You can ask various people, including real estate agents, analysts, buyers and sellers what the current market is like, and you’ll get many different answers. Some people believe it’s best to wait until interest rates come down before entering the housing market. Others say there’s no time like the present. If you want to sell a house, you’ll want to make it as marketable as possible.
There are 10 things you can do before you place a “for sale” sign in your yard. Each of these tasks is helpful; all of them together, however, greatly increase your chances of getting offers. Because each seller has unique needs and goals, the questions are not listed in any particular order. You can prioritize them as you see fit except for the first one. Make it your top priority because it can help everything else fall into place.
Sell a house in a swift and efficient manner
Carrying out the tasks on the following list will help you sell a house:
- Connect with an experienced real estate agent, especially one who lives in or near your community.
- Make repairs and upgrades before listing your house on the market.
- Boost curb appeal (aesthetic value of the exterior of your home) as much as possible.
- Hire a professional photographer to take photos for the online listing.
- Stage your home for showings.
- Vacate the home for showings (and take pets with you).
- Remove personal items (like family photos) from walls, shelves and end tables.
- Seek guidance from an experienced seller’s agent to determine the list price.
- Have the home inspected before selling.
- Determine what you’re willing to do ahead of time, if possible, such as cover closing costs on a VA loan, accept (or not accept) a contingency, move out by a certain date, etc.
Each of these issues can have a significant impact on your ability to sell a house, even on a subliminal level. For example, by removing personal items from display, it enables potential buyers to imagine the home as their own, which, in turn, might inspire them to make an offer.
Benefits of a pre-list home inspection
You’re not required by South Carolina law to have a pre-list inspection when you sell a house. It’s an idea worth considering though. Especially if you’re selling an older home, a pre-list inspection can make you aware of needed repairs. This makes it easier to complete task number two on the list. When you already have an inspection report in hand for a buyer, there’s less chance for delays or obstacles during negotiations and closing. Remember, this task, as well as the others featured in this blog post, can help you prepare to sell a house in a swift and efficient manner.