selling your house on your own

The Spooky Side of Selling Your House on Your Own

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Before deciding to sell your own home, it’s important to understand the potential risks involved. Discover the spooky side of selling your house on your own now, including scarce real estate knowledge, pricing challenges and more.

Legal risks.

Real estate transactions involve complex laws and regulations. When selling your home without a knowledgeable Realtor, you may be unaware of legal obligations that can lead to legal and financial liabilities.

Things you may not be aware of can include but are not limited to:

  • Information that must be disclosed to potential buyers.
  • Knowing what to ask lenders to ensure an easy escrow process.
  • The implications of buyers changing their minds and when they are entitled to their earnest money.
  • Deadline management.

Pricing.

One of the most prominent risks of selling your house on your own is the pricing challenge. Pricing is key to a successful sale, and real estate agents have experience in the local housing market. Hence a thorough understanding of current housing trends and listing prices down to the neighborhood.

Homeowners often lack this knowledge and experience, leading to overpricing or underpricing the home.

Limited exposure.

With access to professional networks, multiple listing services and other marketing tools, real estate agents can get your property maximum exposure. With For Sale by Owner, your listing may not reach a broad audience, lengthen the selling process.

Complicated negotiations.

Coordinating with the buyer, the buyer’s agent, the inspection company, the appraiser and more can become overwhelming for an individual trying to sell their home. Plus, navigating negotiations and handling contingencies and contract terms can be challenging for sellers without representation.

Working with a Realtor can keep negotiations professional, accurate and on track to seal the deal.

Summary

Were you thinking about selling your home without a real estate agent? Now that you know more about the spooky side of selling your house on your own, consider working with Realtor for a smooth selling process.

Are you looking for a Realtor in the East Alabama area? Connect with one of our trusted Realtors! For more real estate tips and industry news, continue reading our blogs.

how to stay safe when selling your home

How to Stay Safe When Selling Your Home

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Selling your home involves several moving parts, including securing your property during the process. With a focus on safety, here are some ideas on how to stay safe when selling your home.

Do a walk-through with your Realtor.

The walk-through with your Realtor is the first step in learning more about how to stay safe when selling your home. Your Realtor will review safety tips and more.

During the walk-through, Realtors remind sellers to check all entrances and exits to the home, including all window locks, ensuring they are secure and in working order. They will also review what items to remove or store while showing your home.

Secure your valuables and personal items.

After the walk-through, go through your home and prepare it for future showings. Store personal items such as valuables, paperwork, prescription medicines and family photos, for example, in a safe location.

Check your locks and security systems.

Before and after every showing, check the locks on the doors and windows. If your home is not equipped with a camera doorbell or other security system and features, consider adding some for additional safety while selling your home.

Your Realtor will always be present to show your home.

If someone is interested in seeing your home, your Realtor will work with them directly and keep you informed. Realtors should always be present for the showing. They often arrange for the sellers to be away from the property during that time.

Go over your agent’s screening process.

Part of being a Realtor is prioritizing safety, not just that of clients and their homes, but their safety. Realtors typically have a screening process to help identify serious buyers.

As a seller, ask your Realtor about the steps taken to ensure safety during showings and open houses.

Use lockboxes.

Lockboxes secure your keys, and they are electronic, so they can track who has access to your home. They add yet another layer of security during the selling process.

Create an open house checklist.

Finally, work with your Realtor to create an open house checklist. Ask if anyone will assist your Realtor at the event, whether they collect contact information from visitors and more.

Summary

Now that you know more about how to stay safe when selling your home, it’s time to connect with a local expert! Are you in the Lee County area and ready to list your home? Connect with one of our REALTORS!

And for more real estate tips and industry news, continue reading our blogs.

Tips for selling your home during the holiday season

3 Tips for Selling Your Home During the Holiday Season

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Selling your home takes work, and during the holiday season, unique circumstances could come up. However, buyers during this time are often more serious, and typically there are fewer homes being listed to compete with. Check out these tips for selling your home during the holiday season.

Make your home cozy.

It is important your home feels inviting during showings; that’s why decorating is vital. Homes often look their best during the holiday season, but be careful not to overdo the seasonal decorations.

As buyers tour homes, they will want to be welcomed by an inviting environment. Add décor pieces such as candles, throw blankets, traditional holiday patterns, and even foliage when styling your home. Avoid using personalized holiday décor, such as stockings with names and personal holiday cards.

Take good listing photos. 

While these holiday decorations make buyers touring your home feel welcome, your listing photos should have a timeless feel. Make sure the photos on your listing aren’t just a snapshot of a moment in time during a holiday.

Using a holiday photo on your listing may remind buyers that your home has been sitting on the market for some time.  

Hire a dependable real estate agent.

A good real estate agent will help guide you through the process of selling your home. It is important you hire an agent who won’t disappear during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or the New Year.

Find a reliable agent by asking your friends and family if they have any recommendations. Ease your stress by doing this and utilizing other tips for selling your home during the holiday season.

Summary

Are you thinking about selling your home? Keep in mind these tips for selling your home during the holiday season. These strategies will be sure to help you prepare to list your home and get it sold as quickly as possible.

Continue reading our blogs for more real estate news and tips!