The process of selling a home today is a very different experience than it has been in the past. The internet has given a lot of power to buyers by expanding their options, but the seller has more options than ever too - and right now, the market is primed to sell your home.

Understanding the housing market today is an important first-step in selling your home. One of the reasons it is currently a seller’s market is partially due to the pandemic. Being forced to cram into tight spaces, work and conduct school studies from home simultaneously, has made many families re-access their space and living needs. This is especially true for those having to work from home, who now realize they need a more efficient remote office.

At present, homes are expensive - and there aren’t a lot to choose from. There are simply not many people selling at the moment, which primes the market for the seller. This also isn’t the worst position for the buyer, as competition among sellers may lower the price or be more willing to accept a lower offer. 

Listing it on MLS

If you want to sell your house, you will have to list it on the Multiple Listing Services (MLS) which is the largest real estate data site available. By adding your home details to this website, the information is also filtered to dozens of other commonly used websites like Zillow and Redfin. While you may not need a real estate agent to sell your home, you do need one to list it on the MLS - or at least you used to. For example if you’re in Tennessee, you can check out websites where they have Tennessee Real Estate For Sale

One way to avoid using a real estate agent and to save on fees, is to list your home on the MLS via a third party agent, such as HomeLister. Their flat-fee packages give you all the benefits of listing on the MLS, but also save you huge amounts of money normally lost with commission costs. 

Getting it Ready for Sale

Determining the value of your home, and its selling price, is just as important as listing it on the MLS. Many expert real estate sites will suggest that you conduct your own walk-through of your house in order to determine problem areas. Be honest and give your home in retirement communities myrtle beach south carolina, a fair assessment.

Since it can be difficult to separate emotion from logic when selling your home, perhaps have a friend or trusted co-worker give you their honest opinion. Remember not to take criticism personally. The main objective is always to better your home for a higher sale price. 

Consider renovating problematic issues, but don’t waste time on too many cosmetic fixes - after all the new owner will have plans of their own, and you often waste money by changing things like paint (unless it’s to cover water stains from a repaired roof leak), or something similar. 

Agent to Offer

If you are using a seller’s broker for assistance on your end, talk to friends and get referrals. Prepare a list of questions to ask a potential agent so that you can get a good idea of the way they do business. You should also note their responsiveness and attention to your property from the very beginning, as these qualities can make or break a deal when the time comes.

Talk to your agent about the MLS listing and how your home will be marketed. In addition to MLS, you want to ask if your home will also be listed on any other sites, and how open houses will work and be advertised.  Keep in mind if you are completing the listing on your own via a third party, be sure you include new and updated photos that highlight your home and property’s attributes. Devise your own official plan for running your open houses, and determine how you will work with buyer’s agents. 

When staging your home for an open house, don’t make the mistake of trying to hide imperfections and areas that might need some additional work. Buyers will appreciate the transparency and be less surprised when walking the home than if that information was being discovered for the first time. An agent or reputable third party will also help you navigate the legalities of posting on the MLS and the selling process as a whole. 

You’ve done everything right - you got your home ready for sale, found an agent to list it on MLS, and you had a successful open house resulting in an offer - so now what? Depending on your immediate needs, you may choose to accept the first offer you get, especially if it’s close to your asking price. The choice is yours!

You should always have a well thought out plan before you sell your home to ensure your success.