It’s normal to feel nervous when trying to sell your home. After all, you want to ensure everything goes according to plan. Plus, a lot can go wrong if you’re not careful. For instance, a would-be buyer may turn out to be a real estate scam artist. Or, if your paperwork isn’t in order, you could land into legal trouble.
If the process sounds like too much of a hassle, you may sell your home with Christopher Ellyn Homes – a cash home buyer in Indianapolis and surrounding areas. But if you’re determined to do it yourself, here are some tips to help you stay safe:
1. Partner with a Reputable Listing Agent
When selling your home, avoid the temptation to go it alone. Sure, you can save some money by avoiding commission fees. But, an experienced real estate agent can help you price your home correctly and increase the chances of a successful sale.
Basically, the agent you pick will be your representative throughout the sale process. Call them your eyes and ears, if you will. In other words, everyone you interact with will be filtered through your listing agent. These include potential buyers and their agents, financial institutions, inspectors, escrow officers – the list goes on.
Given your agent’s onerous responsibility, it helps to pick an individual you can trust. They should also be affable, with refined negotiation or social skills and a knack for problem-solving. Plus, the more compatible you are with the agent you pick, the better. As such, do some digging to find a professional you can count on, and don’t be afraid to ask for credentials.
2. Avoid Oversharing Information
Some sellers are tempted to spill the beans to make potential buyers comfortable. Don’t do it. I mean, it’s easy to get sucked into conversations about the neighborhood, but one thing could lead to another. And before you know it, you’ve revealed too much personal information.
Aspects such as your career and vacation plans should be out of bounds. It’s also advisable to keep health issues you may have off the table too. Also, avoid discussing price and other negotiables before your agent can present the offer.
Have some great family photos on show? Consider packing them away, at least until you sell the house. That way, potential buyers can picture themselves in the home as they’re not distracted by your belongings.
And hey, don’t let potential buyers poke around in closets or cupboards. As a seller, it’s your job to offer the buyers a clean slate – not an agenda.
3. Perform Due Diligence
The process of selling your home is a lot like buying one. As such, it requires a similar level of due diligence. When researching the buyer’s qualifications, for example, check their financial background. This includes credit reports and other records that may give you an inkling into their ability to pay off in full or on time.
In addition, know the buyer’s identity – especially if they’re individuals. Also, watch for red flags that may indicate a scam in progress. Then again, it makes sense to hire a real estate attorney to look over agreements before signing on the dotted line. This includes contracts and other paperwork you need to sort out during the sale process.
4. Be Wary Of Lowball Offers and Scams
No one likes getting lowball offers, and they can be incredibly off-putting when selling your home. But before jumping the gun and dismissing such an offer outright, analyze it objectively. If the offer is reasonable, you might reconsider it.
That said, such offers could point to a potential scam. Scammers, for instance, may offer you an upfront payment in exchange for an agreement to sell them the property at a discounted price.
Some scammers may also opt to overpay. In such a case, they may ask you to refund the difference between the agreed price and their payment. It’s advisable to avoid such a situation as it could lead to legal trouble and financial loss further down the line.
5. Secure Your Valuables
It’s not uncommon for theft to occur during a showing – or break-in soon after. Often, this happens when valuables are in plain sight. As a precaution, take specific steps to secure your belongings. This could mean stowing away jewelry, cash, or other items a potential thief may target. After all, not everyone who walks through the door intends to buy your home.
While this write-up doesn’t cover everything, it provides a good foundation to help you get started. Selling your home requires you to get the right support system in place to help you avoid the common pitfalls. Hopefully, following the points outlined can lead you closer to a successful sale.
