Selling your house is a major step, one that’s often complicated by the emotional attachment you may have to it. It’s also a financial transaction that can be complex and time-consuming.
Before you decide to sell, get some advice from people who have done it before. They can help you avoid common mistakes and save money.
Real estate agents can provide valuable guidance www.firecashbuyers.com/selling-a-fire-damaged-house-massachusetts and insights about local market conditions and home values. They can also negotiate with potential buyers to ensure a fair price. However, they can also charge up to 6 percent of the sale price in commission fees. If you’re selling in a seller’s market, this can add up quickly.
If you choose to sell your house yourself (for sale by owner, or FSBO), you can usually save on broker fees. You may also be able to market your property better than an agent, and you can work with buyers directly throughout the process. However, it’s a good idea to have an attorney review any agreements and contracts with a buyer before you sign. An attorney can also help you identify potential legal problems, such as liens and encumbrances on the title or easements.
Before listing your house, give it a “tuneup” that can include cleaning and decluttering, sprucing up plantings and repainting surfaces. This can make your home more appealing to buyers and improve its chances of selling in a short amount of time. It’s important to know the difference between “curb appeal” and actual home improvements, though. It’s not uncommon for some improvements to actually decrease a home’s value.
A home inspection is a must before you put your house on the market. This will identify any costly repairs and provide you with a list of items to address. Your agent can also help you determine which fixes will bring the biggest return on investment.
Once a buyer is found, it’s important to keep the home in good condition for showings. This means mowing the lawn, keeping the house clean and putting away clutter. You can even hire a service to do a professional cleaning. A cluttered, dirty house makes buyers feel uncomfortable and can slow down the sales process.
Finally, find a place to store your pets during showings. A barking dog or messy cat is not a good first impression on a potential buyer. If you can’t take your pet with you, consider leaving it at a friend’s house or with a dogsitter.
When you’ve gotten an offer on your house, you’ll need to have a lawyer prepare the final contract and review it for accuracy. A lawyer can spot issues that could delay or torpedo the closing, such as liens, encumbrances and trust issues. He or she can also explain the terms of the mortgage, closing and possession dates, terms of the sale and any other details.
Once the final paperwork is signed, you’ll need to move out by your possession date and hand over the keys to your new home.