New Year’s resolutions for home sellers
Resolutions are made each new year by a multitude of people. In the best of intentions some are kept, but in most instances, the vast majority are not. When it comes to real estate transactions, it is time to make a pledge and keep your resolutions while trying to sell your house in the new year.
Ultimately, look at the job required to sell your house as an action plan that is complete with tasks that you promise not to compromise, be it planning, researching, marketing or selling.
Now that we are just a few days into the new year, the following are resolutions suggested to help stay you on course and have a successful, minimally-emotion laden sales transaction of your listing.
Do not rely solely on others to do the necessary work for you. Ultimately, yes you are paying the agent you choose good money in the form of a commission for a successful sale. However, resolve to do be very diligent when undertaking the following tasks, including:
spending the appropriate amount of time researching, receiving references, and interviewing potential agents before hiring your situation and location expert;
reviewing all neighborhood and nearby comparable sales on public websites to try and figure out approximately where your home listing should be prices (confer with your agent to establish a final number);
honestly noting everything that is wrong with your home, what needs to be fixed and what will not be fixed but disclosed. If you cannot fix the needed repair yourself, do your due diligence in finding a professional (or ask your agent for an impartial referral);
regardless of the time of year, clean your home like it is the beginning of spring and you are on a mission. The more you pick up, package and clean up now, the less you will have to move when the showings begin. Do not be a procrastinator;
Keeping your eye on the overall goal. Try to not get discouraged if you receive and accept a quick offer that ultimately falls through. Remind yourself that you are in this transaction for the long haul and the inevitable will happen; if you are patient. Do not unnecessarily cause yourself added aggravation by worrying about every little detail. Remember, you can “lean” on your agent. They are going to be paid handsomely for their work – and emotional support;
Above all, resolve to be level headed and reasonable. Perhaps, you will receive an unusual offer – or an offer that contains extraordinary concessions. Be careful to weigh each offer on its face value. As the old saying goes, “walk a mile in the other person’s moccasins” before making a rash decision rejecting the offer. Just because the offer is not in the form you want, does not mean that it does not have some relevance. Take your time before deciding on the “right” buyer for your listing. Patience will pay off if you avoid becoming impulsive and make a rash decision under duress due to emotional overload.