Save on realtor costs. Some realtors are worth the commission; others are not. In general you should research your options. Here are some of those options.
- Negotiate commission fees. Some real estate companies will not negotiate, but it’s worth the question. The average commission fee is 6 % of the selling price. However, 3.5% and 4.9 % are not unheard of! There is also a dual fee option. This means you agree to pay a lower commission if the listing agency sells your house and a higher percentage if your house is sold though another agent. But, remember, if it is easy to negotiate a realtor down, s/he may not be the best negotiator for your final sale price.
- Go for flat fee realtors. Such realtors charge one fee regardless of the price your house sells for. The average fee is between $2,000 and $4,000. However, you will not get the same attention nor the same advertising splash.
- Consider selling to a foreign buyer. Buying in dollars is a sale for overseas buyers. Realator.org/international can help you find a broker who knows about selling abroad.
Sell your house on your own. This may seem like a big undertaking, but there are things you can do to make it a more viable option.
- Ask a local realtor for a free Comparison Market Analysis (CMA) on your home to set a fair price.
- Pay to have a MLS listing, usually for a flat fee of some $350.
- Download free legal forms and check Findlaw.com where you can exchange information on blogs. Real estate is one of the specific topics.
- Hire an attorney and use your bank’s expertise.
- Advertise on your own website and be sure to talk to realtors. Even well-placed newspaper ads can help get the word out.
- To escape showing your house to nosy non-buyers, ask if potential walk-throughs are pre-qualified.
Get your home ready for the best sale price.
- Depersonalize by getting rid of pictures and favorite do-dads. It’s best not to think of it as your home any longer but as how others might see it. Be sure to pack up things you will want to keep so there will be no negotiating about that wall hanging or special shower attachment.
- Declutter.
- Kitchen counters and bathroom surfaces should be clear.
- Take all books off shelves.
- Pack all knick knacks.
- Organize and pare down closets and kitchen shelves/pantries.
- Clean and shine every thing, including the refrigerator.
- Consider hiring a house fluffer or a certified stager. Fluffers take what you have and rearrange to give your house a flair to up the sale price, and stagers can take an empty house or condo and furnish and decorate it to help potential buyers visualize possibilities so the appeal of the property is heightened.
- Fix all cracks and holes.
- Paint walls for a fresh look, and best to go with neutral shades.
- Mow the lawn, sweep the driveway, and plant colorful flowers near the front door.