Selling a house can be a complicated process fraught with all sorts of complications and potential mishaps. A good real estate agent can simplify the process and greatly improve your chances of success. To ensure that you enter the home-selling process with your eyes open, be sure to ask your agent the following key questions.
- What are your credentials?
If you’re thinking of selling your home, it’s important to hire a reputable agent with a state license. They should also belong to the local real estate trade association, which will give them access to the multiple listing service, or MLS, allowing them to list your property far and wide to attract more prospective buyers.
- Do you specialize in this area?
A local real estate expert can provide a huge advantage for sellers. Local agents are aware of available inventory, area market conditions and upcoming developments in the area. They will also know about plans for stores or other amenities that will impact the value of your home and determine how quickly it will sell. Local agents also know what local buyers are looking for in real estate. It’s important to remember that your agent needs to be able to sell not only your home but your entire neighborhood.
- What do I have to disclose to buyers?
While it makes sense to present your house in its best light, you must also be prepared to disclose some of its flaws. Colorado disclosure laws require sellers to alert buyers about the physical condition of a home, along with specific defects and the existence of dangerous materials or conditions. If you fail to adequately disclose specific facts, you could face lawsuits or various pending matters that could hold up the sale, impact property value or leave you liable for financial restitution.
- Should I hire an inspector?
Many buyers will include inspection contingencies in their offers. Sometimes, however, it makes sense for sellers to hire an inspector to perform a pre-inspection to check for potential problems before the property is listed.
A pre-inspection can give you a chance to fix problems in advance and present buyers with a clean bill of health for the home. Since it will cost money, however, it’s best to check with your real estate agent to see if a pre-inspection is warranted for your property.
- How will you arrive at the listing price?
Few things are as critical to a seller than the price of a home. Your agent’s ability to set an appropriate listing price will go a long way toward determining your success. A home that is priced too high will languish on the market. If it’s priced too low, on the other hand, you may be leaving money on the table. It’s important to make sure your agent is an expert on the local real estate market and knows what similar homes have recently sold for.
- What is your sales plan?
A good real estate agent should have a written sales plan that identifies the marketing strategy to attract prospective buyers to your property. From listing services to social media to open houses, multiple marketing channels can help you secure a higher sales price. Make sure the agent is capable of providing professional photography, video and staging elements. This will make a better impression on buyers and improve the chances of a successful sale.
- What should I do to prepare my home?
Get your agent’s advice for necessary upgrades and repairs. Ask what hacks they might suggest for impactful, budget-friendly improvements that pique interest in buyers. Find out if they suggest whole-scale staging services or just some basic cleaning and decluttering.
- How will we communicate?
Make sure your agent is willing to communicate according to your preferences, whether it’s by text, email or phone conversations. Knowing the frequency and method of communication can be important in selling your home. Your agent should be available to answer any questions that might come up along the way. They should also be willing to accommodate your schedule when it comes to planning open houses.
If you’re planning to sell your home, The Wheaton Team can help. We specialized in residential real estate in Colorado Springs, Monument and the entire El Paso County. Let us help streamline the complex selling process and help you sell your home for a price that meets your expectations. Contact us today to get started!
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