Selling Your House? Answers to Common Questions

Selling your home might be one of the scariest things you ever undertake. Agents will tell you to clean up the rooms and fix patchy walls. Strangers will look around and poke into spaces you long considered private. And on top of all that, buyers will most likely offer you less than your asking price. In all, it’s an emotional train ride. Sellers usually have a ton of questions and concerns when it comes to trading the place they’ve called home for another. Here are a few answers that might ease your worries:

Should I Sell My House Now?

Figuring out the best time to sell is no easy feat. Tons of factors come into play and even then, you might not hit the mark. That’s why experts follow strong indicators in the real estate business that shows a transition to a seller’s market. Here’s a short list o f key signs to look out for:

• Inventory – When the number of available homes drops below the number of buyers, real estate becomes a “hot” market for sellers. They can negotiate for better deals and better offers, since buyers have less of a selection to choose from.

• Low Mortgage Rates – When interest rates fall, it allows buyers to obtain financing for larger mortgages.

• Economic Climate – If the local economy is doing well and people have restored confidence in the future, more people will be likely to invest in a home.

• Surrounding Environment – Obviously your home will sell better if it’s located in a good area with excellent schools, low crime rates, nearby activities/cities, and employment opportunities. If people can call it “home,” they’re more likely to make an offer on your home.

If you notice all these things occurring and are thinking about selling your home, it might be a good time to get in contact with your agent. They can help speed along the process and ensure you get the most out of your sale.

Do I Need a Real Estate Agent to Sell My House?

Selling your home without the help of a real estate agent can save you a ton on commissions; however, there are key advantages to hiring an agent. For one, they can market your house much better than you can. They understand the local market and know appropriate listing prices for each home. They have experience staging homes and can manage buyer meetings. And lastly, they can handle all the documentation and paperwork that would leave you stretching your hair out. So to stay the safe route, it’s always advisable to hire the expertise of a real estate agent.

Should I Fix Up the House Before Selling?

Back then people dreamed of buying a fixer-upper and saving themselves a ton of money. Now, people are looking for move-in-ready homes. They want that dream home now and don’t want to deal with all the costs of fixing it up themselves. But how much should you fix up? The answer lies with attractive appeal. If cracked windowpanes and tarnished floors cover your house, buyers will be discouraged from making an offer, or in worst cases, agents will hesitate to show buyers the property. Simple aesthetics should be touched up like newly painted walls and re-done carpets. If they’re major problems with the house, they need to be fixed. Home inspectors will catch the flaws during the selling process and might even ruin your chances of closing a sale.

You don’t need to entirely remodel the kitchen, but it’s always a good idea to keep in mind what buyers will be thinking. If the house is a mess and doesn’t look like a fresh, clean home, buyers will continue looking around for other houses. Make sure your home is in good condition and you’ll be sure to land a good deal down the road.

For More Questions

When you start the process to selling your home, you’re bound to have more questions as you go along. Having a good real estate agent, being prepared for what buyers expect, and getting everything ready will keep you from collapsing under the emotional turmoil. And the best part to it all is now you get to search for your new dream home! Congratulations on selling your house!

Below are featured areas for great home living:

• Charleston Homes for Sale

• Mt. Pleasant Homes for Sale

• Summerville Homes for Sale