Whether this is your first time selling or your tenth, you might have questions about selling a home in Issaquah in today’s market. Read on to learn everything from preparing your home for sale to selling your property. You will find best practices and some commonly asked questions from other sellers in the Issaquah area.
Preparing your house to sell
When you are getting ready to put your home on the market, there is much to consider. From determining the right pricing to taking photographs, it’s important to take the proper steps to ensure the best deal.
Determine your home’s value
Knowing the value of your home can play a huge part in whether or not you should sell. Furthermore, it can tell you other things, such as what to price your home to attract as many buyers as possible. For those who are planning on purchasing a new home after selling, knowing your home’s value can help ascertain your budget.
Upgrades to improve your home value
There are many improvement projects you can consider to enhance your home’s value drastically. For example, replacing the garage door and adding manufactured stone veneers have resulted in a higher ROI.
Interviewing real estate agents
Since selling a home in Issaquah can often be a complicated and stressful venture, it can help to work with an experienced real estate agent. However, every real estate agent is not the same. You should consider interviewing various real estate agents and asking them about their experience and qualifications. You will also likely work with a real estate agent for a few months, so use the interview to find out which one you have the most synergy with.
Good and bad times to sell
One thing every seller should keep in mind is that there is an optimal (and a less than optimal) time to sell a home. For example, selling during a competitive seller’s market can impact how quickly your home will leave the market. In addition, spring has long been known as an ideal time for sellers, with many buyers searching for homes.
Staging your home and taking photos
Staging your home allows potential buyers to visualize their future lives in your home. After staging, consider hiring a professional photographer with the experience to highlight your home’s best features. With professional photographs, homes tend to sell 32 percent faster.
Selling your home
After prepping your home to appeal to as many buyers as possible, the next step is to list and sell your home.
Listing on the MLS
One way to reach as many buyers as possible is by listing your home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). The MLS is a comprehensive database of homes for sale that allows real estate agents to search for properties efficiently. By listing on the MLS, you give yourself the best chance to reach as many prospective buyers as possible.
Open house and virtual tours
The best way for buyers to find out if your home is right for them is by visiting it. That is why you should consider hosting an open house. You can show your home in the best possible light when strategically timed. Your real estate agent can be on-site to answer any buyers' questions. Consider also setting up virtual tours. Virtual tours allow homebuyers to visit your home online. It can even reach a wider pool of buyers, attracting many from out of state.
Cash vs. traditional
When reviewing offer letters, you will find two different kinds of buyers: those who are financing and those with cash offers. There are certain benefits with cash buyers as the transactions tend to go faster, buyers are less likely to ask for contingencies, and there is less risk. However, you should still not negate buyers who wish to finance. Even buyers who are financing can be excellent candidates for the home. Consider each offer with your real estate agent to choose the one that seems like the best fit for your property.
Appraisal
Particularly if you have buyers who are financing, you will be required to get an appraisal on your home. An appraisal is used to determine the fair market value so that mortgage lenders will not offer an amount greater than the home’s value.
Escrow
To protect your interests, you should consider setting up an escrow account. With escrow, the buyer will deposit earnest money to signify their intent to purchase the home. The seller typically gets to keep the deposit if the sale falls through. For successful purchases, the deposit is then applied to the down payment.
Closing costs
You will be expected to pay approximately three percent of the home's final purchase price. Closing costs include title service fees, recording fees, transfer taxes, and any buyer incentives you may offer.
Frequently asked questions about selling your Issaquah home
Still have some questions? Continue reading for some frequently asked questions commonly asked by sellers in Issaquah.
How long does it take to sell a home in Issaquah?
Depending on various factors, such as the condition of the real estate market, the right timing and pricing, and buyer demand, the length of time can vary. However, approximately half of all Issaquah homes sell anywhere between 30 and 90 days.
How can I sell my Issaquah house faster?
There are many things you can do to sell your Issaquah house faster. From expertly staging your home to implementing effective marketing strategies, you can increase your home’s visibility so that it reaches many people.
How can I get the most money to sell my Issaquah home?
The key to selling your home for top dollar lies in strategic pricing. Work with an experienced real estate agent who can advise you on the best price to list your home for compared to similar luxury properties in the Issaquah area.
Is it a good time to sell my Issaquah home?
Currently, the real estate market in Issaquah is a competitive seller’s market that is marked by rising prices and homes selling fast. As such, you will likely be able to sell for well above the asking price.
Is staging my home worth it?
It can be difficult for buyers to imagine their future lives in an unstaged home. When a home is staged, buyers can see whether their lifestyle aligns with the home. In addition, a staged home can sell for more and spend significantly less time on the market.
Can I sell my Issaquah home without a real estate agent?
Working with an experienced real estate agent in selling your home can help drastically streamline the process. From listing your home on the exclusive MLS to offering innovative staging and marketing strategies, an agent can help.
What if my home isn’t paid off yet?
It is possible to sell a home that has not been paid off. You need to consider the amount of home equity, which you can then use to pay off your property at closing.
What if I have a tax lien to satisfy?
If you have a tax lien to satisfy, you must pay it before selling your home. Another option is to use your existing equity to pay off the tax lien.
What do I do if my home listing expires?
After a pre-selected number of days, sometimes your home listing can expire. You can then stay with your current real estate agent and list your home again. Or, you can choose another agent and relist without any penalties.
Ready to enter the Issaquah real estate market?
Are you planning on selling a home in Issaquah? Schedule a consultation with experienced real estate agent John Stone who can guide you on everything from innovative home staging techniques to comprehensive marketing strategies. John can help you sell your Issaquah home quickly and for top dollar.
