Many real estate agents would have you believe the only way to sell a house, is to list it with a selling agent. Although this may be a great way to go, it is quite possible to sell your home on your own. For Sale by Owner, often referred to as FSBO, requires some extra effort, dedication and some basic know how. When trying to sell your home without a real estate agent, one of the most important things you can have is patience.
When you put your house up for sale by owner, you will first need to establish the value of your house. You can do this by researching other houses that have recently sold in your neighborhood. Generally speaking, you should go back about 6 months when trying to determine your home's value. Also, be sure to check the prices of homes that are currently listed for sale. The asking price of a home can either make or break the deal.
After you have determined the price you are going to ask for your house, you will want to advertise it. Advertising your home ensures interested buyers will be aware that your home is on the market. One of the easiest ways to advertise that your home is for sale is by placing a "For Sale by Owner" sign in your front yard. Other options for advertising include posting signs at your local grocery stores and taking an ad out in your local newspaper.
When listing your home for sale by owner, it is important that you keep the house in perfect condition. In order to ensure that interested buyers will stay interested, you will need to make sure the house stays neat and tidy at all times. Also, if there are any repairs that need to be done, be sure to have those taken care of immediately. Otherwise, if potential buyers see the house needs repairs or has not been kept up, they will quickly lose interest.
Curb appeal is a very important aspect of selling your home. If buyers drive by and the house gives an appearance of a fixer upper, generally, they won't stop to see what is inside. So be sure that there are attractive plants in the yard, plush green grass and that the yard is free of clutter.
The inside of the house is just as important when putting your house for sale by owner. A fresh coat of paint throughout the house will give the feel of the house being new and clean. Keep countertops free of clutter and unnecessary items. If the house is cluttered with excess furniture, it may be wise to put some of it in storage. You want to make sure the house looks as spacious as possible.
Presentation is one of the most important selling points for buyers. Try to look at your home as a potential buyer would. And if need be, make any changes that will help to sell the house.
Legal documentation is another important part of homes that are for sale by owner. Before listing your home, make sure you have a full understanding of the different documents that go along with selling a home. Since you are selling the home by yourself, you will be responsible for making sure these documents are all done correctly.
When you list your home for sale by owner, be sure to stay positive. With some patience and hard work, you can soon have a "sold" sign in your yard.
