Believe it or not, selling a home can cost you money. It’s not as simple as just putting a for-sale sign in your yard. If you want to sell your home as quickly as possible, hire a real estate agent who can help you navigate the home-selling market and find motivated buyers.
You may need to invest some money into repairs and upgrades where needed. But a Realtor and home improvements aren’t the only expenses associated with selling a house. The following are three hidden home selling costs you may not have known about:
Appraisal: You can use comps within your neighborhood to help determine the value of the house, but you’ll get a more accurate assessment of what to ask your home is appraised by a professional. Independent appraisals cost between $350 and $500.
Survey: If you own an older home in an older neighborhood (and/or your home is in a rural area surrounded by natural elements), you’ll need to schedule a survey. A land surveyor will determine the property lines so you know exactly how large your land is and exactly what you’re selling. A land survey can cost from $250 to $1,000.
Vacant house insurance: If you’re not living in the house, you’ll want to purchase vacant house insurance. This protects you financially if your house is vandalized. Expect to pay upwards of a few hundred a month.
There are a lot of different costs associated with selling a house. Although you may be aware of most of them, there are often hidden home selling costs.
For more home selling advice, contact us at Randy Lindsay today.
Selling a house is rarely an easy process. That’s why the option of selling your house to a family member can be particularly appealing. Not only will you sell it quickly, but you’re selling to someone you care for who will appreciate your home.
However, there are risks involved. If you don’t do things the right way, you could end up damaging your relationship. Be sure to keep the following three tips in mind when selling a house to a family member:
Establish the logistics: Sit down with your family member and determine the logistics of the sale, such as what professionals will help (including agents and lawyers), what the timetable of the sale should be, and more. Doing so will help avoid confusion and miscommunication.
Get an appraisal: Whether your family member is planning to take out a mortgage or not, be sure to have a professional appraisal of your home before you strike any agreements. The last thing you want is to learn you’ve priced the home too high or too low. If the value of the house doesn’t match the agreed-upon price, there could be problems between you and your family member.
Work with a real estate agent: You might be tempted to work without an agent since you’ll be dealing with someone you know. However, it’s a good idea to have an agent as an intermediary when it comes to the home buying and selling process. An agent can help with negotiations so you don’t strain your relationship.
Selling your house to a family member can be beneficial to all involved. Be sure to use these tips to avoid potentially straining your relationship.
For more home selling advice, contact us at Randy Lindsay today.
Finally closing on a new home can be an exhilarating experience, especially since the stressful home buying process is finally over. However, you’re not out of the woods yet. You still must move.
Moving can be a challenge, which is why you’ll want to find a reputable mover you can trust. Here are five questions you should ask when going through the process of choosing movers:
How much will it cost? Movers generally charge an hourly rate for short-distance moves or a rate based on weight for long-distance moves. Make sure they are willing to provide you with an estimate in writing.
Are there additional fees? Some movers charge additional fees that they leave out of the estimate. For example, they may charge extra to move heavyweight items (such as pianos or safes) or to move anything up or down stairs. They should be transparent about such fees.
How much experience do they have? Look for a mover that’s been around a while. Movers with a lot of experience are likely reputable since dishonest movers are usually discovered pretty quickly.
Do they offer insurance? A good mover will provide basic insurance and will offer additional insurance options so you can protect your belongings.
Can they provide referrals? Be wary of movers that can’t offer referrals. It means they can’t name a single customer that was happy with their services.
Don’t quickly hire the first mover you find. Keep in mind not all movers are equal. When choosing movers, be sure to ask these questions.
Contact us at Randy Lindsay for additional advice for first-time homebuyers, especially if you need help finding your dream home.
If you plan on selling your home quickly, then it’s vital you present your home in the best possible light. When buyers tour your house, you’ll want to make sure you leave a good impression.
One of the most important parts of your home that you’ll want to stage is the living room. Here are five living room staging tips to keep in mind:
Clean Do a thorough cleaning of the living room. In fact, hire a professional cleaner. Although a bit of dust shouldn’t dissuade anyone from buying your home, it does leave a poor impression.
Declutter Clutter not only makes your home feel dirty and disorganized, it also makes it seem like there’s a lack of storage space. Clear your shelves and coffee tables of magazines, mail, and other items that can be considered clutter.
Depersonalize Buyers don’t want to feel like they’re walking through the home of a stranger. They want to be able to imagine themselves living there. Remove all personal items, such as the family photographs you have hanging on the wall or adorning your fireplace mantle.
Furnish If you’ve already moved out, then you need to furnish your home. An empty living room won’t be very inviting. It will also make the space feel smaller than it is. Furniture can help buyers see how they can take advantage of the living room’s space.
Light Proper lighting is needed to showcase your living room’s every detail. Poor lighting will make it feel smaller and dirtier. Buyers won’t want to spend time in a living room that’s dark and uninviting. Check to make sure all lightbulbs work and add light fixtures if needed.
Use these living room staging tips and contact us at Randy Lindsay if you plan on selling your home and would like to speak with a professional real estate agent.
In a perfect world, the house you put up for sale will be sold for the exact amount you ask for with very little fuss. Unfortunately, the world isn’t quite perfect. Not only can it take a while to receive an offer, but you may not get an offer for the price you’ve set. On the other hand, you may get several offers, all of which you’re happy with – especially if you’re in a seller’s market. Whatever the case may be, the following are a few things to consider when selling a home and you receive an offer:
The need to sell – How quickly do you need to sell? If you’re not under a strict deadline, then you have more flexibility to negotiate or wait for better offers.
Length on the market – If your house has been on the market for more than a month – or longer – before receiving your first offer, then the valuation of your home’s cost may not be realistic.
Look for contingencies that favor the buyer – Even if the offer looks solid, check the contingencies. If you’ve gotten several offers, this becomes even more important. Some contingencies are normal, such as home inspection and property appraisal contingencies. But beware of offers contingent on the buyer selling their home first.
Look for contingencies that favor you – Don’t judge an offer by its price alone. One buyer might make a lower offer than another but offer contingencies that favor you. For example, maybe they’ll waive certain contingencies that make it easier to sell faster.
Be open to negotiating – One of the biggest downfalls of sellers is that they become too emotionally attached to their homes and aren’t willing to negotiate. Don’t just outright reject buyers because their offers don’t meet your asking price. Be open to negotiation, especially if every offer you’re receiving is below what you’re asking for.
Keep these things in mind when you receive an offer for your house. For more tips on selling a home, be sure to contact us at Randy Lindsay today.
The housing market in the U.S. has seen a massive boom in the past year and home values have been skyrocketing as a result. There are countless reasons for this. There are currently low-interest rates. And many people are moving away from big cities because they can work from home.
If you’re thinking about selling a home, is now the best time to do it?
Selling a Home in a Seller’s Market
Another reason why prices have increased so significantly is that many homeowners are staying put, while renters are desperate to become homeowners. This has resulted in a low supply and high demand, a big factor in driving up prices. Buyers are bidding against each other, which has led to properties being sold well above their valuations.
Buyers are willing to overpay because they want to lock into low mortgage rates while they’re still available. The moment those rates begin going back up, there’s a good chance that the number of buyers will drop.
Now is an excellent time to sell your home if you’ve been thinking about it. It’s crucial to consider your options.
Where Will You Move?
If you’re downsizing to an apartment or a smaller house, it’s a no-brainer. You need to sell. If you’re moving to an area where housing prices are lower, it’s also a good idea to sell now.
However, if you think you can sell and move into a similar house in a similar area, you might want to think twice. You’re going to end up paying more than you expect to buy a new house.
Now is an excellent time to sell but consider your buying and selling needs before you do. For more advice on selling a home, contact us at Randy Lindsay today.
Randy has enjoyed over 31 wonderful years in the Real Estate industry making dreams come true for homeowners.
Superior customer service is #1 to Randy and he provides this to all of his clients using knowledge, professionalism, integrity and persistence.
Randy is a successful and experienced real estate agent who expertly represents both buyers and sellers. Scores of Charlotte area residents have trusted Randy in the process of listing their homes to sell.
"Randy was very easy to work with. He was open and honest, and always there to answer any questions or concerns we had. He was available and worked ... more "
5.0/5.0
by Diana Holliday
1422016
"My wife and I worked with Randy to sell our home located in the Lake Wylie area. Great job of preparing the information and advertising for the ... more "
5.0/5.0
by Bruce Dycus
1421990
"Randy actually helped us sell our old house and buy our new house. He was honest and hardworking and sold our home in a week. We were pleased with ... more "
