Home Selling Tips

Congratulations! You’ve decided to sell your home yourself, and now it’s time to put together a plan to help you sell your home and save thousands in commissions! You are not alone. In fact, many homeowners are now turning to the Internet and technology to market and successfully sell their homes. 

ListedByOwner.com has put together cutting edge resources to help homeowners sell their home. Use this guide to help you put together a winning combination of tools and resources. 

Tip# 1: KNOW WHAT YOUR HOME IS WORTH

Knowing the value of your home is fundamental when selling. Todays market has made it very important to be competitive when listing your home for sale. Likewise, you don’t want to price your house either too low, or too high. Decide on a price that allows you some room to negotiate with interested buyers. You can get an automated market valuation of your home at ListedByOwner.com, the same tool used by major mortgage lenders and underwriters! Click here for details…

Tip# 2: KNOW YOUR MARKET CONDITIONS

Know your local market, and observe the other homes for sell in your area. Look for the homes comparable to yours, and find out how long they have been on the market. This will usually give you an idea of how long it may take to sell your home. The average time to sell a home in a normal market is usually anywhere between 3 to 6 months. Everyone hears about the home that sold the day it was listed, but that is not the norm. Be realistic about the time it may take to sell, be price competitive, and allow some room to negotiate. 

Tip# 3: HAVE A YARD SIGN, DIRECTIONALS, AND BROCHURE HOLDER

Most buyers in your area, when they are not browsing for homes over the Internet, will drive neighborhoods they are interested in purchasing a home in. Therefore, having a quality yard sign, with contact information marked clearly and legibly, is a must. Equally important is having a directional sign off a main road pointing towards the location of your home, and having a brochure holder filled with quality brochures. It is amazing how often sellers do not keep brochures in the holder. Click here for info on our sign package…

Tip# 4: NEAT AND CLEAN

A cluttered home will turn away potential sales. For those rooms you keep promising to organize, well now is the time! First impressions are key. A “busy” room will make the room feel smaller, and puts the focus on the clutter, not the space. Clean your home, and workout any noticeable cosmetic flaws. Chalk any cracks around wet areas such as bathtubs, showers, etc. Patch any holes and cover any visible scuffs, or marks. It is amazing what a fresh coat of paint will do. It helps to have neutral colors, and earth tones. This allows buyers to imagine their décor, and keeps them from feeling like they will have to do many initial cosmetic changes if they were to buy your home. Check out our Search Local Professionals for help AND savings in getting your home ready!

Tip# 5: POST A VIDEO TOUR

Nothing compares to actual video of your home. Potential buyers can view your home as if they were there! You can direct people to your unique web page address when you list your home with ListedByOwner.com so buyers can view video and information about your home!! Take advantage of our FREE video and have buyers virtually see your home 24 hours a day!! If you don’t have a digital recorder, contact us to see if we have a local marketing partner in your area who can assist you from video, to pictures!! List Your Home Now!

Tip# 6: OPEN HOUSES

Always set aside time for open houses. Open houses work best on weekends, and can attract multiple potential buyers. Check out our open house directional signs and other items to help promote your home. Make sure you have additional brochures printed, and readily available. You can print unlimited brochures when you list your home with ListedByOwner.com! You will also want a sign in sheet, this way you can contact anyone with changes, such as price. This may have been a factor and now could lead them in to putting a contract on your home. 

Tip# 7: ANSWER ALL CALLS

It is very important to follow-up with ALL prospects that call in for information on your home. If you find yourself too busy, use our Answering Service Feature. Our answering service feature package is tailored to your schedule! The call is handled by a “live” person, trained to give buyers information only YOU wish to disclose. We can take a message, alert you with urgent requests, schedule an appointment, and much, much more!!

Tip# 8: PREQUALIFIED BUYERS

When you find a buyer, make sure you receive a pre-qualifying letter from their mortgage lender. This will help protect you from making a contract, and pulling your home off the market with a non-qualified buyer. If the buyer has not already been approved from a mortgage lender, refer them to our Search Local Professionals to find local mortgage rates and a loan. 

Tip# 9: OFFER A HOME WARRANTY

8 out of 10 buyers prefer a home with a warranty! Let your home stand out from the crowd by offering the peace of mind of a home warranty. They are very affordable, and can be included with the sell of your home! Click here for a home warranty quote…

Tip# 10: REAL ESTATE CONTRACT
When you do find a buyer, make sure to use a professional, state specific purchase contract. You can find the right contract with our Real Estate Forms. Make sure you receive a reasonable deposit, and a window for the buyer to provide you with a mortgage commitment letter. Typically, contracts are good for 30 to 45 days. If you are offering to contribute any towards the closing costs, and/ or have any legal questions pertaining to the closing of your home, find a real estate attorney in your area with our Search Local Professionals. 

Disclaimer: This information is not to be used as legal advice. This information does not guarantee, or promise, a homeowner will sell their home. For legal advice, one should contact an attorney.