If you're considering selling your home by owner, congratulations! You're part of a growing trend toward FSBO property sales. If you're worried that going the FSBO seller route means that you'll miss out on all of those great agency sales tactics, you're wrong. You can do the same things that any real estate agent would suggest. To get you started, here’s a list of the top ten things you can do for your home when you're trying to sell your home by owner.
1. Create multiple means of exposure. Houses sell when they're exposed to potential buyers. The more exposure you create, the more likely you are to sell. "Multiple means of exposure" means listing it on a FSBO site, providing pictures, tours, and information buyers want to know. Advertise your home in the newspaper. Print flyers that list the details of your home and be available to show home. Some buyers have turned to television ads for sale on real estate channels to attract buyers. The more exposure you provide, the easier it is for potential buyers to find.
2. De-clutter rooms and closets. A home looks nicer and shows better when it isn't cluttered. Remove magazines, books, furniture, stored items and things you no longer want. You'll have to pack all of this stuff before you move, so why not get an early start?
3. Fix peeling paint and other minor imperfections. Peeling paint can be a sign of deferred maintenance, bad painting or water damage. All of these things will turn off a buyer. Putting a fresh coat of paint on your walls and ceilings is easy and inexpensive.
4. Consider staging and research some ideas on the internet. Staging involves making your home visually attractive to potential buyers. It may involve re-arranging the furniture, renting new furniture, repainting, re-carpeting or minor redecoration to show off your home's best qualities. Staging doesn't have to break the bank, but a home that shows well sells. Whatever you can do to improve the look of your home will help your buyer see its potential.
5. Price the home right. Check recent sales in your neighborhood for an idea of what your home is worth. Do not overprice your home because if your price is substantially higher than other homes in your neighborhood. You will not be able to sell, let’s face overpriced homes whether Fsbo or MLS do not sell. Buyers want to feel as though they're getting value for their money. If your home is the most expensive one in the area, buyers will focus on finding a comparable home that's priced lower than yours.
6. Always have a yard sign and flyers. When potential buyers visit your neighborhood to see a particular home, they'll look for other homes that are for sale. If visitors don't know your home is for sale, you may miss potential sale opportunities.
7. Fsbo sellers need to create an online listing for their home on the internet and may consider using the FSBO marketing services that are available on the web. The key to selling your home is proper exposure and your chances of finding a buyer are greater when you make it highly visible to potential buyers.
8. Answering your phone is paramount as a Fsbo seller. It sounds simple, but many people who are selling their homes Fsbo miss potential buyers who are calling to inquire. Make absolutely certain you or someone else is available to take calls. Don't assume that an answering machine or voice mail service is sufficient because many potential buyers won't leave a message when they call.
9. Spend some time on your home's landscaping. Making the outside of a home look appealing and fresh is just as important as making the inside look nice. Remove or trim bushes. In the summer, plant attractive flowers, cover beds with wood chips or mulch and keep things weed free. Mow the lawn frequently. If you don't know anything about landscaping, check with a local nursery, gardening club or even a nearby university with a botanical program. Students are often willing to take on landscaping projects.
10. Partner with a bank or lender to offer potential financing sources for prospective buyers. Local banks, credit unions and mortgage brokers may be able to offer financing deals that can help a buyer get into your home. Offer all visitors financing information from your local bank or lender when they tour your home. You want to make sure any potential buyer is qualified to buy the home.
These are just a few of the things you can do to help your home stand out. In today's market, selling a home is about pricing, location and exposure. If you have all three of these elements in place, there's no reason to think you won't sell your home as effectively as any real estate agent.
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