With all the enthusiasm, hard work, and tension that comes with securing a deal, selling your home is like unexpectedly being a small business owner. No, you don’t have a total business plan to write up, but you do need a strategic plan for sale. Here are several approaches you can choose from when selling your home in Columbus, OH.
1. Determine Your Selling Plan for Real Estate
For market-ready houses, listing with a real estate agent works well. You will have to pay a commission, which is divided between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. These professionals are well worth the cost, as many sellers underestimate how much effort and hassle selling your home involves in Columbus, OH.
Cash Buyer
This option works well for homes needing renovations and maintenance. Many buyers prefer move-in-ready homes, but selling your home to a cash buyer makes the process fast and simple, often skipping home inspections. While you may receive less than market value, you save on repairs, commissions, and additional costs, making it a viable strategy for selling your home efficiently.
For Sale By Owner
For sale by owner (FSBO) works best for homes that are market-ready. You are responsible for identifying prospective buyers, handling schedules, documents, and agreements. According to the National Association of Realtors, FSBO homes tend to sell for less and stay on the market longer. Buyers know you aren’t paying commission fees and may negotiate harder, impacting your final sale price when selling your home in Columbus, OH.
2. Make Repairs and Upgrades to Sell Your Home
The most costly and time-consuming aspect of selling your home is making it market-ready. Many sellers start repairs without understanding the full cost. Some of the most expensive repairs include:
- Electrical work
- Plumbing fixes
- Mold removal
- Roof replacements
Many buyers avoid inheriting property issues, so preparing your home before listing it can make selling your home in Columbus, OH much smoother.
3. Stage the Home and Start Marketing
If you want to attract buyers, they need to visualize themselves living in the home. Professional photography can help create this vision, but staging is equally important. This usually involves decluttering, removing personal items, and using neutral decor. If your listing isn’t gaining traction, you may need to adjust your staging and marketing strategy.
4. Hold Open Houses and Showings
Open houses can be disruptive, whether you have a seller’s agent or not, especially if you have pets or children who should not be home during showings. Depending on market conditions, hosting open houses weekly or monthly can generate interest and help with selling your home faster.
5. Negotiate Your Offers
Once you receive an offer, negotiations begin. This may involve legal representation. There will be critical legal documents to review and sign when selling your home in Columbus, OH. Keep in mind that even if a buyer seems committed, their offer may come with contingencies, requiring you to make additional repairs or adjustments to finalize the sale.
6. The Closing Phase
Congratulations—you’ve reached the closing phase! While it has been a long process, closing the deal makes it all worthwhile. However, sales can still fall through before finalization. Common issues include:
- The mortgage lender refusing to finance due to necessary repairs
- Problems arising during the final walkthrough or inspection
- The buyer’s previous home sale falling through
Even with an experienced real estate agent, unexpected hurdles can arise. If you’re looking for expert guidance, contact me today, and let me help you with selling your home in Columbus, OH.
