If you’re planning on selling your house, you will, no doubt, have plenty of questions. It’s a big step and a big financial transaction, and you want to get it right. Preparation is key, and being forearmed with knowledge gained by asking questions will ensure that you’re truly prepared, that you understand the process. So to help you in preparing for selling your house in Los Angeles, here are answers to homeowners’ most pressing questions.
When Should I Sell My House?
This question doesn’t have a simple answer although many people will say it’s spring or early summer. The best time for selling your house in Los Angeles is determined by several factors.
Perhaps the most important determining factor is the local market. Conditions and best selling times can vary from market to market. That’s why it’s critical to have a good local agent in your corner. To discover more about the Los Angeles market, contact an agent at (805) 257-5780.
In addition, there’s the seller’s unique situation to consider. For some sellers, winter months are better because there’s less competition, and buyers tend to be more serious, not mere tire kickers.
What Should I Do to Prepare My House for Sale?”
First impressions are immensely important, and you never get a second chance to make a great first impression. That means that in your preparations for selling your house in Los Angeles, you should do everything you can to make it looks its absolute best – with the caveat that what you do actually promises a return on the investment.
But you absolutely must do the basics. These include decluttering and deep cleaning, painting where needed, enhancing curb appeal, staging, and so on.
What Do I Have to Disclose to Potential Buyers?
You should disclose any and all issues or problems that you’re aware of. In fact, you’re legally obligated to do so. If you are aware of, for example, roof defects, you’ll always be better off being upfront and honest about them – and try to fix them.
Being open and honest this way will help you head off any legal issues or lawsuits. For more on this, consult a [market-city] agent at (805) 257-5780.
How Do I Determine What My House Is Worth?
The first thing to keep in mind here is that your house may not be worth what you think it is. When selling your house in Los Angeles, you have to determine fair market value and then price in line with that.
The primary tool for determining market value is a comparative market analysis (CMA). This is an in-depth evaluation of similar homes and their prices that have recently sold in the area, usually within the past six months. It isn’t some kind of crystal ball, but it will give you a fairly accurate idea of your property’s worth in the local market and within what range you should price it.
When your agent conducts a comparative market analysis, she will consider such factors as:
- Square footage
- Number of bedrooms
- Number of bathrooms
- Condition
- Age
- Home features
- Lot features
- Location
- Style
- Floor plan
Should I Use an Agent or Sell It Myself?
One of the most perplexing questions home sellers have – and one you have likely pondered yourself for selling your house in Los Angeles – is whether to use an agent and list or to do a for sale by owner (FSBO).
Typically, going the traditional listing route will get you a better price, and the agent will handle all the details. But “given the hunk of the money pie sliced off for your real estate agent’s commission (usually 5 percent to 6 percent of the final sale price of the house), many people consider going it alone. If you feel confident selling your house on your own, [experts] strongly recommend having a real estate lawyer go over your paperwork. This is a high-dollar deal, and you don’t want to screw it up.”
Working with an agent has several advantages, but so does a direct sale to an individual or an investor. An FSBO usually gets you an as-is sale, a cash offer, a quick closing, and sometimes more profit.
Today, though, this choice isn’t as difficult as it formerly was. Now, you can use a hybrid agent to make things easier, whichever way you decide to go.
A hybrid agent is both a real estate agent and an investor. Such an agent can provide the services you need – in one convenient package – whether you want to list your house or sell directly. Your Los Angeles hybrid agent has the necessary licensing, experience, and skills to help you with either or both.
It’s a new way to sell your house that offers options in a one-stop shop.
Try the New Way of Selling Your House in Los Angeles
Working with a hybrid agent, you will have two viable selling options wrapped up in one agent. You can choose how you want to maximize your money and time – without having to go out and find an agent or a cash buyer. If selling your house in Los Angeles in the most convenient way sounds appealing, contact us today at (805) 257-5780.