L. T. N. Realty, LLC More than a house, it's a Home.
Marketing Your Home
Now that you have decided to sell your home and have determined the fair market price, it is time to begin thinking about the most effective way to market your home to potential buyers. Whether you intend on selling your property yourself or have contracted with a licensed real estate agent, there are many ways of increasing the exposure of your home to the buyer market.
Remember, when you hire a reputable real estate agent, they will coordinate and incur the costs of the majority of your home’s marketing needs. In addition, they have access to a network of other real estate offices and agents within their Multiple Listing Service. Networking is key when trying to sell a home!
Below are some ideas that you, or your agent, can use to create greater market exposure of your home:
· Make a List of Special Features: Write down all of the fabulous and unique features of your property. What are some of the characteristics you truly love about your home? What improvements have you made to your property recently? Be as descriptive as possible. Use this list to help design flyers, and other marketing materials for your home. If you are working with a REALTOR®, provide them with this list so that they can create these flyers and advertisements for you.
· Newspaper Advertisements: Place an ad in the classified section of your local newspaper. Many real estate offices advertise their listings in local newspaper publications as well.
· Real Estate Publications: There are many magazines and publications that feature homes currently on the market. Again, many REALTORS® frequently advertise their listings in these publications. Also, some local areas have For Sale By Owner publications in which you can promote your home if you choose not to work with an agent.
· Signs: Place a For Sale sign on your front lawn for additional exposure. Make sure there is contact information, such as a phone number, so that interested buyers are able to schedule a showing. Many REALTORS® use Talking Signs where a buyer can call and hear pre-recorded information about your home. If you live off of the main thoroughfare, you may want to use Directional Signs to point interested parties towards the location of your property.
· Real Estate Flyers: Design flyers that you can distribute throughout the community. Also, place an information box in your front lawn so that passers-by can find out details about your home. Include color photos highlighting some of the unique features of your property. Provide as many property details as possible to intrigue a potential buyer. Also, provide contact information so that the prospective buyer can schedule a showing.
· Networking: Tell friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers that you are placing your home on the market. They may know someone who is currently looking to buy. Also, if you use a real estate agent, they have a network of real estate offices and agents who are members of their Multiple Listing Service. Your REALTOR® can also send out announcements to their customers to let them know you have listed your home. Even if their customers aren’t interested, they may know someone who might be interested in your home.
· Open Houses: Host an open house at your home. Make sure your home is in immaculate condition as you will have many people wandering your house looking through closets and cabinets. If you are selling your home yourself, be prepared to answer the many questions prospective buyers may have, such as the age of the roof, water heater, air conditioner, and furnace. These are important details to a prospective buyer. If possible, prepare flyers and other literature about your home that details all of this information. Place this literature in a prominent place in your home.
· The Internet: The Internet is a great way to market your home. If you choose to work with a real estate agent, many now have personal websites where they are able to feature their listings. In addition, your property will be included in a listing database where potential buyers are able to search for listings that meet their specific home criteria. Property listings on websites offer color photos, as well as property details. Tips for Selling Your Home The process of selling your home can be an emotional and exhausting process. There are many things you will need to do in preparation of placing your home on the selling market. By following some simple guidelines, selling your home can be a more enjoyable and smoother process. Plan Ahead If you are planning on purchasing a new home in the near future, it is a good idea to place your home on the market as far in advance as possible. If you wait to place your home on the market until after you have found a new one, you may end up paying two mortgages until you find a buyer for your home. Also, consider the fact that closing and moving dates will need to be coordinated. More than likely, the buyer of your property is selling their current home as well. Make sure that all parties involved commit to a specific time period for the closing dates. Put your closing date agreement in writing and negotiate monetary penalties for failure to comply. As you begin to think about looking for a new home to purchase, you may also want to start preparing your current residence to be placed on the market. Start cleaning out attics and basements of any unwanted or unused items. By doing this early on, it will save you time when beginning to pack for your big move. Choosing An Agent Many homeowners decide to sell their property on their own to save themselves the cost of commissions paid out to a real estate agent. Commissions are generally around 5% or more of the selling price. You may want to consider, however, the costs you will incur to market your home yourself. You will be responsible for placing ads and creating flyers for your house. Also, you will have to devote much time to answering phone inquiries about your home and showing the property. Consider whether or not you will feel comfortable showing your home to strangers who show up unannounced. Should you decide to sell through a licensed real estate agent, ask your friends and family for recommendations. Interview several agents before choosing the one you wish to hire. Find an agent that you trust and feel comfortable with. Below are some of the advantages of working with a licensed real estate agent. The seller’s agent will: · Help you to establish a fair asking price. · Handle all advertising and marketing of your home. · Schedule appointments and show your home without your presence. · Market your home to other real estate offices and agents. · Represent you in the negotiations with the prospective buyer. · Guide you through the closing process. Setting a Price for Your Home Once you have decided to sell, the next big step is to determine what the fair asking price should be for your home. Try to avoid overpricing your property; this may cause your home to remain on the market for an extended period of time. Instead, you should price your home so that you get a fair return on your investment and in a reasonable time period. If you have chosen to use a real estate agent to represent your interests, he/she can guide you in setting the price at just the right amount. The agent, or a licensed appraiser, is able to complete a Comparative Market Analysis on your home. A CMA compares your home with similar properties that have sold within a specified period of time. This will enable you to set a comparable price to others that have been on the market. Other factors to consider when setting a price for your home: · Economic conditions of your community · The supply and demand ratio in your local housing market · The location of your property (school districts and subdivisions) · Your home’s special features (garage, pool, fireplace, in-law or guest quarters) · The age and condition of your home · Seasonal influences (the housing market may be stronger during certain times of the year). Preparing Your Home to Sell There are many minor things you can do to your home to enhance its marketability. Remember, you want your home to make a great first impression to a potential buyer. Spend some time prior to placing your home on the market cleaning out storage spaces, closets, and cabinets. Remove any excess clutter from your home as well. You want the prospective buyer to remember the architectural features of the house and not the furnishings you have in it. The potential buyer needs to be able to envision their furnishings in your home. Below is a list of things you can do to increase the value of your home: Consider Curb Appeal: It is estimated that more than 50% of homes are sold before the buyers even get out of their cars. Stand across the street from your house and review the curb appeal. · Keep the lawn mowed and raked, shrubs trimmed, and the sidewalk swept. · Plant shrubs or install fencing to block unpleasant views. · Clean the exterior of your home. Clean oil stains from the driveway and garage. · Repair and/or paint exterior siding, trim, gutters, shutters, glazing, and window frames. · Repair or replace the street numbers on the house. · Make sure all exterior lighting is working. Garages, Carports, and Sheds · Replace burned out lights. · Clear away cobwebs. · Keep areas clean and uncluttered. Organize and put away tools. · Lubricate, adjust, or repair garage door. Interior Maintenance On the inside, remove as much clutter as possible. Hire professionals to do a deep cleaning. Cleanliness is a sign to buyers that the home has been well cared for. · Clean and vacuum carpets. Replace worn carpet and use area rugs as needed. · Apply a fresh coat of paint. · Wash curtains and draperies. · Clean ceiling fans and light fixtures. Check for cobwebs in all corners. · Clean and organize all closets and cabinets. · Lubricate window slides; make sure doors close smoothly. Kitchens and Bathrooms Overall, kitchens and bathrooms should be spotless. These two rooms alone can sell a home. · Clean all appliances inside and out. · Replace all light bulbs (appliances included). · Clean floors and light fixtures. · Deodorize disposal, dishwasher, and refrigerator. Neutralize odors and clean all mold and mildew. · Repair leaky faucets. Make sure toilet flushes properly. · Test all electrical outlets. · Unclutter counters and cabinets. · Clean shower door or replace curtain. Remove soap residue and lime deposits from sink, shower, and bathtub. · Put out fresh towels. Create a Pleasant Atmosphere Overall, make sure your home exudes an inviting atmosphere. You want the potential buyer to have a pleasant experience visiting your home so that they remember the positive attributes that your home possesses. · Turn on all lights. Open drapes to allow natural light as well. · Light candles and put out fresh flowers. · Play quiet background music. · Turn on the air conditioner or heater so that your home is at a pleasant temperature. · Be absent during showings and keep pets outside.
Packing Tips for Your Big Move
Now that you have found your dream home, it is time to begin to think about the packing process and what all is involved. You will want to start early, so as to give yourself time to sort through all that you have accumulated throughout the years. The less you have to transport, the easier the moving process will be.
Below are some general packing guidelines:
· Pack items that are used least in your household first.
· Clearly mark fragile items for your mover.
· Pack one room at a time, and label each box indicating its contents and room name.
· Use smaller boxes for heavier items.
· Ensure that your boxes are well taped to hold their contents.
· Place heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on top.
Items Not to Pack
There are certain items that movers will not transport because they are classified as dangerous or hazardous. These items will need to be disposed of properly prior to your move, or you will need to make alternate transport plans for these items.
Included in the items that cannot be moved by your movers are:
· Paints and Paint Thinner
· Batteries
· Aerosol Cans, Bleach, and Cleaning Supplies
· Pressurized Tanks
· Loaded Firearms and Ammunition
· Gasoline or Kerosene or Other Flammable Chemicals
· Perishable Foods in Glass Jars
Any items of great value should remain in your possession during the move. These items include:
· Cash
· Legal Documents
· Passports
· Stock/Bond Certificates
· Jewelry
· Any Contents of your Safety Deposit Box
· Irreplaceable Family Mementos
Packing Materials You Will Need
Once you are ready to begin packing, you will need to collect all of the materials you will need to pack your furnishings. Recommended packing materials include:
· Cartons: Make sure the cartons you collect are in good shape and will not fall apart. Check to see that none of the corners are crushed and the covers are intact. You can purchase cartons from your movers in various shapes and sizes.
· Packing Paper: Use this instead of newspaper. The ink on newsprint will rub off on and damage your items. Packing paper can be purchased from your movers.
· Bubble Wrap and Tissue: Use these supplies to wrap delicate or fragile items.
· Packing Tape: The best tape to use is plastic and approximately 1.5 to 2 inches wide. Using masking tape is not recommended.
· Markers: Use a black marker to label each carton with the room name and contents.
· Scissors and/or Cutting Blades.
Other Tips For Specific Items:
· Computers: Make backup copies of all files on the computer. All detachable cords and cables should be removed and individually wrapped. If at all possible, it is best to pack these items in their original packaging. If the original carton and packaging is not available, be sure to use plenty of padding to protect these items when packing. When packing printers, be sure to remove the ink cartridge before transport.
· Glassware: Pack each glass with 2 pieces of packing paper, and fold the 4 corners into the glass. This will create a protective lining for the second glass to be inserted into. Wrap the third glass as you did the first and add the fourth and stack onto the other glasses. Completely wrap the stack of glasses with several pieces of paper and tape securely to the bundle. Place the bundles upright in a carton that is packed with newspaper bundles at the bottom for extra padding. Stemware should be packed separately. Place newspaper on top of the items as well for extra security. Once the carton is securely taped, mark its contents as "Fragile-Glassware."
· Dishware: Place wadded newspaper along the bottom and sides of the packing carton. Place the first plate in the center of a stack of packing paper and then wrap 2 sheets over the plate. Place a second plate over the first and repeat. Continue until you have a bundle of four plates and tape the bundle securely. Place the bundle in the box on its edge instead of flat in the carton. Add extra wadded newspaper to the top of the box for extra security. Secure the carton and mark the box "Fragile-Glassware."
· Lampshades: Place packing paper between each shade and then nest together into a single stack. Lampshades should be packed exclusively in their cartons without any other items. Fragile shades, such as ones made of silk, should not be nested with others and should be packed in a carton alone. Pad the carton with packing paper before sealing.
· Pictures and Paintings: Place an "X" of masking tape over the glass to help protect the picture itself in case the glass is broken during transport. Wrap small pictures individually with bubble wrap and place upright in the packing carton. Fill the cartons with towels and/or bedding for extra padding. Larger items, including mirrors, should be specially packed by your movers. Once all of your pictures are packed, fill the carton with extra packing paper and seal the carton. Mark the box "Fragile-Pictures/Paintings."
