Selling real estate can be a process fraught with peril. The wise property seller, though, knows that random chance and market forces need not dictate the price they get. He or she understands that a little bit of foresight, planning, and education can steer a deal away from potential pitfalls and maximize profits.
Before you put your home on the market, you need to make sure it is in the best shape possible. There is no need to do expensive upgrades. Get rid of clutter. This will make the home look larger. Do simple repairs. If you have been ignoring a broken kitchen drawer, then now is the time to fix it. Paint any areas that need it. Mow the yard and plant some flowers. Make the most of what you have to capture and keep a buyer's interest.
Another trick to increase your chances of selling your home is to paint all your walls. Choose a neutral color when you do this. It doesn't have to be a basic white or beige, you can mix it up a little. Try a butter color in the living room or a light blue or green in a kids bedroom.
Planting trees is an investment in your homes future. Trees that provide shade are always a great choice for both beauty and for efficiency. A shade providing plant can cut your home's cooling costs by up to 40 percent when it is fully grown. Trees also provide attractive curb appeal for prospective buyers.
Hire a home inspector when you are even considering a home. Looks can be deceiving. Just because a home appears to be structurally sound to the naked eye, doesn't mean it actually is. You need the services of a professional home inspector. He will go through the house, listing any problems that need to be addressed. Once you have this information, you have two options. You can either require that the seller make any repairs prior to you purchasing the house or you can get the cost of the repairs deducted from the sale price.
When considering lowering the price on a real estate listing based on the recommendation of your real estate agent, consider their motives. Remember that your agent receives a portion of the final selling price as their commission on the sale. If they recommend a lower price than you were hoping, remember that it is in their best interest to sell your home at the highest workable price too.
In a down market, take the time and try to negotiate your broker's commission. During buyer's markets you may have to price your home lower than what you normally could have received for it. Work with your broker and see if they are willing to negotiate the amount of their commission. Do this while you are still deciding on a broker so that you can move on if one is unwilling to budge.
These are just a few of the ways well-prepared sellers get the most out of the property they put on the real estate market. For more info, read the blog of Jody Kriss. Or go over to NYTimes and read the Jody L. Kriss article about real estate investing. Knowledge is a powerful thing, and knowing the ins and outs of the real estate selling process ahead of time usually translates into higher prices, higher profits and easier sales.