Selling House Quickly – After Listing, Then What?
Selling house quickly can be more emotionally draining and costly than expected. However, in the end, it is worth doing.
Knowing what to expect once your home is listed can help you get through the battle of transaction more easily. Many people are excited when their houses are put on the market. It signals a move to a new city or a better home. The following are some of the things you can expect once the listing agreement is signed.
Out of the gate
Your agent will first place your house in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). The listing notifies other agents in the neighborhood that your house is up for sale. The listing might also appear online at realtor.com. Soon after, a for-sale sign will be placed in your front yard, and a lockbox attached to your home. The lockbox allows other agents to access the home when you are not around. This might seem odd, but it is vital to allow your home to be shown when you are away. Without a lockbox, agents might place you last in their list of houses to see since they have to fit into your schedule. This means that you cannot sell your house now.
Open house
You agent would want to have an open house as soon as possible. It is therefore not advisable to list your home before everything is ready for good viewing. You need to do all the necessary clean ups and touch ups to get the home ready.
It is advisable for you to be absent during open houses since cash house buyers would want freedom to look around and make comments. When potential house investors arrive for viewing, try stepping out while they tour your home.
You need to discuss with your agent about the number of open houses to be done. Many sellers have the notion that to sell a house, multiple open houses are needed. The truth is, not many homes are sold off at open houses. However, open houses for the agents and the public are still beneficial.
Traffic patterns
Most likely, you will have heavy traffic the first three weeks your home is listed. However, there is no need to worry when the traffic slows down. Depending on the area, the normal cycle can 60-90 days on market. In slower markets, buyers take longer. If potential buyers visit your home two or three times, it means they are seriously thinking about your home. Any offer, even what you may consider too low, is an opportunity to start negotiating, which usually leads to selling house fast.
Changing course
Sellers usually start getting impatient at about six to seven weeks. The initial thrill of listing fades and they get tired of keeping the house in top shape for viewing. This is the time to sit with your agent to re-evaluate your sales strategy. Reconsider your price and any physical improvements or changes which could enhance the home. This could be as simple as cleaning out the garage or touching up the paint on the bathroom walls.
Stephan is a freelance writer, who often writes about selling property and house buyer .