First Time Home Sellers

When one starts to Google “first time…” “home buyers” will surely be apt to pop up; however, of equal importance are first time home sellers! First time sellers need education and advice just as much as first time home buyers. They will need to identify their goals and timeline for getting their property sold. A great question to ponder for the seller would be to know if they are striving for top dollar or convenience in the sale.

         Typically, a seller’s primary question is “How much will my home sell for?” The three major criteria which factor into the answer to this question are price, location, and condition of the home. A real estate agent can change the price and condition with help of general contractors, cleaning professionals, and stagers, but location is a variable that cannot be changed. You will need to discuss with your agent what is important to you in the process, i.e. if you want top dollar, more deposit money, a sooner closing date, etc.

         Your real estate broker is your most important ally during the sale of your Triangle home. They will be educated in the local housing market to make sure your home is priced to sell and that your home stands out against nearby comparable homes. Even in a seller’s market, there is a diversity of ways your real estate professional can help guarantee your home stands out from the rest and will attract top dollar in the sale. In today’s crazy market, a qualified real estate agent will be able to take into account what the seller thinks the home is worth; what the buyer assumes the home is worth; what an appraiser will say the home is worth; ensure appropriate addendums are attached to the contract to protect you as the seller.

         Okay, so I have the price. What comes next? The next step is getting the home ready for showings. There are many factors which come into to play when getting a home ready for showings. In the current Triangle real estate market where the pendulum swings toward the sellers, all repairs may not be necessary; however, there are certain repairs on which your Realtor® can advise to ensure you receive the most amount of money possible for your home. As a seller, you will need to be prepared to discuss with your agent is top dollar must important or convenience. A good Realtor® will have strategies for both and devise a path forward to help you in your goals.

         Now that the home is staged and ready for showings, the seller will want an agent who can tell the unique story of your home. Does your agent have a social media presence? Do they send direct mailers to potential buyers? Do they have a list of preferred vendors like general contractors who can make repairs to your home if needed? What about professional photographers ready to capture the essence of your home? Do they work alone, or do they have the support of a team with a database of ready, willing, and able buyers? Will they host an Open House to promote foot traffic through your home? All these systems should be in place to help get your home not just listed, but sold.

         Ready, set, go live! The showings are fast and furious and you’re receiving seemingly endless offers. This is the most exciting and fast-paced part of the sale of your home. Your agent will be in communication with you as the offers come in and will be able to explain each offer and walk you through how each contract lines up against your goals and objectives. Your agent is here to protect your best interest and ensure a win for you. Just know the best offer may not be the highest offer based on your goals and objectives.

         Our team at Kima Real Estate Group are experts in the Triangle real estate market and are here to serve both buyers and sellers. When you have good data, which always comes from an agent and not an algorithm, you are able to make good decisions! We are here to serve you and we look forward to helping you or someone you know regarding all their real estate needs. Interested in knowing where your home fits in the current market? Give me a call and we can work out a path forward!

Andrew Hening
919.343.0252
andrew@peterkima.com