
As a first-time homeowner, the idea of selling can sound daunting and exciting. Cashing in on your home equity can be a huge accomplishment, but many don't know where to start. Most sellers have one goal in common: to earn the highest possible return on a home sale. Our real estate agents are here to help. If you're looking to list your home for the first time, we compiled a list of tips to guide you along the way.
- Don't Overprice Your Home
New sellers often want to start with a high asking price, and then lower it if they don't see any traction. The reasoning is simple — no one wants to leave money on the table. However, this strategy doesn't always work so well when it comes to selling a home. If a home sits on the market too long or has a price decrease, it can alter a buyer's perception. Some may think the home is defective or no one else is interested. Make sure to use data around recent local home sales to set your asking price at market value.
- Prepare Your Home For The Market
Investing in your home in the weeks and months to your home sale can really pay off. If you're looking to sell quickly and earn top dollar, then you'll want to make to make your home as presentable as possible. This means thoroughly cleaning it, fixing the small stuff, and staging. The goal is to make your home stand out from these beautiful Nassau County homes for sale.
- Set Your Goals
While everyone wants to earn the highest return on their home sale, other factors might be important to you too. If you need to sell quickly, you may want to prioritize offers with the earliest possible closing date. Perhaps your highest offer also includes a variety of contingency clauses that could delay or derail your sale. Make sure to discuss your goals with your agent and carefully consider each offer before making up your mind.
- Consider The Timing
There isn't necessarily a right or wrong time to sell your home, but the season can influence the outcome. Most buyers start home shopping in early spring, and the market remains hot until late summer; however, this is also the most popular time to list. While there may be fewer buyers shopping in the fall and spring, you also have less competition. Work with your agent to determine the best time to sell.
- Quality Listing Photos Are So Important
Most buyers begin their home search online, so you'll need to capture their attention with a good listing photo. Most buyers will decide if they're interested in your property in less than a minute, and your photos will be the primary driver behind that decision. Investing in professional photos can really pay off.
- Don't Forget About Closing Costs
When calculating your potential earnings, don't forget to factor in closing costs. Sellers are often responsible for paying commissions for your agent and the buyer's agent. You may also be responsible for escrow fees and transfer taxes. Work with your agent to put together a net sheet, which will help you truly get a sense of what you stand to earn on your home sale.
Selling your first home can be exciting and daunting, so trust a good real estate agent to guide you along the way. Contact us to start the listing process today.