There is a lot you need to do to successfully sell a home. Unfortunately, for first timers the process can be daunting. Here is a short guide of the things you need to do if you are selling a home for the first time.
Get the right realtor
If you are selling a home for the first time it’s prudent to hire a real estate agent to handle the logistics and negotiations for you. Unfortunately, the realtor you choose can make or break a deal for you
You should look up different realtors in the market and access their experience and client reviews. Only consider agents with plenty of marketing expertise and good local connections, they will come in handy.
Complete all repairs and touch ups
It’s difficult to sell a rundown house. Most buyers don’t want to incur extra costs touching up a newly acquired living space. Therefore, before putting your property on the market ensure all the necessary repairs are done and the house is at its best.
Access your house for repair and improvements before calling in the handyman. Once you have a list of projects, get a professional to do the job. Do not try DIY renovations unless you are good at repairs.
Some standard improvements are often made before selling a house. This includes the painting, electrical fittings and light fixtures. Small touch ups go a long way when selling a home.
Take good photos
When a house is successfully sold chances are it was first seen on a photo. The digital age of marketing has made photos a powerful tool. Listed properties rely on photos and a short description to attract potential buyers. Therefore, you cannot compromise on the quality and type of photos you post to sell your home.
It is tempting to simply use your camera phone to get the photos you need but a professional photographer is important. When your house is at its best, schedule a session with a photographer. Be keen to take into account how the weather affects the aesthetics of your home.
Price the home right
One of the things you don’t want to get wrong while selling a house for the first time is the price. Under pricing will get you more interested buyers but you will suffer a loss. On the other hand, overpricing may make your house stay on the market for a long time.
Assess the market to settle on a good price and be sure to take into account renovations and repairs made to the house. Price your house to sell from the get-go. Price modifications are a bad signal to give buyers if searching for property for sale in Portugal or anywhere else in the world.
Stage the house
Staging prepares your house for viewing from potential buyers. The objective is to invite the imagination of the buyer to see themselves as owners of the property. Property styling for staging is achieved in several ways
- Depersonalizing the space: Personal effects like photos should be kept out of the house during a viewing. They may impede your buyer’s imagination and deter their interest. Depersonalizing the house sets an open canvas that may land you a deal
- Adjusting the layout: Your house may be set up well for occupation but not for viewing. It’s important to adjust the layout of particular spaces to enhance the appeal of the home. Ensure all furniture pieces are placed well and the rooms remain spacious
- Targeting specific rooms: Not all rooms in your house need to be staged. The living room, kitchen and master bedroom are the most important spaces. Nonetheless the rooms still need to look presentable.
Keep viewings flexible
Although you may have clear viewing times for your home, buyers may request for impromptu visits. It’s important to have a flexible schedule that can accommodate such clients. More often than not they are the ones interested in buying. To ensure the property is always market ready, schedule regular clean ups and always have a backup plan for the children and pets during a showing.
When you land a good deal, do your homework before signing off on your home. Ensure all the documents are in order and the property is ready for occupation. If you account for everything, your first sale will be worthwhile.
Now that you have the information, you can take on your first sale.