How to Sell a House Privately
Some people ask how to sell a house privately, without the help of a real estate agent, according to the Citizens Advice Bureau. Some might say you’re a fool to represent yourself in court. I sigh when I hear that a homeowner is going to sell their home by themselves. Consider whether you can present yourself and your house to strangers. If you Google “How to sell a FSBO” or “Tips for selling my house,” you will read how to sell a house privately. There is an abundance of advice on how to sell a house successfully.
The main advantage of selling your house privately is to save on the cost of real estate agent commissions (you could save thousands of dollars depending on the eventual selling price.) By selling the house yourself, you will also have more control of the sale and negotiation process by having direct contact with potential buyers.
We believe the skills, resources, and experience of a real estate agent are worth the price you pay in commissions. You should weigh up the pros and cons of selling your house privately before making a decision.
Selling your house yourself may not be as simple as you think, and may take a lot of time and effort.
How to Sell a House Privately
- Price it right – do your research. See what houses in your neighborhood comparable to your house are selling for and price your house accordingly.
- Stage the house properly – Your home must be clean, sleek, with no distractive décor. You want prospective buyers to see your home as if they lived there already. That means your stuff must be out of the house, sold, or in storage. Staged homes sell quicker, and for a higher price.
- Take professional photos – Marketing a home successfully starts with taking the highest quality pictures with a professional camera. Professional pictures ensure that the home receives maximum exposure. Since much of the initial shopping for a home is online, photos of a staged house draw more buyers to an open house. Take a look at Craigslist at houses for sale by owner. Would you want to know more about a house that is cluttered, dirty, and beds unmade?
- Be agile – make the house available for showing. That means don’t schedule big holiday dinners while selling. Get someone in the family to host. Just explain how you are selling your house.
- Network – hire an appraiser, an inspector and meet a mortgage broker who can shepherd you and your seller through the paperwork. Realty companies in Kansas City can help you with comparisons to your property.
- Market your house – the internet is filled with ways to get eyes on your house. Do your research.
You can see that those six keys to selling your house are important.
Doing it on your own can be like reinventing the wheel, especially when it comes to marketing, staging or having professional photos taken. If you don’t have the time and inclination to sell your house and don’t want to go through all the suggested steps, call us.
Terra Firma Property Solutions, LLC is a professional, full-service real estate solutions firm. We buy and sell properties throughout the greater Kansas City area. We specialize in buying distressed homes, then renovating and reselling them to home buyers and landlords. Terra Firma Property Solutions is excited to be part of the economic rejuvenation of Kansas City and its surrounding areas.
Call us today at (816) 866.0566
