|
|
|
|
|
"Selling Your Own Home
&
Other Feats Of Daring"
|
Yes, it is possible to sell your home without the assistance of a REALTOR!
I know... I know...."Your Home" is worth more than the other homes on the block.....So is "Mine"...... We all feel that way about our homes. The wallpaper we lovingly installed in the nursery, the upgraded ceiling fans we overspent on, the oak medicine cabinet with matching bath vanity, as well as the hours and hours we spent hanging those colorful custom draperies, not to mention the custom price we paid for them!
These items may be important to you and I, however, we are not the prospective purchasers. We need to appeal to the majority of purchasers out there.
|
|
First and formost..........
"The First Impression Is The Only Impression".
You will not get a second chance at a first impression!
"Curb Appeal" ... your buyers first and last impression. Keep it clean and clear with no overgrown or neglected landscaping. Neglected exteriors send a message to a prospective buyer..."nelected outside .... means .... neglected inside." And believe me, buyers will discount everything they can, to get the price down.
Buyers know what your home is worth. And like you, they would like to put that real estate commission in their pockets, not in yours.
If you have to give up the real estate commission to a buyer, do yourself a favor and list your property with a REALTOR. We are experts at negotiating for what you want! We are trained REALTOR professionals!
Which brings me to another point...
When a buyer starts picking your house apart....don't be offended. These are "Buying Signs". If these buyers were not interested, they would probably thank you for showing your home and graciously depart!
The most difficult thing you will have to do, is to observe your "Palatial Estate" through a buyer's eyes.
Stand at the curb and be objective...Is it appealing? A jungle scene? Peeling paint? Falling gutters? Dirty windows? Worn out roof? Dog surprises? You get the picture!
Now inside... Dirty? Do you have to turn sideways to move from one room to another? Are there 2000 Beanie Babies on the entertainment center? Is Archie Bunkers recliner in the middle of the living room? A bucket under the sink? Water stains on the cieling from that ice damage 3 years ago? Moldy or stale odors? Red, yellow, purple, bedroom walls with coordinating carpeting? You get the picture.
Clear out the clutter. A small home can appear larger with "less". Those kitchen machines that you use once a year, taking up counter space? Put them away. You are going to have to pack them anyway. You are moving, aren't you?
A fresh coat of "neutral" paint (please no semi-gloss or gloss on the ceiling) and a "spit shine" can do wonders for your "Palatial Estate".
Next, find a good "REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY". I don't mean to yell, but, you wouldn't go to a foot doctor to have your teeth cleaned, would you??? Laws are constantly changing and good Real Estate Attorneys are up to date on the latest. A link is provided for the Illinois Real Estate Lawyers Association.
The next professional you will need on your side is a loan officer. Your buyers may offer you full price, however, if they don't qualify for the loan, you don't have a sale.
At this point you need to price your home right. My experience has been "the higher the asking price.....the lower the offering price."
Have an appraisal performed by a state licensed/certified appraiser. Not only will the appraisal tell you what your home is worth, it makes for a great negociating tool. Sure, you can produce a computer generated "Market Analysis" prepared by a REALTOR professional, but, I guarantee your prospective buyer will reply...." OK, now lets take off that __% commission!"
Again, I stress...."If you have to give up the commission....hire a REALTOR professional."
Romo & Associates Inc. can provide you with professional real estate services, in the "Chicagoland" area or refer you to one of our "CREAM OF THE CROP REALTORS" nationwide thru our affiliates...The National Association of REALTORS and/or The Women's Council of REALTORS.
For more information on our professional appraisal services, click on the link provided.
Romo & Associates Inc.
Schaumburg, IL. 60193
(847)991-2430
|
|
|
