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Save $$$ Selling Your Home
Saving money is always important. But when your
selling your home it becomes monumental. These tips can save you hundreds or possibly
thousands of dollars. There are 2 ways to put more money in your pocket when selling your
home. Lower the cost of selling and raise the sale price. These tips will help on both
sides of the transaction.
- Hire a Realtor - No, this is not an ad for my
services. A good Realtor knows where to cut corners where not to. They will know how to
get top dollar for your home. But make sure you interview several for the job.
- Prepare your home - Top dollar comes to those that
clean. Clean, freshen, paint, add flowers etc. Low cost high impact fix ups will get you a
better price and a faster sale
- Exposure - More potential buyers see your home that
higher your chance of getting top dollar. Make your home easily available for showings,
advertise everywhere. A good agent will have an effective and comprehensive marketing plan
for maximum exposure.
- Commission rates - Commissions vary from 4% to 10% in
this market. Discuss what you can expect for your money. Ask, if you do some of the
marketing, can you get lower rate. Some agents offer discounts if your sell and buy
through them. Ask if they offer a discount if they find a buyer them selves. Some agents
offer a fee for service program. You pay for what services you use.
- MLS listing Service - Some companies will list your
home in the MLS for a flat fee plus selling agents commission. Although this can reduce
you costs, be prepared to handle all the aspects of the sale and closing your self. These
companies offer no or limited representation and may be very little, if any
assistance. The selling agent will not assist you since they are working for the buyer.
- Repair clauses - Every contract has a repair clause.
This is the amount of repairs you are will to do before closing. Although an as-is sale
can open you to further liability down the line, reduce the repair clause to 1-2%. After
inspections are completed and repairs are listed, suggest the buyer do some repairs on
their own, if you credit them back a few dollars. This will be less money out of pocket
before closing.
- Title Work - Unless there are complications in the
transaction, an attorney is not needed in closing the transaction. Most often the best
title costs will be with the title company the buyer chooses.
- Seller paid closing costs - This is a very appealing
program to buyers. Make sure the closing costs you are paying are added on the sales
price. Have your agent work up net sheets to compare offers with and with out closing
costs.
- Movers and cleaning companies - Get several quotes in
writing. With movers make sure there is a guaranty that not additional costs will show up.
Stay with larger companies, they have proven track records.
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