Money India

Selling your house? How to get a good price?

So you know its time to bid goodbye to your house and to make it available for sale. Now, you know at the time you did buy your house, it was with this conviction that its going to  prove as a valuable asset in the future by bringing you amazing return profits, either by rentals or by selling. In most cases, residential properties get appreciated over a period of time, and that is the time to hit the iron while it is still hot. Everyone wants to close the deal on their property with a maximum profit possible, however do not rush. With the right kind of presentation, research, and patience you will be on the right track towards a productive transaction. So, let’s just analyze what needs to be done to procure the best deal possible while your house is set to steaming hot in the real estate market.

Research is the key. Get your house appraised by a professional
First off, get the internet search engines working for you. Try to determine the value of your house, by finding out what price did other houses like yours in your area, sold for? There are many property listing websites which would give you an estimate of similar houses like yours and the prices and quotes that people are offering. This would give you an idea of attaching a sensible price tag to your property.

Try to also assess the features in your house that would outweigh the others and give you an advantage in procuring a better deal. For example, the basic amenities, location, neighborhood and most importantly the condition of your property. Try to weigh the bonuses, before you draw out a comparative analysis.

Better still, get talking to a few people be it friends or family, internet message boards or blogs or even your neighborhood. The idea is to get a good handle on the real estate market to ascertain the true value of your house. After all, its not every month that one gets to close a deal on property for a profit.

Having done your own homework and bit of research, its now time to get your house appraised by a professional. This is your next step. Ask your real estate agent to provide you with a detailed “comparative-value analysis” on your home. This analysis would provide you with information like the sale price estimate on houses similar to yours that have been sold only recently. Next step would be to get a fair appraisal on your property by your agent: At what price should you be listing your house and how would they help you sell it?

Time to spruce up your house and put its best face forward!
Let’s face it, looks do matter especially when you want to place a heavy tag on it to extract your property’s full worth, and the first impression is the last. Get rid of junk. Anything that you think has not been of any use to you for over a year, its time to dispose it. Do not exhibit too many personal possessions, empty out your closets, drawers, attics etc. Preferably, just the furniture should be present so it gives the buyer an idea of the kind of space and arrangements that he could make. Try to make the room appear more spacious as well as retaining the purpose of each room.

Most importantly, clean up to a sparkle! This step is vital. Clean corner to corner, even places that you had not thought of cleaning before. Certain buyers scrutinize every fine detail. Alternatively, you could hire a cleaning service to get the best job done. The walls, floors, light fixtures, ceiling fan blades, carpets, windows, faucets – everything needs to be cleaned and polished to a sparkle. Make sure you get rid of cobwebs in the basement and attics as well. This would impart a good impression that you have maintained your house well.

Usually a fresh coat of paint works like magic, and lends a brand new appeal to your house. Try to uncover and detect where repairs need to be made. Check every minute detail. The door knobs and handles as also the floor or counter tiles. Do any of the walls have a gaping hole? Are there any dripping faucets or jammed cabinets/drawers? Get everything fixed to the minutest detail possible. You are working on upping the oomph factor of your house; it will all be well worth it at the end of the deal.

Create Curb Appeal
Ask yourself how your house looks from the outside? The exteriors impart the first impression. Usually it is repainting the outside wall that works wonders. Check the landscaping outside your house. Try to plant a few flowers or place a few fancy pots. Do not let it look barren. Better still, mow the lawn. Make sure your door bell functions properly and if you have a front gate, it should not be creaky or look bedraggled. Most importantly, your house number should be clearly visible, if not get it painted anew.

Well, you are almost there. Now, best option is to get a real estate agent to help you sell your property. Avoid doing it all by yourself. Why? Research reveals that a good real estate agent could get you a price which may be up to 15 percent higher than in case of your doing it on your own. But at the same time you should not rely completely on your real estate agent. Try giving an advertisement in a leading daily and on the internet sites to get options. Weigh all options and more options you have more is your bargaining power.

With the right guidance and exercising prudence you are sure to close the deal at a fine profit. Till then, happy selling!