How To Sell Your House: A Step-By-Step Guide

Are you currently selling your house, and relocating somewhere new? You may be doing this for work, or because you want to live your best 'green' life at an iconic NYC building. Whatever the reasons are, moving house isn't always the easiest experience. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of selling your house. Thanks to these step-by-step instructions, the process will be as smooth and successful as possible.

Set a Price

It's important that the price you set is attractive to potential buyers, while ensuring you get a fair return on your investment. You should consider factors such as location, the condition of the house, and market trends. Conducting research on similar properties in your area can give you an idea of what other sellers are asking for their homes. By setting a realistic and competitive asking price from the start, you can increase interest in your property, and lead to a quicker sale.

If you overprice initially to get more money, your home could sit on the market longer than anticipated. This would delay your plans for moving, and you could lose more money in the long run. It's worth consulting specialists in the valuation of properties because they'll work with industry-leading software and use their local expertise. Registered teams of professionally certified valuers can assess all types of properties, delivering the valuations via easy-to-use platforms.

Market Your Home

It's not enough to simply put a "For Sale" sign in your front yard and hope for the best. You need to actively promote your property in order to attract potential buyers and get the best possible price. There are a number of websites that specialize in real estate listings (such as Zillow or Trulia) where you can create an account and list your property for free. Make sure you include high-quality photos of both the interior and exterior of your home, as well as detailed descriptions of its features.

You could also share photos and information about your property on Facebook, Twitter, and any other platforms you regularly use. Ask friends and family members to share your posts with their networks as well. Word-of-mouth can also be a powerful tool when it comes to selling a home. Finally, don't forget about traditional marketing methods like flyers or newspaper ads. These methods can be effective in reaching local buyers who might not be searching for properties online.

Prepare Your Home

You need to make sure your home looks its best, so take care of any necessary repairs, and give your space a fresh coat of paint if needed. Buyers want to see a property that's move-in ready, so fixing leaky faucets or repairing broken windows will go a long way toward making a good impression. When it comes to painting, use a palette of neutral colors. They're the safest choice, as they appeal to the widest range of buyers. If needed, you can add pops of color in accent walls, or through decor pieces like throw pillows or curtains.

Lastly, don't forget about curb appeal. The exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see when they arrive for a showing. Make sure the lawn's mowed and any weeds are pulled. Add some potted plants or flowers by the front door, and touch up any chipped paint on shutters or doors.

Conduct Showings

Make sure your home is clean and decluttered before any potential buyers arrive. This means removing any personal items (e.g. family photos) or clutter that might distract from the space itself. Try to present a blank canvas so that visitors can envision themselves residing there. If you have a large number of bulky items, consider putting them into temporary storage until your house is sold. Also, make sure you keep any children or pets away from the house during the viewing.

Be prepared to answer questions about the property's history, and any renovations or upgrades you've made. Also, let potential buyers explore the space on their own, without feeling pressured or rushed. Finally, don't forget to follow up with each prospective buyer after the showing has occurred. This way you can gauge their interest level, address any concerns they may have, or answer any further questions.

Be Prepared To Negotiate 

While you may have set a certain price for your home (as discussed earlier), it’s important to be open to negotiation. This is because buyers often come in with lower offers. During these discussions, try not to take things personally, and remain calm throughout the process. Be clear about what's negotiable and what isn’t. Perhaps you’re willing to make repairs or include appliances in the sale. It’s also helpful to have a bottom-line price in mind so that you know when it’s time to walk away from negotiations.

These chats often involve give-and-take on both sides, and the art is to find a compromise that works for you both. Perhaps the buyer will agree to pay more if they can move in sooner, or if some furnishings are included in the price.

Close The Sale

It's important to close the sale as soon as possible, and one of the best ways to do this is by setting a deadline for offers. This creates a sense of urgency among potential buyers and prompts them to act quickly. It also helps you avoid having your house sit on the market for an extended period of time.

It's worth highlighting any unique features or selling points of your property that may not be found in other houses in the area. This could include things like a large backyard, custom built-ins, or energy-efficient appliances. If you're using a real estate agent during the sales process, they can help you with paperwork once you've accepted an offer.

Thanks to some research and professional advice, you'll be well-placed to sell your house. You'll know what to do at every stage, and will make the best decisions. In turn, you'll get a good sale price and be eager to move to your new home.