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.
Kimberly Kelly decided to get her real estate license when she moved to South Orange with her family and fell in love with the classic, period homes of the area. Having worked in the city for many years for LexisNexis, Kim understands the appeal of an easy commute to NYC. That’s why she specializes in towns along the Mid-Town Direct train line, offering welcoming communities, good schools, and space to grow.
Very active in her children’s school PTA, Kim knows firsthand how important a school system is to parents looking to make the move to the ‘burbs. She volunteers with fairs, fundraising, and other activities that bolster support for education. Kim also believes involvement in the greater community enriches us all and has sat on various boards & associations throughout the years.
Kim Kelly has lived many places throughout her life, from Pennsylvania to Oregon, but has found New Jersey to be the ideal place to raise her family and put down roots. She loves nothing more than helping others discover their special place as well. Kim’s extensive knowledge of the area, combined with her sense of community, offers clients a personalized guide to finding the right house - and town - to call home.
