There are elements of a sale that a home seller can control and some elements they can’t.
Location- the house will likely remain where it is, the neighborhood or the terrain won’t change.
Condition- the age, features and characteristics of a property are usually what is and not easily transformed. Adding a bathroom or a pool is not to realize the cost of such an investment. Entering into a contract to sell a property requires that the property itself is presentable—has a clear title, the land records are accurate and that there are no health or safety concerns.
Exposure- to the real estate market- a competent agent will give the property sufficient notoriety, getting an advance notion of the agent’s strategy is key.
Price- with the agent’s research a reasonable price will bring a swift offer. Swift offer = savings in taxes and insurance.
To move quickly will mean getting assistance.
The Team
Attorneys
In Connecticut, the real estate attorney is required to verify that the title to the property is valid (marketable), that the property is clear of outstanding liens, and that the transaction is ready to proceed. Not to mention possible negotiations. This mandate is law in 22 states.
Making contact early, letting an attorney know an intention to sell helps the law firm schedule more efficiently.
Realtors
The listing agent is the backbone of the transaction. Choose one that has your interests at heart.
In marketing, many “super stars” speak of their own prowess, “top agent”, “no. 1”, etcetera.
Getting an agent you can trust, who listens and knows your particular concerns should matter more.
The natural progression of this essential relationship is to KNOW, LIKE and then TRUST.
Be comfortable in your decision: the listing contract signed between you and the agent is legal and binding on all parties. There is no cancellation of the listing contract once it is signed.
Selecting an agent with a high ratio of sale to list is an indication of the agent’s ability to more closely meet the market = faster closing time = less waste of insurance and taxes.
If English is your second language and you are unclear about the terms of the contract, have an interpreter assist you before signing.
The Property Itself
Time and money are the basics. The most efficient method of selling will result in more savings and more money realized.
To be efficient, the seller must begin by viewing the home as a house—a commodity that will take its place among the other assets on the current market.
To make the house attractive to buyers will take an emotional shift.
Neutralizing For Appeal
The most valuable asset we own, our sanctuary now to be sold in a businesslike manner may need to undergo changes.
The typical seller has difficulty in making the property a setting that buyers can picture themselves in – a blank canvas that the buyer can visualize their own lifestyle in.
Having a listing agent retain a stager can provide a separate objective sense of what will help a sale. A good stager will work with the existing furnishings and not cause undue stress on a seller.
The Process
The listing should be completed with the seller’s input: attractive features noted, feedback on photography and descriptions.
The Realtor should first advertise to the local agents with a broker’s open house, followed by an occasional public open house. Word of mouth is the best selling tool.
Publicity is best set where buyers look- the internet.
Once an offer is accepted, the retained legal counsel is brought in and the negotiations begin.
Take the time to find the right agent. By doing just a little bit of leg work you can easily save yourself a lot of time and money.
Look at the reason you decided to sell in the first place and determine whether it is worth waiting. Is money more important than being with family? Is money more important than your health? Is money more important than having the freedom to go on with your life the way you think you should?
Only you know the answers to the questions above. You have the power to take control of the situation by putting your home on the market. Perhaps the time has come for you and your family to move on and start living the life you desire.
