| So, you've decided to sell your house. No doubt | | | | selling your home that you should consider: |
| you've been mulling over this decision for quite | | | | - Advertising and marketing expenses. Especially, |
| some time. Whether you're moving to a nicer | | | | if you are selling your home yourself, you need to |
| home, moving to another area, or lowering your | | | | be aware that it will cost money to get the word |
| expenses; you want to get top dollar for your | | | | out. There are many methods that real estate |
| property. And, you want to sell your house as | | | | agents have available that you will need to |
| quickly as possible. | | | | compete with. |
| If this is your first time or it's been awhile, read | | | | - Agent commissions are typically 6% of the |
| the tips below to get a head start on making the | | | | selling price. |
| home selling process as smooth as possible. | | | | - Closing costs include attorney and other |
| What is Your Home Worth? | | | | professional fees. |
| One of the first steps in selling your home is | | | | - Taxes may include excise taxes, property |
| determining the right price to sell your home in a | | | | taxes, and even income taxes depending upon |
| reasonable timeframe. If you set the price too | | | | your specific situation. |
| high, it will not attract enough buyers, and your | | | | - Homeowner association fees and/or dues. |
| home will sit on the market too long. A home that | | | | Spruce It Up a Bit |
| sits on the market for an extended period may | | | | If there are major repairs such as a damaged |
| actually develop a poor reputation and cause the | | | | driveway, significant roof damage, plumbing, air |
| price to drop. If you set the price too low, you | | | | conditioning or heating problems, etc.; you may |
| may be leaving money on the table. In some | | | | want to consider making the repairs prior to listing |
| cases, a home that's priced too low will keep | | | | your home as they could keep interested buyers |
| potential buyers away as they will think there is | | | | away or cause the price to fall. |
| something wrong with the property. | | | | In addition to major repairs, it is time to consider |
| What is the right price? The right price to list your | | | | your home's curb appeal. Does your home look |
| home is largely determined by how much similar | | | | inviting? Ask yourself, do you have a neat lawn, |
| homes in your area have sold for recently. A | | | | are your bushes trimmed, do you need some |
| good real estate agent can run what they call | | | | flowers, does your home need painting? |
| "comps" or comparable prices to show you | | | | What about the inside? Is it clean? Does the |
| ranges based on different criteria. Of course, the | | | | carpet need cleaning or replacing? Does it need a |
| condition of your home and the specific location | | | | fresh coat of paint? |
| will also factor into the attractiveness of the price. | | | | A good real estate agent will be able to make |
| Your agent will be able to help you weigh the | | | | great suggestions to make your home look |
| different options. | | | | appealing to the most potential customers. |
| How Much Does It Cost to Sell Your House? | | | | With some proper planning, you will be right on |
| In addition to the price of your home, you will also | | | | track to sell your home at a good price in a |
| want to know in advance how much it will cost to | | | | timely manner. While these tips will take some |
| sell it. There are quite a few expenses related to | | | | extra time and effort, it will pay off in the end. |