Whether you choose a for sale by owner or a listing agency, the home selling procedure is the same. Although certain specifics may differ somewhat from one state to the next, this checklist can be used as a general reference. Just be sure to speak with a local expert for specifics on what is needed in your state. Here are a few tips: Pricing your home, staging it to look like a model home, negotiating with a buyer, and preparing for closing. We buy houses in Maryland; these tips will make the home selling process easier and more profitable.
Price setting
Before listing your home for sale, you must determine its worth. You can’t just put anything on it because the market will determine the price. Instead, you can do a Comparative Market Analysis on the area to see what comparable properties have sold for. A real estate agent can also provide you with this report, which is helpful. Once you have determined the price of your home, the real estate agent will begin the marketing process to sell your home.
Whether using a real estate agent or listing your home on your own, price setting is essential in the selling process. Getting the right initial price for your home will maximize its exposure and help you sell it quickly and for the highest possible profit. To ensure that you get the best price for your home, you should consider the condition of your property, the comparable homes in your neighborhood, and the overall market conditions.
Pre-sale home inspection
A pre-sale home inspection is an important step in the selling process, and the cost of a pre-sale home inspection can be included in the closing costs. The purpose of the inspection is to protect the buyer and seller, and most surprises are found in areas the seller can’t see. Common surprises include roof leaks, pests, and foundation problems. While the buyer typically pays for a home inspection, there are some instances where a seller pays for a pre-sale inspection before listing the home. Regardless of who pays for the inspection, the cost of a pre-sale home inspection may be included in the closing costs.
Pre-sale inspections are important because they reveal any problems a buyer may encounter before buying the home. In addition, the inspection can identify issues that will need to be fixed before the listing is published, preventing any unpleasant surprises after the listing is complete. Pre-inspections also allow sellers to deliver information to potential buyers, including details about mechanical systems and recent work on the home.
Negotiating with a buyer
While you should not attempt to outbid your buyer, it is crucial to keep in mind that the buyer has an agent to help you with the transaction. Your agent should know the most common tricks of the trade, so you can try to guess their tactics. The buyer may request extras, such as closing costs or a home warranty. If these are requests you don’t want to accept, you can counter them.
A savvy buyer may point out things that aren’t quite right about your house and try to get you to lower your price to make the deal work. In such a case, your best bet is to ask an agent to help you identify these things and suggest what you should fix or change to get the best deal. Remember that you hold the power in the negotiating process, so keep your emotions in check.
Preparing for closing
The closing process for a home can take place in person or by mail. In some states, the seller must pre-sign the closing documents before the buyer can view the property. Regardless of the method, a buyer will want to see the property in person before signing any paperwork. In either case, sellers will want to be sure that the closing documents are accurate. In addition, the buyer will want to ensure that they address any issues identified during the home inspection.
Lastly, sellers must disclose all issues with the home. Typically, this includes any lead-based paint, mold, or other problems that could affect the sale price. Sellers should have a disclosure form prepared for their state. Once the buyer signs the form, the home is officially for sale. If the seller hasn’t completed this step, they should contact their real estate agents. They can help streamline the closing process.
Make a list of things to do before closing
Before closing, make a checklist of what you still need to do. An empty home invites unwanted guests. Check the locks, closets, cabinets, and drawers for missing items. Gather the manuals and warranties for appliances if you bought the home from a seller. You should also lock the front door and turn off the lights. Keeping a checklist of what needs to be done before closing will help you stay on top of everything and will help you stay organized.
During the final day of the home selling process, you should check your house for forgotten items. For example, you might want to leave some leftover paint cans if you’re selling them as-is. Make sure to double-check paint colors with the buyer. Additionally, it would be best to shut off water shutoff valves at least 24 hours before closing. A home seller checklist should cover every task a seller must do before closing.