Process For Sellers
 

Home Selling Tips

Perhaps you're about to relocate to a new job or are thinking of retiring. Maybe the kids have moved out and now you need less space or you just had a baby and you need more. Whatever your circumstances, you want the sale of your home to go as smoothly as possible and within your ideal time frame and, of course, getting the best price possible.

Selling a home becomes easier if you have some guidelines to follow and a DLG Real Estate Agent to call on.

Finding The Right REALTOR  For You.

Chemistry is important. So are credentials. Above all, you'll want an experienced agent who has the resources of a leading real estate firm behind him or her-a firm such as DLG Real Estate.

Some helpful hints on finding and working with a Realtor®:

• Ask friends, family members, neighbors or co-workers for referrals.
• Trust your intuition.

Plus ask him or her some of the following questions:

1. How well do you know the area where my home is located?
   A REALTOR who knows the area or neighborhood you live in is extremely beneficial to you.
2. How many other buyers and sellers do you currently represent?
   You want a REALTOR who will give you personalized attention, answer your calls quickly and communicate with you often.  

Curb Appeal Is Essential

A mowed and trimmed lawn and weeded garden create a good first impression. Inspect the exterior of your property: shutters, windows, front door and steps. If the house needs painting, buyers will notice and may consider it a major objection to purchase.

• Neatness Counts
• Give special attention to the entryway, kitchen and bathrooms. Shampoo the carpet if necessary. If carpet is worn or old, consider replacing. And don't forget cobwebs in corners!
• Eliminate Clutter
• Buyers will open closets and cupboards, so make sure they're as tidy as possible. Get rid of items you don't use. Remove unnecessary furniture to help make each room appear more spacious.
• If It's Broken, Fix It
• Easily fixable items such as loose doorknobs, a broken dishwasher, a dripping faucet, and squeaky doors all detract from your property's value. An afternoon spent making needed repairs now can eliminate a buyer's objections later.
• Small Changes Can Make A Big Impression
• New towels can freshen a tired kitchen or bath. Fresh flowers add warmth to any room. And even a fresh coat of paint doesn't cost much.

Don't Forget About Aromatherapy - Make sure your home passes the scent test. Strong odors could send potential lookers running out the front door.

Accepting An Offer.  

Someone has decided your property is just right and makes you an offer. When your DLG Real Estate Agent conveys the offer to you, you'll know whether the price the buyer has suggested is fair. It may be less than your asking price or it may be exactly what you were looking for.

Consider the current real estate market: Are houses in your neighborhood selling quickly, slowly or not at all? Don't assume that one offer will lead quickly to others. One predictable factor in the real estate market is that it's totally unpredictable.

Finding a Compromise.

If you and your potential buyer are far apart, you could offer a few concessions such as appliances or a security system, or make some improvements prior to closing.

Drawing Up a Purchase Agreement.

Your purchase agreement will include:

• The total price.
• The amount of the down payment.
• The date the closing will take place.

When completing the agreement, provide as much detail as you can about what's being sold and what's not. The more fully you spell out the details of the sale, the less room there is for problems later.

Most buyers insist that a provision for cancellation without penalties is included to protect them if they're unable to get a mortgage, or the home inspection uncovers major problems. They might also ask you to make your sale contingent on the sale of their current home. Delays happen frequently, so expect to do a little waiting before your agreement is finalized.