Selling a home is quite different than buying one. And when you’re a physician with a demanding schedule, it’s extra important to be knowledgeable so the process can move along smoothly. Whether you’ve been living in your home for five years or fifty years, new sellers need to know some important things before they jump into the real estate world.
1. You need the right agent.
Unless you’re selling the home yourself, you need a real estate agent. Agreements typically bind you to an agent for three to six months, so it’s important to choose the right one.
2. You must be ready to sell.
You only get one chance to make a first impression. If you list your home at an unrealistic price or with less than stellar images, the number of days on the market will add up. This will come back to haunt you later.
3. You don’t want your house on the market for long.
Buyers typically look at price and size first. After that, they’ll look through listing images and number of days on the market. If your home has been on the market for more than three months, they’ll assume something is wrong with it. Even worse, after you adjust your price or take better images, buyers will penalize you with lowball offers.
4. If you get an offer, you have to move asap.
Once you receive an acceptable offer from a buyer and you sign the contract, you need to close. Many sellers underestimate how long the closing process will take. Know your market before you list your home, and make a plan for when your home sells. Most importantly, don’t list your home until you’re ready to sell.