Putting your home on the market isn’t something to be taken lightly. Because a house is the single most significant investment for most Americans, you’ll want to be sure that you are getting the most for your property at the closing table. To maximize your profits, there are several items that you will need to complete ahead of time. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to do when selling a home in Flint, TX.
A real estate professional will help you through the entire process
The sale of a home is often a complicated one. Any time a property undergoes a legal transfer of ownership, it involves multiple professionals and a lot of paperwork. An experienced agent will be able to walk you through this entire process from start to finish, carrying the bulk of the workload so that you don’t have to.
This does come at a cost, of course. The commission that an agent and broker will take comes off the top of the final closing price. And while this commission might give some sellers pause, it’s essential to understand what statistics show about working with a selling agent. The National Association of Realtors reported in 2021 that, on average, homes sell for much more when listed with an agent as opposed to sellers making a go of the sale on their own. This is an amount that is typically well above and beyond the amount of commission that is paid out.
Working with an agent will likely lead to more money in your pocket and much less stress. However, while your agent will undoubtedly work hard to sell your home, you’ll still need to prepare for some work on your own.
It’s time to prepare your home for sale
You want your property to not only look its best inside and out but also have any lingering issues remedied before anyone puts an offer on it.
Make a list of all the cosmetic items you feel should be taken care of before the house sells. Likewise, make another list that tallies up any and all deferred maintenance items that need to be addressed. For the best results, consider having a home inspector evaluate the property. They’ll give you a list of what needs to be taken care of, giving you a chance to remedy the issues before anyone tours the home.
Once these items are cleared up, you’ll want to clean the house from top to bottom. If this isn’t a task you want to tackle on your own, consider hiring a professional house cleaning company to perform a deep clean. After the house is clean, you will want to work to keep it that way. Tidiness really counts, as you will want any potential buyers to see your Flint home looking its absolute best.
You will also want to declutter and depersonalize the house as much as possible. Remember that most buyers want to imagine themselves in the home they select, and the fewer personal items that are out, the easier this is for them to visualize. It is also often worth it to hire a professional home stager. These experts will come into your home and arrange furnishings and decor to make it as appealing as possible for anyone touring it.
Be sure to keep the lawn neatly trimmed and free of clutter and debris. After all, your home's curb appeal will go a long way in making a first impression!
Make a plan for when the home is being shown to prospective buyers
When you are ready to begin selling a home in Flint, TX, it’s essential to have a plan established for what you’ll do during viewings. You might be tempted to be on-site to answer questions or concerns about the property. However, experts warn against these tactics.
Those in the industry agree that the seller shouldn’t be present during any home tours or open houses. For several reasons, a seller can make a buyer feel pressured or uncomfortable. Your agent has the skills and expertise to get your home seen and sold. Well before the home is toured for the first time, your agent will have reviewed the home’s many details so that they will be well-equipped to answer any questions a potential buyer or buying agent might have.
Consider every offer you receive
Selling a home in Flint, TX, will most likely lead to you getting multiple offers on the property. Review each one with your agent, especially ones that might come in below the agreed-upon list price. Don’t be afraid to counteroffer to work toward your ultimate goals. Your agent will guide you through negotiations and communicate with the other party as they put their negotiating skills to work.
When it’s time to close
As soon as you’ve accepted an offer, the buyer will most likely schedule their own home inspection. If you’ve had one done and remedied the items on the inspector’s findings, you won’t have many surprises. However, if there are issues that the buyer wants to be addressed, you will discuss with your agent which ones, if any, you will take care of as a condition of the sale.
Once these items are cleared up, you’ll be ready to close. Your agent will schedule an appointment with a closing attorney’s office, setting up a brief appointment where you sign the forms that transfer ownership to the buyer. You’ll have the proceeds in hand, pass the keys off to the new owner, and be on your way to your next adventure.
The bottom line
Preparing to sell your home takes some effort but is well worth it. When selling your home, your best bet is to have the guidance of an experienced agent by your side. If you are selling a home in Flint, TX, reach out to the Crutcher & Hartley Team. They are highly familiar with the area and have the years of experience necessary to get you the greatest return at closing.