Our free e-book, the “Smart Seller’s Guide to Selling Fast and Savings Thousands” will guide you through each step of the selling process. For this article, we visit the very first step. The preparation phase is essential whether you sell for sale by owner, or with a real estate agent.
Preparing to sell includes mental preparation and research in addition to arranging the house to show well. Home buyers will decide quickly whether they are interested or not, so make sure that you stage your house accordingly. For the best selling experience, it is important to prepare mentally before the buyers start arriving.
Mental preparation means making the decision to let go of your property emotionally. Focus on the excitement of handing over the keys and the new opportunities it will bring in your life. Take some time to visit each room, reminisce over the memories, but ultimately allow yourself to find closure in your decision, and move forward accordingly. This acceptance will help you immensely as you begin showing the property, entertaining offers, and approaching the date of the closing.
Don’t forget to include the kids – the housework, packing boxes, and showings can be confusing. Be open with them about what they can expect throughout the process.
Next up is research. By reading this article in our resource guide you’ve already begun. When preparing to sell, research includes understanding the road ahead, both during and after the sale.
Using a realistic estimate of what you can expect to sell for, it is a good idea to fill out a net sheet (included in our free e-book). A net sheet takes the anticipated selling price and subtracts costs associated with the sale, leaving you with the final dollar amount that you will be left with. Doing so will help you to plan for after the sale, prepare you to consider offers, (and may even make that closure step a bit easier!). Our guide also includes more on pricing your property correctly and anticipating the selling price.
If you may be breaking even, or paying money when all is said and done, know that there are still options available. It is quite common for sellers to choose our flat fee MLS listing packages while attempting to break even on their property.
Short sales are not uncommon in this market, and it is important to be realistic if this is your best option. One of the biggest mistakes that we see sellers making in this market is overpricing their home in order to cover their mortgage and break even. Months later, their house has not sold and they are often worse off than when they started. If you find yourself in this position, know that at Sell Your Home Services we have an extensive network of professionals who would be happy to advise you on your options at no cost.
Just give us a call.
We have covered many concepts in this short article. Please consider downloading our free e-book which will explain each of these ideas further.
As always, feel free to reach us at 866-373-0184 or contact us with any questions. Thanks! – Dan
