Houston is an in-demand market, but sellers should still make preparations prior to listing. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the selling process in Houston, TX.
Finding a Realtor
Working with a Realtor will help you sell your home faster and for a higher amount. In 2020, the average For Sale By Owner (FSBO) home sold for a median price of $217,900 compared to $295,000 for agent-facilitated sales. A Realtor can facilitate a faster and more profitable sale by showing your listing to their clients.
Getting your home ready to sell
You’ll need to get your home ready to sell. Some homeowners take several weeks or months to get their property ready for viewings, from basic repairs and cleaning to major renovations and upgrades. You shouldn’t have to spend too much on home improvements if you’ve kept up with maintenance over the years.
Pricing your home correctly
This is where the services of a Realtor come in handy. They can come up with an estimated price range for your home based on relevant market data. An experienced Realtor can perform a comparative market analysis (CMA) to determine how much your home should be listed for. This gives you an objective view of your property’s value.
Pricing your home incorrectly can lead to the listing going stale in the market and force you to slash prices later on. On the flipside, you could end up losing money if you price your home too low. Your Realtor will help you come up with the best pricing strategy for your home.
Marketing your property
Once your home is ready to sell, your agent will start promoting your listing both online and off. They will list your property in the Multiple Listing Services (MLS) and their real estate website for maximum exposure. They will also arrange virtual and in-person home viewings for interested buyers.
Selecting and negotiating an offer
When the offers start coming in, you’ll need to go through all of them to choose the best one. Your Realtor will help you evaluate offers to find the right buyer for your home. They can also help you identify buyers who are willing to waive contingencies to speed up the closing process. Your Realtor will negotiate on your behalf to protect your interests and keep the exchange as amiable as possible. From sales prices to contingencies, they’ll iron out the finer details of the transaction. Once you have accepted an offer, you can finally go into escrow.
Closing the sale
Your Realtor will make sure everything goes smoothly, observing due diligence throughout the selling process to protect your best interests. With a Realtor on your side, you’ll be able to walk away from the sale with a sizable profit.
Kodu Realty, LLC helps sellers find the right buyer for their home in and around the Greater Houston Area. You can fill out our form, call us at 832.651.8254 or email Eleny(at)KoduRealty(dotted)com for a consultation. Our team is ready to help you list your home.