- Define your needs. Write down all the reasons you want to sell a home. Ask yourself, "Why do I want to sell and what do I expect to accomplish with the sale?" For example, a growing family may prompt your need for a larger home, or a job opportunity in another city may necessitate a move. For your goals, write down if you'd like to sell a home within a certain time frame or make a particular profit margin.
- Name your price. Your next objective should be to determine the best possible price to sell a home. Setting a fair asking price from the outset will generate the most activity from other real estate agents and buyers. You will need to take into account the condition of your home, what comparable homes in your neighborhood are selling for, and state of the overall market in your area. It's often difficult to remain unbiased when putting a price on your home, so your Shawnee Kansas real estate agent's expertise is invaluable at this step to help you sell a home in Shawnee Kansas.
- Prepare your home. Most of us don't keep our homes in "showroom" condition. We tend to overlook piles of boxes in the garage, broken porch lights, and doors or windows that stick. It's time to break out of that owner's mindset and get your house in tip-top shape in order to sell a home. The condition of your home will affect how quickly it sells and the price the buyer is willing to offer. First impressions are the most important. Your Shawnee Kansas real estate agent can help you take a fresh look at your home and suggest ways to stage it and make it more appealing to buyers.
- Get the word out. Now that you're ready to sell a home, your Shawnee Kansas real estate agent will set up a marketing strategy specifically for your home. There are many ways to get the word out, including: * The Internet * Yard signs * Open houses * Media advertising * Agent-to-agent referrals * Direct mail marketing campaigns In addition to listing your home on the MLS, your agent will use a combination of these tactics to bring the most qualified buyers to help you sell a home. Your agent should structure the marketing plan so that the first three to six weeks are the busiest.
- Receive an offer. When you receive a written offer from a potential buyer, your Shawnee Kansas real estate agent will first find out whether or not the individual is prequalified or preapproved to buy your home. If so, then you and your agent will review the proposed contract, taking care to understand what is required of both parties to execute the transaction. The contract will contain numerous items that will be discussed between the two parties when you are ready to sell a home.
- Negotiate to sell a home. Most offers to purchase your home will require some negotiating to come to a win-win agreement. Your real estate agent is well versed on the intricacies of the contracts used in the Shawnee Kansas area and will protect your best interest throughout the bargaining. Your agent also knows what each contract clause means, what you will net from the sale and what areas are easiest to negotiate.
- Prepare to close. Once you accept an offer to sell a home, you will need to make a list of all the things you and your buyer must do before closing. The property may need to be formally appraised, surveyed, inspected or repaired. Your Shawnee Kansas real estate agent can spearhead the effort and serve as your advocate when dealing with the buyer's agent and service providers.
- Close the deal. "Closing" refers to the meeting where ownership of the property is legally transferred to the buyer. Your agent will be present during the closing to guide you through the process and make sure everything goes as planned. By being present during the closing, he or she can mediate any last-minute issues that may arise. In some states, an attorney is required and you may wish to have one present. After the closing, you should make a "to do" list for turning the property over to the new owners. You Shawnee Kansas real estate agents can help you do so when you are ready to sell a home.
Eight Steps to Sell A Home in the Shawnee Kansas area.
