Seller FAQ's
Selling a home raises a lot of questions. Over the years we’ve found that sellers we work with ask similar questions about selling their home in Cass County. We answer all of those questions (and more!) below.
When is the best time to sell my house?
Every real estate market is different, therefore, the best time to sell a home will be different depending on the real estate community. In most cases, the spring months are the best time to sell a home.
Is it a bad idea to sell my house on my own?
Our statistics show that “for-sale-by-owners” make up a small percentage of homes sold each year and tend to have a longer duration on the market before they do sell. Homes that sit on the market tend to sell for less money.
What steps should I take to prepare my home for sale?
There are three factors that will stop any deal from happening: first impressions, inspections, and the appraisal. Being proactive in all three of these areas is extremely important. We have a proven track record and award-winning strategies to help our sellers get their homes ready to hit the market. Our approach includes a unique pricing strategy, professional staging and photography, along with a list of preferred providers who will make sure that your home is ready for the pickiest buyer.
Should I price my house a little high, since I can always drop the price later?
The actual value of your home should determine the price tag you put on your home. We calculate your home’s value by using past sales in your neighborhood, market trends, and several other factors. Once you get your home’s value, then the pricing process can begin. Overpricing is a strategy that sounds good – but, in fact, is more likely to result in a lower price. The first few weeks a house is on the market is when it will have the most activity. If a house is overpriced, it has to compete with houses at that higher price level, which are almost certainly larger or have newer/more luxurious features. So the overpriced home is unlikely to attract an offer. Worse yet, those first weeks are when real estate agents preview the house. If it's overpriced, they may not even bother to show it to their buyers. Eventually, the seller will have to drop the price – and may end up with an even lower price because buyers will wonder why the house has been on the market so long and may factor that into their offer.
How much is the agent's commission?
Commission is negotiable and depends on several factors. Commission is almost always split between the buyer and seller’s agent. We’re happy to talk more about commission as well as all of the services that we offer to our sellers. Let’s set up a time to chat here.