February 8, 2008 – 11:24 am
When you’re selling your own home - whether you’re trying to make a FSBO sale or you are selling with flat fee MLS - it’s important to keep in mind that there isn’t going to be a real estate agent who will know all of the things that selling real estate entails. Therefore, here are a few things that you should make an effort to look into.
- What laws are there that govern selling a home in your area? Some states require that certain disclosures are made to potential buyers - it’s important to know the rules where you are.
- The selling contract is a legally binding document and needs to contain certain information. If you need help creating the contract, a flat fee MLS broker can help you to find the help you need.
- Marketing is key. Selling your own home is possible, but a flat fee MLS listing is going to help considerably when it comes to getting the word out.
- No one is going to be there to tell you how to prepare and stage your home; take the advice of flat fee brokers to make sure that your home is at its best.
Your focus should be on selling and on the role that you play in the process, but keep in mind that you need to think about the buyers as well. Make sure that they are able to get a mortgage and that they understand the process too - it will definitely help you in the long term.
If you’re planning on selling your home, there are some definite steps to take.
- Choose IHS Realty as your flat fee broker. Rather than choosing a seller’s agent and spending more on a commission when the home sells and rather than going it alone, a flat fee broker can help you to sell your home quickly and easily.
- Get your home ready to sell: clean up the interior and exterior, make necessary upgrades. Once everything is in order, you may want to have a pre-selling inspection of your home to make sure that there is nothing that you’ve missed.
- Thin out the excess. Put away family photos and knick-knacks, clear counters. If you have more furniture than you need, consider selling some or renting a storage unit so that your home doesn’t seem too full - and therefore smaller than it really is.
- Don’t forget about making plans to move. Will you be looking for a home while selling? Should you look into buyer contingent options? While you’re at the IHS Realty site getting the tools you need for selling a home, look into their flat fee home buying program to save even more.
- Understand the legal issues of closing on a home - and take advantage of the assistance that IHS Realty cn provide.
Selling your home can seem like a daunting process, but it doesn’t have to be. Learn what your options are, be prepared and you’ll find that it’s easier than you’d anticipated.
Flat Fee Realty
Learn more about selling your home with IHS Realty.
Internet Home Services Real Estate Blog
Thinking about selling a home online? Here are some points to consider:
- The amount of time that you have available for showing your home. Can you make time during the day to show your home to potential buyers? If not, be sure that you add a keyed lock box so that buyer’s agents will be able to show your home (and you’ll know who has been inside).
- Be sure that your home is listed on the MLS with IHS Realty. This will help to ensure that prospective buyers and their agents will know that your home is for sale.
- Take advantage of the marketing materials that are available to you when you list your home for sale online with IHS Realty so that those who may not be actively looking for properties but who may be interested in buying your home will be aware that the property is on the market.
Selling your home on your own can be challenging. However, with IHS Realty’s MLS Listings and marketing tools it does not have to be.
IHS Realty
Get Answers to Your Questions about IHS Realty and the MLS
Internet Home Services Blog
Photos, Searches and Mapping Important Tools to Online Buyers
91 percent of respondents to a recent survey conducted by Prudential Realty agreed that they most enjoyed using the Internet for their home search because "it saves time." Prospective buyers cited the ability to view photos as the most important reason in visiting a real estate website followed by property search and mapping the home location. As consumers are becoming more empowered agents are assuming more of a consulting role.
If you are selling your home you want to be sure your marketing efforts are appealing and reaching the buyers in a capacity they want. Making sure your home has a multiple photos and/or a virtual tour can differentiate your home from you neighbors. Flat fee MLS provides all the tools needed to market to the online home buyer.
See Also
December 1, 2005 – 2:05 pm
Why it May Work to Your Advantage
A common misconception is that trying to sell a home during the holidays is a bad idea. If you are serious about selling, it can be an excellent time to list. Prospective buyers tend to be serious and under pressure to make a purchase decision. There is also much less inventory on the market meaning less competition for your listing in the MLS (Multiple Listing Service).
Other advantages include: investors trying to close before the end of the year; ample mortage money available and lenders able to process loans quicker; transferees typically look during holidays and vacations; and the list goes on.
So if you are thinking of selling, don’t let the time of year stop you. It may be the best time to sell. If you still are not certain that now is the time to place your home on the market, there are low cost alternatives to test the waters. "Flat Fee" MLS listing companies can place your home in the MLS for as low as $349.00. This is a great way to gain great market exposure at a low cost. At the end of the day you just may find that the Holidays present a selling opportunity, not an obstacle.
