Zillow Reviews

n addition to supply and demand and other economic factors, the time of year you choose to sell can make a difference both in the amount of time it takes you to sell your home and in the ultimate selling price. Generally, the real estate market picks up as early as February, with the strongest selling season usually lasting through May and June. With the onset of summer, the market slows. July is often the slowest month for real estate sales due to a strong spring market putting possible upward pressure on interest rates. Also, many prospective home buyers and their agents take vacations during mid-summer. Following the summer slowdown, real estate sales activity tends to pick up for a second, although less vigorous, season, which usually lasts into November when the market slows again as buyers and sellers focus on the holidays.

When you have a home for sale, eventually a prospective buyer will "make an offer." As the seller, you basically have three options: you can accept the offer, reject the offer or give a counter offer. A counter offer usually will encourage a buyer to continue their negotiations. You may also receive multiple offers. You may prefer to take slightly less for your property from someone who is willing to pay cash, versus someone who needs to sell their current home first. Contingencies, move-in dates, and financing are all things to consider when weighing an offer. If things seem a bit overwhelming, rely on our experienced real estate professionals, who can go over the various points with you, and help you choose the best offer.

There are two standard contingencies: a financing contingency, which makes the purchase conditional on the buyers' ability to obtain a loan commitment from a lender, and an inspection contingency, which allows the buyers to have professionals inspect the property to their satisfaction. The buyers could forfeit a deposit under certain circumstances, such as the buyers backing out for a reason not provided for in the contract. The purchase contract must include the sellers' responsibilities such as passing clear title, maintaining the property in its present condition until closing, and making any agreed-upon repairs to the property.

Once you've accepted an offer on your property, several details still need to be finished. First, there will probably be an inspection of your home by a professional who will determine the condition and integrity of your property for the buyer. Second, the buyer's mortgage company may send out an appraiser to assure the lender of your property's worth. Third, the title company will warranty that no liens or existing encumbrances would inhibit a title transfer to the buyer. Finally, you or the buyer may be represented by an attorney. First-time sellers and buyers often feel more comfortable having the paperwork reviewed before signing. Rest assured that you can always rely on our real estate professionals to ensure the entire home selling process proceeds smoothly.

Personal Property: You must disclose what personal property, if any, goes with the house when you sell it. Personal property is anything that is not attached or fixed to the home, such as washers, dryers, refrigerators, and so on. There may be some items considered "real property" that you do not intend to include in the sale. Real property is anything that is attached to the home. For example, you may have a chandelier in your family for generations, taking it from home to home when you move. Since the chandelier is attached to the house, it is considered "real property," and a reasonable buyer would normally expect it to go with the house. Most listing contracts have an area where you can exclude anything you want to take with you.

Lockbox: A lockbox is a padlock with a cavity inside where a key to your home can be placed. Only someone with an electronic key or the combination can get into the lockbox and access the key. Having a lockbox available at your house makes it easy for other brokers to access your home. Without the lockbox, brokers representing buyers would have to set appointments to meet you or your agent at the place so they could gain access and view the home. This would be inconvenient. Since almost every other house has a lockbox available, most brokers will not show your property if you do not allow one. You will miss out on lots of potential buyers. The listing contract specifies whether you allow a lockbox or not. It is locked into place, usually on the front door, and cannot be removed. Only other brokers can access the key that is located within the lockbox.

Multiple Listing Service: Your listing contract should specify whether or not the house will be listed with the local MLS. It is definitely in your interest to have the house listed. This is because your sales force is automatically multiplied by however many real estate professionals are members of the local MLS. If your home is not listed, you only have one broker working for you instead of many.

The Exterior
Your home's exterior is the first thing a potential buyer sees when visiting your home. The following tips will create a solid first impression on potential home buyers. In addition, the curbside appeal of your home can be increased by focusing on its exterior.

Fence

• Replace missing slats, stakes, and posts.
• Repair broken hinges and paint or stain the fence if necessary.

Yard

• Mow, trim and fertilize the lawn.
• Weed flower beds and replaced dead plants and trees.
• Consider adding flowers to increase the curb appeal.

Driveway, Garage, Carport

• Clean up grease or oil spots on concrete surfaces.
• Ensure the garage door opens freely and the automatic door opener works.
• Provide an unobstructed view of your home from the street by not parking cars, boats, or other vehicles in the driveway.
• Hide the trash cans.

Front Entry

• Polish door handles and door knockers.
• Replace worn or broken items, such as an unsightly mailbox or rusty doorbell.
• Be sure porch lights are working and add welcoming features such as a new door mat and flowering plants.

Siding and Trim

• Consider painting the highlight features of your home, such as trim work, shutters, gutters, downspouts, and railings.
• Add a fresh coat of exterior paint to the exterior siding if necessary.

Roof

• Remove debris such as tree branches and leaves.
• Straighten the TV antenna.
• Make any necessary repairs to worn shingles or cracked surfaces.

Patio, Deck

• Flowering plants and outdoor furniture add appeal.
  
• Remove any unnecessary items such as gardening equipment.
  
• Tidy any visible items, such as an outdoor grill or barbecue.

The Interior

Experience shows that creating a warming feeling inside your home increases desirability. View your home with a critical eye. Please get rid of the clutter; this will not only allow buyers to see your home for what it is but will create the appearance of more space. Clean, complete minor repairs, and add finishing touches such as fresh flowers or candles.

Doors and Windows

• Consider adding a fresh coat of paint to your front door.
• Polish brass fixtures and be sure door locks work correctly.
• Oil hinges to both doors and windows.
• Keep stairways tidy and secure handrails.
• Repair or replace bent or damaged screens and window glass.
• Cut back outdoor plants that restrict natural light.
• Keep windows clean and tidy with draperies firmly affixed and in proper working order.

Floors and Carpets

• Repair or replace missing or damaged tile, hardwood, vinyl, and baseboards.
• Steam-clean or shampoo carpets.
• Secure loose carpeting and replace damaged areas.
• Be conscious of odors caused by dampness, high-traffic areas, or pets.

Closets and Storage Areas

• Ample storage space increases the desirability of the home.
• Keep closets tidy.
• Discard any unnecessary items and consider storing those you do not use frequently.

Bedrooms and Living Areas

• Keep living areas clean and inviting.
• Edit possessions so that potential buyers can see themselves in the space.
• Arrange furniture to allow a spacious atmosphere.
• Make beds, arrange couch cushions, dust shelves, vacuum carpets, and touch-up walls with paint or spackling as necessary.
• Wallpaper should be clean and adhere smoothly to the walls.
• Finishing touches such as flowers or candles add to the home's housewarming appeal.

Kitchens and Bathrooms

• Clear counters, drawers, and cabinets of unnecessary items.
• Clean soap dishes, mirrors, faucets, and appliances (inside and out).
• Store cleaning supplies and hang freshly washed towels.
• Be conscious of odors caused by dampness, hampers, and garbage.

Counters and Cabinets

• Store infrequently used counter-top items for a spacious kitchen and bathroom look.
• Keep drawers and cabinets tidy and organized.

Garage or Workshop

• Items should be neatly stored in shelving or wall units.
• Allow appropriate space for the home buyer to visualize their vehicle or workbench.
• Consider moving excess or oversized items to mini-storage.