At Home 07/12/15

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AT HOME

H SUNDAY, JULY 12, 2015

Tips and tools to guide you through the home buying, selling and remodeling process AT HOME: Tips for sellers

Before the yard sign goes up By Lee Enterprises newspapers and The Associated Press

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any may believe the start of selling a house begins when the “For Sale” goes up in the yard. But really, the process begins several steps before a yard sign and a picture in the newspaper. Here are six moves to make before putting your house on the market.

Find an agent Set up interviews with several real estate agents before choosing one. Here are some of the questions that the National Association of Realtors recommends: What kind of marketing proposals does this Realtorenvision? What’s the average time on market? How does the brokerage support its Realtors? Is the Realtor a full-time or part-time professional? How long have they been in the real estate industry? How often would they expect to hold an open house? How long is an agent’s listing contract?

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Know your market

In addition to requesting a competitive market analysis, a report prepared by your Realtor of comparable area properties, here are some other important questions to consider with your agent: What is the average number of days on the market? This will indicate how quickly the average property sells. What is the median home price? This tells you where the “middle of the market” is. What does the competitive market analysis suggest for pricing? Remember, you can ask any price you want, but the longer a property sits on the market, the tougher it can be to sell. What is the average days-on-market for my price range? Are there any incentives that could be offered? For example, a home warranty or a flooring allowance that may entice buyers?

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Get inspected

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Clean up, move out

Tell your neighbors

Word-of-mouth. It still works, especially when it comes to selling homes. You never know who is looking — friends, friends of friends and family members. Be sure to help your Realtor and help yourself when you’re selling. Make sure you let your acquaintances know your house is going on the market. Make sure you include the things you love about the house or the location. Be sure to include a link to the listing or any information about open houses.

Talk to a lender If you’re looking to sell a house, you’re probably looking for a new one. In addition to getting current loan payoff amounts, it’s also a good idea to pick your banker’s brain. Mortgage lenders have an excellent feel for local housing markets. They understand successful price points, as well as loan programs that may help potential buyers. And, if you’re looking to move out of the area, downsizing or upsizing, a lender can help you find a new loan program and determine what options are available to make that next step.

The National Association of Home Inspectors recommends checking with your state to see if home inspectors are licensed. NAHI recommends checking the credentials and professional affiliations with anyone before letting them check your home. The standard inspection usually includes: Home exterior Building foundation Exterior home walls Roof coverings, flashing and gutters Roof support structure Attic Basement Insulation quality Garage Electrical Visible interior and exterior plumbing Central air and heating system

Show off the space in your house. If walls and rooms have too many personalized things, like pictures or knickknacks, it makes it difficult for prospective buyers to see themselves in a house. Make sure closets and storage rooms feel open, not stuffed full of junk. Rent a storage unit or downsize before listing a home. Consider a staging expert. These home designers can help prepare a home for selling by arranging furniture, decluttering a house, or even renting furniture and other items that help modernize a home or increase its appeal.

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