Every seller wants the best price for their home. Working with a knowledgeable agent and addressing issues before a home hits the market is the best way to ensure you get the best outcome in selling your home. Here are our Do's and Don'ts for selling your house. 

DON'T Sell Without a Real Estate Agent

Sellers initially find FSBO an enticing way to save money in agent commission costs. However, selling a home by yourself comes with significant risks, from legal trouble to marketing issues. 

Without an agent, you're responsible for your marketing, dealing with the title company, handling legal documents, negotiations, and much more. 

At the bare minimum, you would still need to hire a real estate attorney to assist with the legal parts of the transaction and the escrow process. You are much better off avoiding all of these headaches and working with a professional that can represent your interests every step of the way.

DO Invest In Good Listing Photos

When it comes to listing photos, a picture is truly worth a thousand words. Great listing photos are your chance to make a good first impression on potential buyers. 

If your photos are dimly lit or low quality, a legitimate buyer can be turned away instantly. Hire a professional to capture the best assets in your home

DON'T Have An Unrealistic Listing Price

Overpricing your home is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Often, sellers let emotions cloud the reality of their home's worth. Sure, the place you raised your kids and made a lifetime of memories is priceless to you, but it's essential to work with an agent who can provide you with concrete data and a realistic sale price. 

DO Trust Your Listing Agent For Home Prep 

We all know curb appeal and decluttering are important to get a home sold, but we still see sellers taking these issues lightly. Your home should look its best if you want the highest offer. 

While redoing the kitchen or putting in new hardwood floors is sure to increase your sale price, there are also smaller, less costly things you can do to get your home sold. 

The most valuable changes to make are ensuring a well-manicured front yard, a nice entryway, and clean rooms that allow buyers to focus on the home rather than your stuff.

DON'T Skip Out On Simple Updates

Minor updates can have a significant impact and show that your home has been well cared for. This kind of work includes replacing outlet covers and patching damage to walls. 

Every detail counts in the eye of the buyer, and the more issues they notice, the less attractive your home looks.

DO Consider All Your Offers

While the highest offer is often the most exciting, it isn't always the best, depending on your needs. 

It's important to be aware of the contingencies (conditions that must be satisfied for the sale to close) that each offer presents because they can impact the deal's timeline, the certainty of the sale, and the complexity. For example, you may receive a high offer that is contingent on the buyer selling their existing home. Your real estate agent will help you determine which offer you receive is the best. 

Are you getting ready to sell? Shoot us an email at jill@jillbiggsgroup.com or give us a call at (973) 495-6038 to get the best return on your property!