The new year has started and because of the current market conditions, many people are selling their homes to avoid losses, to get their money from their investment or to prevent foreclosure. Below are some tips for sellers to make a fast sale which can give the best value for their home or investment.

1. Right Pricing

Don't set the price too high as you are testing the waters.  Buyers might get turned off when you are selling too high. There are excess inventory in the market and some of which can be comparable to the house you are selling. Just keep in mind that the first 3-4 weeks is when the property gets the most attention from buyers and agents.

If you have done previous pricing mistake, consider taking your home off the market and reposition it later.  Don’t go for discounting and dropping off prices as the weeks or months go by. Buyers and agents will keep on waiting in the sidelines waiting for the next price cut and see how low can you go.

Make sure that your price is right…

2. Curb Appeal

Before you place or re-place your home in the market, make sure you have done something to improve its looks as others who want to sell at a higher price are improving their home’s curb appeal. Your home may be strategically located – access to schools, commercial areas, offices, but unless your home’s is not appealing, people would not waste their time to see the inside as they would go for the next house in their list.

It is importatnt to create a good first impression...

3. Spend wisely.

Just be sure that what you spent on the improvement and remodeling can be recovered. Don’t over spend or invest if it will make the price of the home uncompetitive compared to other real estate comparables in your neighborhood.  

Some green improvement would fetch a better price for your home. But if you are installing some energy saving fixes or improvements, to save energy whether they are a programmable thermostat, re-insulation of the attic, water heater and caulk around doors, windows, eaves, edges and joints to better seal them, consider first if they are really needed and if in case they are really needed, make sure you can recoup your investments.

4. Be decisive.

If you are offering your home in the market, make sure you are committed to selling. Don’t waste other people’s time or even yours. If you received a relatively good offer, keep in mind that there will be other homes which are better replacement house which can give you better value for your money.

Also, unless you are facing relocation, divorce, health crisis, job change or other major negative life event, you might just want to wait for the current market conditions to improve.  

5. Know all of your options

If you are selling because you cannot cope up with the mortgage payments and cannot get your mortgage agreement modified, negotiate an alternative payment arrangement or find a buyer to assume your payments, you should be aware of the more drastic alternatives open to you.

Or study the possibility of becoming a landlord rental market and let the rent pay for the amortization. The rental market is making a comeback as there are many foreclosure victims needing a place to stay.

The Home Inspector

Home inspection started in the real estate industry in the mid-1970s. Since then, consumer demand for the service has been growing. Home inspection aims to help homebuyers make what could be the biggest financial decision of their lives.

With the growing consumerism and awareness, the buyers are becoming more demanding. Buyers now want to know everything possible about their potential homes. The demand for home inspector services rises. This makes home inspectors face a more promising career.

The Home Inspectors and Buyers

When a buyer wants to have an unbiased examination of a prospective house, the buyer can always seek the services of a professional home inspector. Home inspectors would provide the buyer a fair recommendation based on objective information found during the inspections.

Home inspectors are trained to objectively communicate to the buyer what the house has to say. They should demonstrate technical knowledge and report-writing skills to ensure that the results of the inspection are properly documented and communicated.

The home inspector can always give the buyer information about which part of the house would need immediate repairs and repairs that could wait. The buyer would know if what they will be paying is the right amount for the property considering other real estate factors.

The Home Inspectors and Sellers

Homesellers also use home inspectors to gain knowledge of the condition of the house before placing it on the market. Smart homesellers know that knowledge about the condition of the house makes the selling process more appealing.
Home inspectors are welcomed by most sellers as they provide an unbiased decision on the value of the house, and can give the seller a more informed decision on the price, and what would be an acceptable offer.

A homebuyer, homeseller or anyone who wants to make an informed decision about a house can always seek the services of a professional home inspector. The home inspector can be a great partner for real estate agents, sellers, and buyers in making a more credible sale or transaction.

So, before making the big decision of buying or selling your home, ask around for a home inspector. They may prove to be helpful and may give you the best value for the buyer’s money or the seller’s house.