From the day you moved into your home, you probably started wondering how hard it would be to sell one day. Now that time has come, and you have probably already moved on emotionally. You just want the process to start sooner rather than later. However, there is a lot of work to be done to achieve top-dollar for your home, in this, or any market. Preparing your home for sale is a marketing investment and will allow you to sell it quicker and for more money. All it takes is a little time, some effort, and the assistance of your ERAŽ International Collection specialist. Find an ERA International Collection specialist in your area.
What is your goal for the sale?
Do you want a quick sale, regardless of what you get for your home? Maybe you would only like to get out of the home what you put into it? Or, would you like to achieve the highest possible price by spending some time and effort on preparing your home to be sold? How much time do you have? Make sure all decision-makers involved have the same goal in mind. Keep in mind that if you plan to try and time the sale with the purchase of your new home, you cannot be as flexible about the closing date. Have a backup plan that includes where you will go should you need to close on your current home before moving into your new one.
What price would allow you to achieve your goal?
It is critical to the sale of your home to set an appropriate asking price. A home that is not priced right stands a very good chance of lingering on the market and going stale. Your specialist will be your first line of defense to help with this task. Armed with the expert knowledge of your market, your specialist will sit down with you to review what comparable homes to yours are selling at and in what amount of time. Keep in mind that historically, it may take longer to sell a distinctive home like yours. You do not want to regret the price by feeling you sold for too little, but also do not want your home viewed as stagnant by a buyer. Complete a search of homes in your area with the same amount of bedrooms, bathrooms, and similar amenities on the left-hand side of this page. This will give you an idea of what comparable homes are being listed at.
Are there any major flaws or problems with your home?
Is there a new highway slated to run nearby your home? Does your basement flood every rainy season? The disclosure requirements vary by state, but sellers are usually obligated to disclose any known major problems or flaws in the structure or property. A buyer will usually have the home inspected prior to closing anywayTo assist you with this task, consider opting for a pre-listing home inspection to uncover any issues. This varies by state as well, and your specialist will be able to discuss all the details with you. This way, there are no surprises for anyone involved in the transaction. If applicable, you may want to have smaller issues resolved so they do not enter in negotiations.
Decide what goes and what stays
Before you start showing your home, you need to decide what will be included in the sale. If you want to take your Miele washer and dryer, Bosch oven and your Sub-Zero refrigerator with you, let that be known upfront. Contrastly, if you are leaving the custom window treatments, make that known as well. Anything additional included with the sale home may add to your already attractive selling points.
Set the Stage for a Spectacular Showing
Selling a home "as–is" for top dollar is not usually plausible in any home, let alone a distinctive one. Small cosmetic touches can increase your home's value to a buyer by thousands. While these things are most likely taken care of on a day-to-day basis anyway, pay special attention to them while your home is on the market. Take note of your home's curb appeal. Have the landscaping maintained and remove any sort of clutter from the land surrounding your home. Internally, focus on creating positive emotions in the buyer by having them envision what their own lives could look like in your home. Set the table in your formal dining room to suggest family gatherings and dinner parties. Fresh flowers and greenery should be placed throughout. Consider having your home painted to reflect a neutral color palette. When your home is being shown, turn on all the lights and allow as much natural light in as possible. Light a fire in the winter and have soft classical music playing. These minor touches will add to your home's appeal and will result in a more prosperous transaction. Essentially, set the stage of your home to allow a potential buyer to mentally move in as soon as they walk through the door. Your International Collection specialist is well-trained and knowledgable in home staging and can refer a professional home stager to complete this task, or provide suggestions if you will be doing it yourself.
Begin looking for your new home
You may want to wait to begin the search for your new home until a sales contract is signed on your current one. This way, you are not responsible for the costs of carrying two homes. Additionally, trying to perfectly time the two closings can make planning a move much more stressful for you. However, if you have to move quickly or you don't want to pass on the perfect home for you and your family, you have some options. A "bridge loan" will let you use the equity in your old house to buy a new one. You could also include a contingency clause stating that you will only buy the new home if the sale of your current home goes through. If applicable, your International Collection specialist can assist you with identifying your mortgage needs during this time. When you are at this point, review the Home Purchaser's Guide.
As we offer thousands of distinctive properties for sale nationally as well as internationally, you can begin your search right here! By utilizing the tabs on the left-hand side or reviewing the Find a Distinctive Home page, you will be well on your way to finding the prestigious home of your dreams.
