Before you even hit the market, there are some important things to do before selling your house. Real estate transactions are complicated and can even take months when everything goes perfectly - why not save time by preparing as much as you can in advance?
Here are some of the things to remember to do before selling:
The home seller generally pays the agent's commission, which is usually between 4% and 6% of the total sale price. Other common costs paid by the seller include title insurance, property taxes, escrow, closing fees and any fees for legal representation.
While it's not mandatory to get a home inspection before the selling process begins, it can help you save money and time on any potential issues. A licensed home inspector will provide you a detailed report of any structural or mechanical problems with the home, so you're fully prepared to sell faster and without unpleasant surprises.
Statistically, landscaping can offer you the highest possible rate of return when it comes to selling your home. Increasing your home's curb appeal is essential to preparing for a home sale, so take some time to deep clean and beautify outdoor spaces.
Remove weeds, debris and any dying plants that might detract from your home's aesthetic appeal. You can also add colorful flowers in containers to give a drab facade an easy fix.
Real estate agents are trained to help with every aspect of the home selling process. While it's possible to sell your home without an agent, you miss out on valuable knowledge and assistance in interfacing with potential buyers. An agent will help you market your home listing to attract buyers and also assist with negotiating sales price.
You’ll need a stack of documentation at closing, so the earlier you can prepare your paperwork and get organized, the better. Some of these documents include the title, deed, bill of sale and closing statement. Your real estate agent can help you gather the necessary paperwork and information, so you have an easy time at the closing table.
Are you ready to sell your home? While the process can seem daunting, these tips will help you start in the right direction.
Born in San Pedro, California, as a first generation Croatian, I graduated from California State University at Long Beach with a degree in Mathematics and Chemistry and then earned a teaching credential from San Francisco State University. In 1960 I married native San Franciscan Jim Brown. Jim, was a high school teacher before becoming the owner/chef of La Lanterna Restaurant in Kentfield from 1985-1992. He is now retired. I combined substitute teaching in Marin County with the rearing of our four children, all of whom are grown and have settled in Marin. I became intrigued with the world of homes when we acted as the general contractors in building our own home in Woodacre and another home in the San Geronimo Valley. I began to work the carpet business, and became licensed to sell real estate in 1976. I was an associate realtor with other companies before becoming an independent broker and opening my own office in downtown Larkspur in 1991.