Does the thought of finding a realtor to sell your home fill you with dread? If so, you’re not alone; real estate agents have a reputation for exaggerating the truth, ignoring the needs of homeowners, and pressuring individuals to close on unfavorable deals all for the sake of a commission. In fact, a 2018 Gallup Poll revealed that 75% of Americans lack confidence in the ethics of realtors, which has led many homeowners investigate how they can sell their houses on their own.
Don’t get us wrong—we’ve worked with plenty of realtors who do their best to help their clients navigate the oftentimes complicated world of real estate transactions. But it seems like these folks are the exception, not the rule. So if you’d rather skip potential drama and sell your home on your own, this guide is for you.
Selling Your Home the Traditional Way
When most people research how to sell their houses on their own, they end up embarking on a traditional listing process while cutting out the real estate agent. While this method may offer the biggest returns, it also requires the greatest effort on the part of the homeowner. When you sell your home on your own, you’ll want to:
Properly Stage Your Property
You want potential home buyers to envision themselves living in your home, so staging your house correctly is a must. Cut down on the clutter and clean out those storage spaces, sending your unsightly belongings to an external storage unit. You may also want to store any personal photos or unique décor items.
Price Your Home Competitively
All too often, homeowners fall into the trap of pricing their property as though they’re trying to vindicate the sentiments attached to it. But nobody can sell their house fast when it’s overpriced. So do some research first, finding the price of comparable properties in your areas and listing your home accordingly.
Boost Your Visibility
You can have the most beautiful home in the world, but it won’t matter if no one sees it. Find a local firm that will put your property on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), the most comprehensive real estate listing in the U.S. Then, invest in “For Sale” signs, brochures, online advertising, and a website to showcase professional photographs of your house. This step will cost you, but the results are ultimately worth it.
Negotiate Your Buyers
Traditionally, realtors serve as the go-between when it comes to negotiating with potential home buyers. When you sell your home on your own, however, this task falls to you. Make sure to review your state’s standard real estate contract and any additional documentation with a real estate attorney in order to ensure you’re doing things legally during this process.
Streamlining the Process With a Property Group
As you’ve probably gathered, selling your home on your own, the traditional way, takes a fair amount of time and effort. So if you find yourself in a position where you need to sell your house fast—either because you need to relocate or you’ve experienced a sudden change in circumstances—partnering with a property group may make sense.
These agencies specialize in purchasing houses for cash, and many will close on a property around two weeks after a buyer accepts the initial offer. Best of all, they don’t require you to perform any repair work or put any extra effort into sprucing your property up and getting it market ready. This allows you to focus your energy on your upcoming move.
When partnering with a property group, try to find an agency that will provide you with proof of funds before you sign their offer. Avoid firms that position themselves as brokers who will connect you to a buyer—not only will these agencies charge you fees, but they will also leave you vulnerable to sales falling through. Finally, make sure your property group has plenty of experience, a good reputation in the community, and an excellent rating with consumer protection agencies like the Better Business Bureau.
When you partner with Fifth Avenue Property Group, selling your Pennsylvania house without a realtor doesn’t have to be a hassle. Contact us today to receive a free estimate!