When contemplating the sale of your Kansas City residence, it’s important to recognize that you have choices! Putting your home on the MLS is just one avenue for selling your property. More and more people are learning how to sell their home’s without an agent, which in turn, saves time and money! Learn more about it works in our latest blog!
How To Sell Your House Without An Agent in Kansas City
What advantages come with listing without a real estate agent?
There are numerous benefits to eliminating the middle man. One of the biggest benefits is saving money. Both on commissions and out of pocket expenses when you go to list the home.
In order to present a property that stands out in the market, it’s often necessary to undertake repairs and upgrades. If you’ve ever tackled a home repair project personally, you’re likely familiar with unexpected costs and multiple visits to the local hardware store. Opting for professional services can escalate your expenses even further. It’s crucial to take on only those projects within your expertise. This isn’t the moment to experiment with new wall texturing methods.
Choosing not to engage a realtor allows you to bypass commission payments. A direct transaction between private parties lets you keep more money from the sale, considering that agent commissions typically hover around 6% of the final sale price. This expense can add up to several thousand dollars! Moreover, when collaborating with an agent, you often become obligated by a listing agreement that grants them exclusive selling rights. This means, no matter how you sell the home (even if you find the buyer yourself) you will still owe a commission to your agent.
Initiating the Process: Where Do I Begin?
Set your price, but do your homework first. People often think their homes are worth more than they actually are. Don’t count on Zillow or other sites to give you your home value. Most realtors never go by these numbers as they often become skewed by false data. Research is key when determining the value of your home. Examine the actual selling prices of homes in your vicinity, rather than just their listing prices. You can seek assistance from a realtor for a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) without committing to a listing agreement. If you initially set a higher price and find a lack of interest, you have the flexibility to adjust it downward. However, prospective buyers will be able to see your pricing history on the MLS and sites like Zillow and Trulia. Repeated, small drops can make you look desperate as a seller, or it could signal that something is wrong with the home. Make an effort to set a fair and thoughtfully determined price from the beginning to sidestep the necessity of later reductions or dealing with a lack of interest. If needed, consider obtaining the input of a professional appraiser, usually incurring a cost of a few hundred dollars.
Elevate Your Advertising Strategies
Visual Impact Matters! Frequently, real estate listings feature subpar images. When utilizing online advertising to sell your house, high-quality pictures are essential. If your photos lack a professional touch, consider hiring a professional photographer. This might be one of the best things you do when selling your home. Beyond captivating images, ensure that the property description provides comprehensive details. Clearly communicate what the property entails, highlighting every amenity the house has to offer. Transparency is key in helping potential buyers understand exactly what they can expect. Be sure to be mindful of Protected Classes in all of your advertising.
Turn Your Vision into Reality
When it comes to listing your home, preparation is key. Start by giving your home a deep clean and taking care of any necessary repairs. Go above and beyond to ensure that your home is immaculate and well-maintained. As you clean, declutter and remove any personal items to create a welcoming and inviting space for potential buyers. You want them to feel at ease when they enter your home, not like they are intruding. By taking these steps, you’ll be setting the stage for a successful home sale.
Create a comprehensive list of unique selling points and recent upgrades to showcase to potential buyers. Emphasize recent improvements, such as a new AC unit installed last year or a roof replacement from the previous year. Share this valuable information through eye-catching flyers or brochures that include your contact details. Moreover, take on the role of a “concierge” for prospective buyers by providing assistance and relevant information throughout the buying process. As a knowledgeable agent, familiarize yourself with the area and create a map indicating key locations, such as schools and commute durations. This will further enhance your buyers’ understanding of the property and its surroundings.
Now That You’ve Secured a Buyer, What’s Next?
Draft a contract and exclusively consider WRITTEN offers accompanied by a deposit. Seek guidance from a qualified attorney and proceed with the offer only upon their approval. As you navigate the sale without an agent, take on the responsibility of managing all legal and financial paperwork. Optimal collaboration involves working closely with a trusted lawyer and a reputable title company.