The Home Selling Process
Sell, Sell, Sell
As you probably know, you're not the only one who's selling a home in your community. But did you know that thousands of people join you each week? With those kinds of numbers, it's easy to see that competition is pretty fierce. So, the better prepared you are, the better your experience will be, and the better (and faster) outcome you can expect.
Frequently Asked Questions About Selling
Once you've decided to sell, you'll be thinking about a whole host of details, like how to get your home ready for sale, when to put it on the market, and how much to ask for it. A BOWES GMAC Real Estate agent can help you with all that and more.
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Meanwhile, here are recommended steps that will help ensure your home sells fast and for top dollar.
1. Make a Good First Impression
An attractive, well-maintained home will generally sell faster and for a higher price than a similar home that looks drab or run-down. When you prepare your home for sale, take a critical look inside and out. If you're having trouble being objective ask your BOWES GMAC Real Estate agent, a neighbor or a friend to help. Watch for places and things you can clean up, repair or replace.
Remodeling Strategies
Gathering the Facts
2. Know the Market
Your home will be competing with similar homes for sale in and around your neighborhood, so it's a good idea to know which homes are on the market and what their asking prices are. Take a leisurely walk or drive through the area to look for signs, check local newspaper and Internet listings, and make sure you ask your agent for a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), which includes information on area homes for sale. All of this will help you when you work with your agent to determine the fair market value of your own home.
How the Marketplace Works
3. Price Your Home Correctly
Pricing your home too high can discourage offers from serious buyers. On the other hand, pricing your home too low won't leave you much room to negotiate. And most homes sell at fair market value – not above it. That's why intelligent pricing is so important. Work with your BOWES GMAC Real Estate listing agent to determine the best price for your home.
Price it Right
Your home's value
Free Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)
4. Make Sure Your Home is Marketed Effectively
It's tough to sell your home if no one knows it's for sale. A BOWES GMAC Real Estate aqent can create maximum exposure for your home using our Web site, direct mail, home books and other marketing tools. This unique combination of services means your home is actively marketed every single day until it's sold. That's our service guarantee.
Marketing Your Home
Market Approach
5. Prepare for Showings and Open Houses
Showings and Open Houses let potential buyers personally tour your home to see if it fits their lifestyle. Your goal should be to create an environment where potential buyers can visualize how the space will fit them. This includes removing items from your kitchen counters and arranging your furniture to create a simple, spacious appearance, so it's easier for buyers to see themselves living there.
Decorate for appeal
Holding a Successful Open House
Selling your Home - Proven Tips
6. Negotiate the Terms of the Sale
Buyers and sellers usually expect to negotiate the price and terms of a home sale. You can speed up this process if you evaluate and respond to offers and counteroffers in a timely fashion. Don't worry if you're not personally comfortable negotiating; your BOWES GMAC Real Estate agent has great experience and will help you through this process by handling all negotiations.
The Art of Negotiation
Calculate Net Proceeds
7. Review the Home Inspector's Findings
Most buyers will request a home inspection before completing the sale. Once they have the inspection results, many buyers request certain repairs. As the seller, you should receive a written copy of the inspection report. Be sure to review it carefully so you understand the nature and extent of any problems and repairs a buyer may request. Your agent should help you respond to the inspection, clearly stating what you will take care of, how and when.
8. Sign the Agreement of Purchase and Sale
Once you reach an understanding with the buyer, it's time to sign the Agreement of Purchase and Sale. Review this document carefully and discuss it with your BOWES GMAC Real Estate listing agent. The Agreement of Purchase and Sale will specify the terms and conditions to which you have agreed.
9. Prepare for Closing
The closing process is a simple process which involves the attorney transferring the home from your possession to the new owner on the day of closing. The paperwork is usually prepared and signed in the lawyers office several days prior to the closing date.