There are some instances, where I can understand why people would attempt to sell their home by themselves, namely if the financials of the situation do not allow for a commission. Additionally, in some areas it is very common to market your property yourself.
Statistically, it has been shown over and over that selling your home with a Realtor will bring you a higher sales price, but alas, if you need to go it alone, here are some recommendations on how to do it best:
You Know the Drill: De-Clutter
Even if we are not the type to watch all the home selling reality shows on TV, the concept of de-cluttering and de-personalizing your home for sale has seeped into the subconscious of most people. So, step back, look around your home as if seeing it for the first time, and take down all the little things that are specific to you. Some items can stay, like diplomas or old black and white photos (in moderation).
Also, fix up all those deferred maintenance items you have been putting off. Keep in mind that your buyer will have an inspection or two done on the home, so in a lot of cases, it is better to do the repair on your terms prior to someone else demanding you complete the repair in a certain way. You will likely have to spend a little money in order to maximize your sales price. For example, paint is relatively inexpensive, but fresh paint can enhance the look of your home and boost the sales price by thousands.
Find an MLS Substitute
MLS stands for Multiple Listing Service and it is the localized database used by REALTORS® that contains all the information for all properties currently for sale, pending contract, etc. Not having your home listed in your local MLS is the biggest downfall of trying to market your home without an agent. In most places, the MLS data is also shared with several popular outside sites like zillow.com and trulia.com.
Since you will not be able to take advantage of the MLS, your best bet would be to find any other local outlets that could be used to publicize homes for sale. Sometimes communities have their own websites with classified ads or homes for sale information. The local paper could also be a good way to start. Try to think of how you could get your home’s data in front of the largest audience and pursue that. Again, you may have to spend a little money.
Hold Open Houses
This may not work if your home is ‘off the beaten path’, but holding your home open on the weekends could be a great way to get buyers through the home. Put a sign in your front yard letting passersby know the time the home will be open. If you are open to paying a buyer’s agent, advertise that with the sign. You might even advertise your open house days prior with a sign stating the date and time.
Get Out of the Way
When selling on your own, the temptation may be there to stick around for showings. You may think you need to walk prospective buyers through the home and tell them everything you like about it. Unfortunately, nothing could be further from the truth.
For the same reason you did all the de-personalizing to get it ready for sale, you now need to make yourself scarce! Of course I am not abdicating letting strangers in your house and leaving for the grocery store, but maybe just go out into the backyard or over to a neighbors. You want to let the buyers get comfortable in your home, comfortable enough to imagine themselves living there!
It will almost always yield better results to list your home with a qualified agent, but in the event that you cannot, hopefully these tips will help.
Article Provided by Allison Klein: You can learn more about Allison by visiting her Fort Collins real estate blog. If you’re interested in moving from Arlington, you may want to check out some of the great neighborhoods in Fort Collins such as homes in Old Town Fort Collins and homes in Eagle Ranch Estates.
