There are many reasons to sell your home. You may want to get a fresh start in another neighborhood, or cash in on your equity to retire or start a business. Most people automatically turn to a real estate agent. You may find that it's cheaper and easier to handle it yourself. Here's how to sell you own home.
1. Set the Price
Residential home prices are not determined by replacement costs, but fair market value. Do your research to get a good idea of competitive prices from the recent sales and listings of similar homes.
Do comparisons to determine how much to add or subtract for extras like swimming pools, outbuildings, property acreage, or additional baths or bedrooms. Over-pricing even a little can discourage buyers.
2. List Your Home
Online listings will be your cheapest option and reach the widest audience. Find the top real estate sites that will allow private sale listings. You could also join an MLS, or multiple listing service, to locate these sites for you and list with them.
Scan real estate listings to see how professional descriptions are worded. Be sure to provide several different quality photos of both the interior and exterior. Be honest and accurate with your information.
3. Wait for an Offer
If you've gone over 30 days without an offer, something needs to change. Be sure you've provided plenty of curb appeal in your photos by making repairs and tidying up the yard and the interior. Some relatively low-cost renovations like a new front door, plumbing fixtures, and countertops could help.
Consider hiring a home inspector to identify needed upgrades, or a professional photographer for excellent photos. You could throw in some extras like your gardening equipment or patio furniture. If nothing else works, start reducing the price.
4. Plan for Closing
You'll remember from your original purchase that there's a lot of paperwork involved in selling a home. Legalities are one of those areas where you don't want to skimp. A conveyancer from places like KDD Conveyancing Services can make a big difference. These are professionals that expedite the sale of property.
An experienced local conveyancer will be able to fill out the necessary forms and get them to the right agencies. This way, you can take confidence in having everything done correctly for a faster and easier transfer of ownership.
With a little research, there's no reason you can't sell your own home. Just don't be hesitant about asking for help when you need it.
