When you are selling a home, you are probably focused on two things: selling the home quickly and selling it for a good price. Fortunately, there are steps that you as a seller can take to help ensure that both of these things happen.
Step #1: Make the decision to sell.
The first step towards selling your home is to decide if and when you would like to put your home on the market. The timing can be tricky since some markets are seasonal and there are probably personal factors at play. Do you want your kids to finish out the school year in your current home? Are you looking to be out by a certain date due to a job change? Depending on your unique circumstances, it can sometimes be better to list your home immediately or wait and make preparations to list your home at a later date. Your real estate agent will be able to help you make this decision.
Step #2: Decide on a price.
Compare your home to other, similar homes in the area. How quickly did they sell? What was the final sale price? Was this above, below, or at the list price? A competitively priced home will attract more attention and, as a result, attract more serious offers. Pricing your home competitively can be one of the best ways to help ensure a quick sale.
Step #3: Keep closing costs in mind.
You will need to pay your broker, usually around 6% of the total proceeds from the home – 3% for the listing agent and 3% for the selling agent. You will also also be expected to pay your prorated property taxes for the year. Additionally, Texas requires that you pay for the Owners Title Policy, usually around 1% of the sale price. It is also common in this state to provide a home warranty that ensures all major appliances are in working order during the year following the sale. This will run you between $350 and $450. While none of these costs are insurmountable on their own, they can add up, so it is important to budget for these expenses.
Step #4: Stage your home.
First impressions are very important, so making sure your home looks its best for the photos, online listings, and open house is very important. Clean out clutter, make sure your landscaping is at its best, and arrange furniture and lighting to make the space seem open and inviting. 90% of homes are sold online, so it is important the your home’s virtual tour and online photos show your home in the best light possible.
Step #5: Hire a real estate professional.
While you can take care of a lot of these tasks on your own, one of the easiest ways to ensure a smooth sale at a fair price is to hire a real estate professional to take care of listing, showing, and selling your home.
Our team at the Hunter Real Estate Group is familiar with the area’s market trends, making us the best choice if you’re are looking to sell your home in Houston. Contact our team today to learn about the steps you can take to get your home on the market