Whether you purchased your second home as a vacation home or as an investment property, if you want to sell it but don’t live close, it can be a hassle to deal with the process.
Make it easier on yourself and have a look at the following tips before you put up that “For Sale” sign in the yard.
1. Choose the best realtor
You will get the best results by choosing an experienced realtor in the area where your home is located. This is because a local realtor knows the market and what sells.
2. Set the right price
Every homeowner wants to sell their home for top dollar, but listing your home at a high price point can be risky. If you’re a stickler about prices, it could take months for your property to be taken off the market. Therefore, you must decide on a fair price before you list your home.
The impact of your for-sale listing will be greatest as soon as it is published. The best chance of getting a fair market price for your home is before people start to question why it has sat on the market for so long.
3. Marketing
The right marketing strategy when selling a home is essential. It’s especially important if you’re looking to sell your home from another state.
Marketing tools, such as website listings and newspaper ads, can be used to let those in the local area know about your property for sale.
There’s not much difference in marketing a home out of state than if you lived there. Ensure your real estate agent understands the local community and markets your property to the right demographic.
To sell your house, you’ll want to target the right type of buyer – a family that will enjoy living there for years to come.
4. Open House
Open houses save you time by limiting the need to travel back and forth. Do you really want to travel out-of-state once a week to meet with the realtor?
Open houses are a great way to get all the potential buyers to your property in one day to view the property. If you’re lucky, some buyers will make an offer right away because they see other candidates interested in your space.
5. Declutter if necessary
There is an advantage to selling a home from out of state: it is likely nobody lives there.
Make sure that your realtor has the keys and stay out of the property as much as possible. Minimalism is best since it prevents potential buyers from being distracted by live-in clutter.
6. Taxes
If you own property in another state, you shouldn’t forget to pay taxes. Nobody can avoid Uncle Sam. Each state has its own tax laws. Ensure your taxes are up-to-date before putting your property on the market.
7. Photography
It is said that “a picture is worth a thousand words.” This is especially true in the world of real estate. Have your realtor recommend the best photographer. The better the photography, the more attention your house will receive.
8. School District
Mention the area’s school district in your marketing if you’re selling a family home or an apartment with multiple bedrooms. This is a great selling point for newlyweds or parents looking for a new home for their growing family.
9. Repairs
Having to deal with repairs when you’re out of state is frustrating, but it’s not something you can ignore.
Besides making repairs, you may also wish to have some cosmetic repairs such as painting, carpeting, etc. done to give your home a clean look.
If you hire a licensed contractor or handyman to help with these tasks, they can also alert you to any potential issues that may arise during the home inspection.
It is possible that your real estate contact can refer you to someone, or you could simply go by referral from family or friends that use someone they trust.
Making repairs, improvements and maintenance will help you sell your home for the highest possible price and get it sold faster too.
10. Timing
If you want to sell your out-of-state home now, is it the right time?
A local realtor can tell you when is the best time to sell a house. Winter is a risky time to move in cities such as New York, Chicago and Seattle because not everyone wants to move during times of unruly weather like sleet and snow.
11. The closing
Fortunately, you don’t have to travel to the area to sell your out of state house. A property can be sold regardless of where you reside, and no state requires you to reside there to sell one.
Bottom line, before putting your home on the market, do your research and contact a trusted real estate agent for their expert opinion.
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