale by owner is to try and get a better price. They know you are not paying a commission, and they expect to get a better price. Have evidence proving the value of your property, and don't get emotional. A third party negotiator can literally save you thousands in negotiating the sale of your property. |