Buying your first home is usually an amazing feeling. You search and eventually find that perfect house, the one that has all of the things you want, or at least all of the things you need. You can look at a few houses, or lots of houses. You have an incredible amount of choice and freedom. Unfortunately, the process of selling your house is nothing like that. If you have never sold a house before, be prepared – the process is burdensome and can feel overwhelming.
Here some of our best tips for homeowners who are ready to sell a house in ST. LOUIS and the surrounding areas.
Understand The Market
When selling your house in ST. LOUIS, it’s imperative that you know a bit about current market conditions. Take some time to research trends and recent sales. Determine what your property is really worth and how those amounts have changed over time. By having a realistic picture of what your property is worth, you’ll be able to negotiate for the price you want.
Prepare The House
If you decide you want to list the property with a ST. LOUIS real estate agent, you’ll need to prepare the house for the market. This means you will need to possibly paint the walls, replace old carpet, update hardware, replace old fixtures, swap out appliances, and make any repairs the property needs. You’ll also need to clean the house, and keep it that way for property showings.
Price Your Property Correctly
Pricing your house too high from the beginning will likely net you less money when all is said and done. An overpriced property will sit on the MLS longer, need to be reduced, and lose it’s overall appeal to potential buyers. The house will fall lower and lower in the search results, often making it an afterthought for buyers looking at houses in the ST. LOUIS area. Incorrectly pricing a property is one of the biggest mistakes sellers make.
Understand The Costs
If you choose to list, it’s important to know what it will cost you. Many people fail to factor in costs for cleaning, upgrading, or making repairs. As mentioned above, it can take a lot of work to get a property ready for the MLS. You’ll also need to factor in marketing costs and the cost of your time. How much will it really cost you preparing and showing the property? With an agent, you will also need to factor in commissions, agent fees, administrative expenses, and closing costs.
Consider Your Selling Options
There isn’t just one way to sell your house in ST. LOUIS. It’s important that you analyze the different selling methods and factor in what each will cost and what benefits they will each provide. Listings are great for properties that need little work and that don’t need to be sold right away. Listing can take some time and there are often expenses for repairs, cleaning, marketing, and other listing costs. A direct sale is often the better choice for properties that need work, that are burdened with liens or tax problems, or that need to be sold within a specific amount of time. Don’t assume that you need to hire and pay an agent for helping you sell. In some cases, a direct sale we be the best way to sell from a financial standpoint. Nevermind all the time you will be able to save.
First time home sellers in ST. LOUIS will face much more work and stress in the traditional process than was involved buying their house. The inspection period is one my least favorite parts of the entire process; damages found here can cause massive repair bills and stretch out the process. If there is one thing I have learned over the years it’s that real estate is non-liquid.
Final Thoughts:
No matter how you decide to sell, always make sure that the people you are working with are honest, professional, and passionate about what they do. If you list, your agent needs to fight for you, getting the best price possible on your behalf. If you choose a direct sale, Solace Properties knows how to efficiently close, making the selling process simple and convenient for you.