Tips for the First-Time Home Seller

There is a lot of attention paid to first-time homebuyers. Most real estate agents
and lenders have some kind of guide to help first-time homebuyers navigate their
first home purchase, but what about the first-time seller?

Selling your home for the first time can be just as confusing as a home purchase,
so here are a few things to remember as you navigate your home sale.

Before that first showing, it’s important to prepare. This involves not only
cleaning, decluttering, and staging the home, but also learning about your local
real estate market and finding the best agent for your needs.

Interview more than one agent and ask lots of questions. Learn about the services
they offer: do they include professional photography, video, or virtual tours? Ask
for a comprehensive market analysis (CMA) and ask each agent their suggestion
for the listing price and their method for arriving at that number. Use this
information to determine the best agent to assist you.

Once you have an agent, stay involved. Discuss the plan for showings and open
houses. Try and be flexible to allow for as many potential buyers as possible
viewing your property. Review the listing online for accuracy and stay in touch
with your agent for feedback from showings.

Once you start getting offers, respond as quickly as possible. It’s not just about
the price; watch for terms, such as length of escrow and contingencies, when
evaluating these offers. Be prepared to move so that you can take advantage of a
good offer, such as all-cash.

The most important aspect of a successful home sale is the relationship you have
with your agent. Be transparent about your needs, concerns, and goals; insist that
your agent do the same, and working together you will navigate through your first
home sale successfully.