Selling your home can be easier on you when you have a plan of action.
We suggest the following:
1. Get a list of Realtors in the area that are well known. Some of your friends and neighbors may refer someone, you might have seen their advertising in the local paper, website from the major newspapers or a brochure of theirs at hotels, etc. In any case, call a few and interview them on the telephone. Ask questions about their marketing techniques, how long they have been in the real estate business and anything else you want to know about them.
2. Get your house ready. You may opt for an inspector to come and inspect your home prior to putting it on the market to remedy problems prior to selling. Usually a buyer will request an inspection if you have not done so already, and may still request one to be done. Buyers usually pay an inspector if they request one in their offer.
3. Clean & get rid of clutter. The hardest thing a seller can do is look objectively at their home. A realtor is a good resource to bounce ideas off of about what items to pre-pack, things that would make a better first impression and items that should be done prior to listing. Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression so make it count!
4. Start looking for replacement property. It will be so much easier for you to go through the selling process if you know where you want to move to. This sounds like a no brainer...but many sellers wait until they have an offer on their home before they let themselves think about buying another house.
5. Seek financial consultation with a loan officer, banker or financial adviser. You may be surprised at the options available to you! There are many different types of loan products available to you that you did not even consider. You may decide that you qualify for more than you think based on the equity you already have in your home. Interest rates are much lower historically and so your monthly payments on a new mortgage may also be a happy surprise.
6. Get a market analysis of the comparitive sales in your area from your realtor. This will help you set a value based on your neighborhood. Be sure to compare property that has sold in the past six months to a year as well as properties that are currently active (for sale). With this information find a range of prices low to high. If you want to sell quickly, stay in the low to mid-range. Expect to sell you house quickly! The general rule of thumb is that if the house has not had more than six showings in a month, you may want to drop the price. If after twelve showings there has not been any offers, you may wish to drop the price.
7. Keep in touch with your realtor. Let them know any concerns you may have, suggestions for marketing they may not be doing etc. They are your coach and sounding board.
Success to you....
If you need advice or a real estate agent, please think of us! You can get in touch by filling out our handy form, or call the number below.
Warm regards,
Luanne & Charley Highlander
Real Estate & Relocation Services Northwest
Realtors with RE/Max Whatcom County Inc.
888.583.5678
Luanne is a relocation real estate specialist. She assists new home buyers and investors in the Bellingham and Whatcom County area. She also works with doctors and executives with Madrona Medical, Skagit Valley Hospital and Premier Graphics, as well as the many buyers and investors thinking purchasing real estate in the area.
Charley Highlander is the listing real estate agent for the company. Formerly an engineer with Allsop, Inc., Charley's attention to detail, negotiation skills and calm demeanor make him an effective, top notch realtor in the Bellingham, and Whatcom County area.
Our real estate and community websites are: www.Relocatenw.com, www.Fairhavenbellingham.com, www.Ferndalerealestate.info, www.BirchBayhomes.info, and www.Lyndenrealestate.info.