7 Things Most People Don't Know about Selling Their Home for the First Time

Selling your first home is definitely an exciting event, but it can also be a little confusing and overwhelming. Many first time home sellers end up making mistakes that keep them from getting the best possible price for their property. If you have never sold a home before, here are a few things that you should know before you begin the whole process.

Staging Makes a Difference
Home staging is the process of making your home look appealing to potential buyers through decorations. If you are completely disinterested in interior design, it is even possible to hire a professional home stager.

Be Prepared for Paperwork
There is a lot of bureaucracy involved in a home sale. Try to get potentially useful paperwork and documents, such as roof warranties or certificates for fence permits, together in advance.

Living in a For-Sale Property Will be Difficult
You will need to have your home clean and tidy at all times if your real estate agent wants to suddenly drop by with an interested potential buyer. Some sellers find that it is easier to go ahead and move out before selling their property.

Timing Matters
Generally, most sellers will get higher prices if they sell in the spring months, because people typically want to move into a new house in early summer.

Doing it Yourself is Hard
You might commonly see signs for homes that are "For Sale by Owner," but these people are making a big mistake. Real estate agents have years of experience and access to professional resources that make the whole process easy and rewarding, so it is wise to get help from a realtor like Keller Williams Realty or another top real estate agency in the area.

Decide if Repairs are Worth it
Sellers will be willing to pay more for a house that does not require a lot of repairs and upkeep. If you have the free time to invest in some home repairs, it is probably a good idea to fix your home up before selling it.

Pick a Good Price
Most buyers decide what properties to look at based on the initial asking price, and your home will be competing with all the other local properties that are being sold for a similar price. Therefore, you will want to consult with your real estate agent to pick the best starting price.

Keep these tips in mind, and you can be sure to avoid common mistakes made by first time home sellers. Though the real estate process is complex, it does not have to be absolutely bewildering.

 

About the Author: Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. She went to college at The Ohio State University where she studied communications. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and long walks in the park with her 3-year-old husky Snowball. The information in this article is credited to Keller Williams Realty.