If you are gearing up to sell a Lakeview home this season, you’re likely interested to know what it takes to guarantee a successful sale. While the process can be stressful and lengthy, you can smooth things out by reading up on everything there is to know. This guide will help you expertly prepare your Lakeview home for sale and give tips on what to expect as a seller.
Preparing your home to sell
When preparing for selling a home in Lakeview, you have to factor in the value of your home, consider upgrades, and determine the best time to sell.
Interview real estate agents
It’s strongly advised to work with a real estate agent specializing in selling homes in the area. Interview a few agents and choose the one you feel most compatible with. A great agent should exhibit ambition, the drive to succeed, professional communication skills, and a resourceful mind equipped for problem-solving.
Determine your home’s value
The value of your home is based on its location, size, history, features, and more. You can find dozens of home value estimators online, but your results may differ from one to another. Your agent is the best resource for determining a reasonable asking price, as they are in tune with market changes and know how to evaluate the local housing landscape to devise a competitive price point for your property.
Perform upgrades to improve your home’s value
The smallest of improvements can increase your home value by a considerable amount. Consider upgrading or replacing old systems and appliances, performing repair and maintenance, and installing current buyer must-haves. Your agent will provide insight into the latest trends and what buyers are looking for.
Timing
Generally, the best time to sell a property is from late spring to the end of summer, when buyer activity is highest. The “slow season” is typically in the winter. This is because many families prefer to move when the weather is warm and children are out of school. That said, if your timeline dictates that you sell your home in the winter, your agent will utilize effective marketing techniques to reach success.
Staging your home and taking photos
Home staging is the strategic use of space and furniture to showcase the most compelling aspects of your home. It’s a great way to show off the potential in individual rooms, granting buyers a preview of what they can do with the space. You should also invest in professional home photography! Home photographers provide high-quality photos that further emphasize your home at its best.
Selling your home
Now that you’ve prepared your home for success on the Lakeview real estate scene, it’s time for the next step: listing your home on the market and attracting buyer interest.
Listing on the MLS
The multiple listing service (MLS) is an online real estate database that compiles thousands of home listings across a specified region. It connects agents and their clients via a single repository, distinguishing the service as an invaluable asset to any home seller. Since it can only be accessed by licensed agents, be sure to have your agent list your home to expand your reach.
Open houses and virtual tours
Open houses and virtual tours are effective ways to maintain and strengthen buyer interest. Imagine the listing photos as the first impression your home leaves on a buyer. If the buyer likes what they see, they’ll likely want to tour the home for a better look. You should always schedule an open house or virtual tour to strengthen that interest.
Receiving offers
The core differences between a cash home sale versus a traditional one are speed and the sum you receive on the property. For example, selling for cash is significantly faster because the buyer doesn’t have to wait for a loan to go through, but you may end up selling for less than the listed price. On the other hand, a traditional home sale can net higher profit, but it does take more time.
Appraisal
A home appraisal evaluates your home and determines its fair market value based on current market trends, a thorough home inspection, the recent sale of comparable properties, and specific property features. Appraisals are a great way to help you set a fair price that won’t deter buyers.
Escrow
Escrow is the period of time after you and the buyer have signed an agreement and selected an intermediary, such as a real estate attorney. Your home will likely undergo an appraisal and other procedures as stipulated in the buyer’s contingencies.
Closing costs
Upon the finalization of a sale, you will have to pay a set of additional fees known as closing costs. These fees include but are not limited to the remaining balance of your mortgage, transfer taxes, escrow fees, attorney fees, title insurance, and the commission for both agents involved in the transaction. Typically, these costs are somewhere between 3% to 6% of the final sale price.
Frequently asked questions about selling your Lakeview home
Selling a home is a time-consuming process, but you can move forward confidently with the proper preparation and knowledge on your side. Take a look at the most frequently asked questions below to give you a better idea of how to best sell your home on the Lakeview real estate market.
How can I sell my home faster?
Have your agent list your home on the MLS. Take to social media and spread the word about your property. Host an open house and invite the community. The more people know about your listing, the more likely you’ll attract a larger crowd of buyers.
How can I get the most money for selling my Lakeview home?
To increase the likelihood of selling your home for more money, consider the following:
- Pick the best time to sell for your local market.
- Work with a local agent.
- Set a reasonable price.
- Consider minor home improvements and repairs as needed.
- Improve your curb appeal.
- Most importantly, spread the word.
Is staging my home worth it?
The short answer: yes. The long answer: a plain, empty home is unattractive and doesn’t leave much to the imagination. A staged home, however, offers a glimpse of its overall potential and appeals to a broader audience. Your home should be neutral but intriguing to buyers with vastly differing styles – staging ensures you reach that middle ground.
Can I sell my Lakeview home without an agent?
It’s strongly advised to hire a real estate agent instead of attempting to sell on your own. Agents offer several valuable skills and resources, including access to the MLS, a network of other real estate professionals, marketing and negotiation skills, and in-depth knowledge of current market trends.
Once you’re ready to begin selling your home in Lakeview, reach out to local real estate broker Adrien Bellagio. Adrien’s vast wealth of insight and experience in the Lakeview area will prove invaluable to a successful home sale. Connect with him today!
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock
