Selling Homes: FAQs Answered!
You’ve decided to say goodbye to your first home. It’s a bittersweet experience. You have made plenty of beautiful memories inside its walls, but now you must move on. You may be leaving to find a home with more space for your growing family or closer proximity to your new job — but whatever the reason, you are going to need help.
As a real estate agency in Birmingham, we have worked with hundreds of first-time home sellers, and we have found that many of them have the same questions. Let’s take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions we receive!
Q: Do I Need to Make Home Repairs?
A: Depends. A home seller is in charge of making sure all of the home’s major systems are in working order. These systems include plumbing, electric, heating, and cooling. None of the systems need to be brand new — they just have to serve their purpose!
Additionally, a buyer can ask for anything they want in a contract. It is all part of the negotiating process. Contingencies can be a buyer and/or seller’s best friend and many contingencies center around repairs being made after an inspection.
(Here Are Some Simple Fixes For Homes That Sell!)
Q: How Do I Determine How Much My House Is Worth?
A: Ultimately, a home is worth what a buyer is willing to pay for it, but the best way to decide your starting price is to consult with an expert. As real estate agency in Birmingham, we can help people determine the price of their home by showing them comparable homes’ prices within their neighborhood and surrounding areas.
Q: Do I Buy Before I Sell?
A: Selling a home generally means you are looking for a new place to live. While buying a new home before you sell your current home offers a convenient moving transition, that’s where the convenience ends. No matter how great the real estate market is doing, there is no way to predict how long your home will be up for sale. Unless you have the funds to pay for two mortgages for a decent amount of time, it may be best to start your search for a new home when you are midway through your selling process.
Q: What Happens When Someone Makes an Offer?
A: Generally, the transaction is made between two real estate agents who communicate for the buyer and seller. The buyer’s realtor will create a sales contract and present it to the seller’s real estate agent. At that point, the seller can accept, or they can create a counter offer. This process may continue for a few hours or a few weeks. If the latter, house showings will continue as usual.
Q: Do I Really Need to Contact a Real Estate Agency in Birmingham?
A: You do — and we are not just saying that because we are realtors! It’s proven that homes take longer to sell when sold on an individual basis versus with a realtor. Realtors also have the expertise and negotiating power to work out a deal you can be pleased with. Plus, if you have any other questions regarding selling your home, they are always just a phone call away!
Are you interested in working with a professional real estate agent to sell your home? Contact ARC Realty today!
