Are you thinking about selling your house? Here are three things you should not overlook when you list your home on the MLS.
1. People Buy With Their Eyes
Homes show better when it's clean, decluttered, organized, and tidy. If you're still living in your home, that's okay. However, it's important your house is in showing condition when a prospective Buyer walks through. It doesn't take much effort to dust off the shelves, wipe down the windows and countertops, and to vacuum.
Secondly, make sure your Realtor hires a professional photographer to take pictures of your home. Some real estate studies show that professionally photographed homes sell for a higher price. In other words, you don't want your listing photos to look like this...
2. Showings
Homes that are vacant are usually the easiest to show. However, not all homeowners have the luxury of living at another property as their sell their home.
If you're still occupying the home, please make it easy for your Realtor to show your house. As most agents will agree, the first two weeks on the market are very important. This is when you'll have the most traffic. You should already assume that you'll be getting showing requests at all hours of the day, even on the weekends too. Don't get mad if someone wants to see your home at an inconvenient time.
3. Always Disclose
When you sell your home, you are required by state law to fill out a Disclosure Statement ("SRPDS"). When you fill out this document, it's important you are honest and truthful. The reason is, it's your obligation to disclose all things about the home to the next homeowner.
Although most Sellers fill out the Disclosure Statement in escrow, it might beneficial to complete this document when you list the property. The reason is twofold. First, it allows your Realtor to address any concerns. Second, if a prospective Buyer wants to submit an offer, you could send the Buyer the Disclosure Statement ahead of time so the Buyer can make a more educated decision if he or she should actually submit an offer.
- RO