Selling Steps
Sell your house. Pay Yourself.
Selling your house on your own isn't as difficult as most Joe Schmo agents make it out to be. It might take some work, but there is a lot to be gained. People just like you have done it many, many times. In fact about one in four homes are sold privately. All it takes is a little know-how. Follow these ten steps to sell successfully:
- Setting the price right. Check around your neighbourhood for comparable homes for sale. Get to know what homes are selling for what amounts. The alternative is to employ the services of a professional appraiser. An appraiser will assess the value of your home in your local real estate market. The cost of an appraisal is much less than the cost of a Joe Schmo agent's commission.
- Decide how to market your home. Signs, newspaper ads, and the internet are common ways. (Working with PropertyGuys.com can help show your property to lots of potential buyers. Yes, this is a plug, but there have been thousands of successful sales through our system. See how our packages can help you
- Prepare your home to show. Clean the yard. Tidy and de-clutter the house. Be prepared to discuss your home's best features.
- Prepare a plan for setting appointments to see your house. Many people use calendars or appointment diaries to assist them.
- Gather receipts for heating costs, taxes, past repairs, or renovations; buyers interested in the house will want to know these details.
- Be open to offers. Don't take offense if they are lower than what you expected. Buyers are looking out for their best interest; you need to look out for yours.
- Review offers. An offer can be accepted, rejected or countered. Be focused on your bottom line but expect to negotiate. (PropertyGuys.com has a tool that can help you called The Offer Maker. Yes that's another plug, but people love it because it helps them swap offers. See how you can do this electronically)
- If you come to a mutual agreement, supply the buyer with your lawyer's contact information. Ask the buyer to have their lawyer submit a formal offer to your lawyer. Your lawyer will help you review the official offer and direct you on deposits, conditions and closing dates.
- When you and your lawyer are satisfied with the offer, the deal is done and your house is sold.
- On the closing date, when the money is transferred from the buyer, it's all yours. Spend it how you want because you've paid yourself the commission instead of to some Joe Schmo real estate agent. Enjoy!