It is time to sell my house. Help! I am very inexperienced. Point me towards websites to learn. Thx

[irisblue]

I am not buying a next place, I'm going into a senior living apartment for my next life stage.

[snowybirdie]

1. Get yourself a trusted Realtor

Last edited Thu Mar 17, 2022, 08:09 AM - Edit history (1)

You shouldn't have to do this alone. Make sure they compare what has sold in your area and price your home correctly. Ask friends and family for recommendations. Interview more than one. And pay a real estate lawyer to review any paperwork before you sign anything. Good luck, a great time to sell in most areas.

[Vinca]

2. Good advice - my first reaction was to post something similar. The way the market is these days,

the house should bring a good price in a very short time if it's listed by a good Realtor. Chances are they have a waiting list of buyers.

[AngryOldDem]

7. This.

I would add, always remember that they are working for YOU. Hold them accountable. If your house doesn’t sell within the contract dates, get a new person if something doesn’t feel right.

From the lessons learned department: Do not hire friends. Make sure the seller’s Realtor has no friendship (or other relationship) with the seller, but that doesn’t apply to the OP, but good advice regardless.

[Irish_Dem]

3. Interview a number of realtors.

Get some recommendations from trusted friends.

They are the experts and can give you a lot of good advice.

Then pick the one that you feel you can work with, is honest and open about the process.

I personally do not like the fancy realtors with all kinds of assistants, videos and glamor.

Also a brand new realtor with no experience has too much of a learning curve for a seller with no experience.

Get one that is down to earth, honest, experienced, knowledgeable. Is not work shy, and knows her business.

Good luck on the next stage of your life!

[MOMFUDSKI]

4. "Put a sign on your lawn and let

your neighbors sell your house". I've done that several times now. Contact a Title Company right up front to do the closing when it sells and let them help you with what they are able to. We are in a sellers' market right now and you do not need to pay a realtor. A cash offer is always best and be careful of giving a buyer too much time to come in with their borrowed money. Have that buyer show you paperwork that promises them a loan - known as "pre-qualified". De-clutter your house and have at least one other person with you when showing it to prospective buyers. Turn every light in the house ON while showing it. If you must go with a realtor then negotiate the percentage they want. In a sellers' market they are scrambling for listings so you have the upper hand and don't forget it. Good luck.

[Ferrets are Cool]

5. Get a realtor

period.

[mnhtnbb]

6. Depending upon where you live, small town or suburb or city,

most areas have real estate offices that concentrate in an area.

One way to find out which offices those are--if you don't have friends or neighbors or family who recommend a realtor--is to go to a website like https://www.realtor.com/soldhomes

then put in your zip code and it will come up with the homes that have sold recently in your area. By scrolling through the listings that look most similar to your property--or your neighborhood--you can click on the individual listing and find out who the agent was. If you see the same name or office coming up, that gives you info. You can also see whether houses are selling over list price and how long they are taking to sell.

Good luck!