Selling your home can be one of the most stressful times in your life. As a realtor my job is to help make this as stress free as possible. There are some things that sellers can do to help ease the process.
Be opened minded. I understand that this is your home. You have lived your life here. Possibly raised a family. It can be a bit emotional to sell it. You see your home through the lens of the life you have lived there. You may not see problems or think it is worth more than it is. A realtor will come in with fresh eyes. They recommended a lower price than you were hoping for. Understand that they have done significant research before suggesting a price. They will suggest a price that is competitive with other homes in your area and will take in account both the positives and negatives in your home.
Ask questions. If there is something that you don't understand about the process or why an agent is doing something, ask the agent. They will be more than happy to answer your questions. In addition, there are plenty of terms that can seem like a foreign language, and realtors understand this can cause confusion. Feel free to ask for an explanation, a good realtor will have no problem taking the time to answer any questions you have. I actually have a series of blogs covering the topic of real estate terms for just this reason.
Stay out of the house during the showings. Some owners want to be there, because they want to be on hand for questions. I love the enthusiasm, but I have had heard of owners talk buyers right out of buying the house. It can be very stressful for owners to see people walking through their homes. It is one thing to know it happens, but it is quite another to witness strangers opening and closing closets and cabinets. They are just trying to assess the storage potential, but it can be hard to watch for sellers.
Be flexible. Buyers search every day from early morning to early evening. They may only have time to look before or after work or weekends. You may be asked for showings during your normal dinner time or when you are trying to watch the game on the weekend. It can be inconvenient, but homes that can be shown on short notice can often sell faster, because more buyers can get in to see it.
Lastly take a deep breath. Feel better? People often think an experience is going to be worse than it actually is. Relax and let the realtors make the process as easy as possible. We are there to help you.
Call me today to help get the most dollars for your home! 321-427-4497
About the Author
Debbie Caldwell
When you first meet Debbie Harris-Caldwell, you are immediately drawn to her charming Welsh accent and the twinkle in her eye. The well-traveled transplant from Wales is quick to set you at ease and time spent with her promises to be time well spent.
Debbie has been a real estate agent for 40 years and takes great pride in her customer service skills. "I make myself available to my customers when they need me, whether it's on a Sunday Evening or after their long day at work. I make my schedule fit theirs. I also keep my customers updated on everything happening with their listings or purchase, I am their conduit for information." She has built a business following her key principles of clear communication, attention to detail, client advocacy, and comprehensive knowledge of the area. Debbie comes to every new transaction with positive energy, determination, a strong understanding of the currents driving the market, and the expertise that comes from a lifetime of experience. She knows the importance of marketing and whether a home is for sale for $200,000 or for $2 million, she always has professional photography done and creates a listing presentation that best shows off her customer's home.