Selling real estate can be a process fraught with peril. The wise property seller, though, knows that random chance and market forces need not dictate the price they get. He or she understands that a little bit of foresight, planning, and education can steer a deal away from potential pitfalls and maximize profits.
Commercial Real Estate
If you’re interested in selling a commercial property, such as an office space or a retail site, it’s best to find an agent who has experience with your specific type of property. These building types include office buildings, retail businesses, and restaurants, among others. Experienced agents are usually better equipped to connect you with possible buyers and deal with any pitfalls that may occur in the process.
For Sale By Owner
Make sure you have ample time to devote to selling your house if you intend to do it on your own. Selling without the benefit of an agent is so rare that it has a special name in the real estate business: “For Sale By Owner.” FSBO is not impossible, but it does require a much greater time investment by the seller.
Foreclosed Homes
Instead of defining market value as what buyers are paying for similar homes in your zip code, think of it as what buyers are able and willing to pay. When determining selling price, be sure to make allowances for the availability of short sale and foreclosed homes. A house may be worth it, but only if prospective buyers are willing to pay the price.
Home For Sale
Staging your home for sale, especially if it is vacant, is a great way to get a higher asking price and to generate more interest in your home. Staging is when you have someone come in and arrange furniture, paint walls, and place accents that give your home a broad appeal and make it look nicer than it really is.
Property
Many people forget that keeping your home neat and tidy for open houses and showings is very important. A dirty or messy house can convey to buyers that you have not done a good job of keeping up with the property or taking good care of it while you owned it.
Property For Sale
Never list your home or property for sale, without thoroughly assessing your mortgage options for your next real estate purchase. This step is especially important if you are considering a move to a higher priced property or to an area with a higher cost of living. Carefully evaluate your financial resources and the changes that you may need to make, in order to afford a new, more expensive home.
Real Estate For Sale
While it may be a drain on your electric bill, go ahead and leave lights on during the showing of your personal real estate for sale, even if it is during a day time showing. A residence with the lights on seems more inviting and adds a “like home” feel to the household.
Real Estate Listings
When it comes to posting real estate listings on sites like Craigslist or even eBay, don’t cheat yourself by posting only one or two blurry or generic photos. Very few prospective buyers would be drawn to an online ad that offered only a bland description and included only one or two pictures of the front of the home. Spend the extra money to post additional pictures; it will be well worth the cost.
These are just a few of the ways well-prepared sellers get the most out of the property they put on the real estate market. Knowledge is a powerful thing, and knowing the ins and outs of the real estate selling process ahead of time usually translates into higher prices, higher profits and easier sales.