[READ-A-BIT BLOG] Home Sellers: Our Tips for Eliminating Stress
Last month we talked briefly about today’s real estate market and steps Buyers can take to eliminate some of the stress they experience when buying a home. This month, we are going to focus on the Seller side of the transaction. As with any big event (a wedding, for instance) the more organized and prepared you are upfront the smoother the event will go. The same holds true for selling your home. So how can we help eliminate some of the stress for you?
The Selling Price: Your realtor will work with you to establish the selling price for your home. Our goal is to price it right so it sells as quickly as possible.
Preparing Your Home for Sale: As the homeowner, your most important role is ensuring that your home makes a good first impression. We talked about curb appeal and first impressions when buyers open your front door in earlier blogs. Are there items in your home that require attention or need repair? Fix them early! You may even want to do a “pre” home inspection to give you an idea of what may or may not (if anything) require attention.
Open Houses and Showing Requests: Your realtor will explain how open houses and showing requests work. This stage can be frustrating for some sellers, particularly if you are living in the home you are selling. You may be required to act quickly at times; showing requests can pop up at any point throughout the day.
Keeping your home clean and organized, especially if you have kids and pets, is one of the more difficult parts of selling your home. Tote boxes can be a lifesaver for you. Here’s how:
Toys: Most buyers don’t have the vision to look past toys scattered throughout the home. They focus on the clutter instead of thinking about how your home would be a good fit for them. Create a game to entice your kids to help you pick up the toys and put them in the tote. Add the cover, and the toys are out of site. Yet, they are still easily accessible to your kids when the showing is done.
Countertops: A home is more welcoming when the countertops are free of clutter. However, we are not a paperless society so there are always personal papers, etc. laying on the countertop to deal with at an opportune time (at least at our house). Prior to the showing, put all your papers, magazines, etc. in the tote. Like the toys tote, you can still easily access it when you need to.
And don’t forget the dishes in the sink.
Shoes: Almost every household experiences it. We walk in from the outdoors / garage and off come the shoes. A tote can discreetly hide them from your guests.
Pets: Have a plan in place for your pet(s). It is best not to leave them roaming around the home during a showing. Not all buyers are pet lovers, some are even afraid of dogs. Will you put them in a pet carrier in a certain room during the showing? Or are you going take them with you? Talk with your realtor. They can set up the showing schedule so showings can only be requested during a certain portion of the day (for example, from 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm).
Receiving Offers: You will want to take some time to consider and review with your realtor what you will or won’t accept as far as terms are concerned when a buyer presents their offer. Having some of these things worked out in your mind ahead of time will save you time, particularly if you are in a “multiple offer” situation. Whether it’s one offer or multiple offers, we will help you with the acceptance, rejection, or negotiations of a counteroffer and finalize all remaining details for the Closing; the day you turn your keys over to the new homeowner.
Knowing what you can expect from your realtor can also eliminate stress throughout the selling process. How often will they communicate with you and how? Do the hours they work, work for? What other experience do they have that enables them to see the full picture of the buying and selling process to be able to assist you to the fullest extent possible? LinkedIn or the company’s website can also provide additional insight to their qualifications.
If you or anyone you know has any real estate needs, please let me know. I’d appreciate your referral! I am always eager to be of service.
New Century Real Estate is an energetic team that helps you fully understand the process of purchasing and/or selling a home. Be sure to ask us about savings available for local Hometown Heroes who buy or sell a home with a New Century Real Estate Agent.
