Selling real estate in Columbus, NE & surrounding areas
Q: I am thinking of selling. Where do I begin?
A: Call a Realtor®, hopefully me, and we will come take a look at your property. We will measure rooms, take pictures, and give you suggestions on needed improvements, cleaning that needs to be done, and other ways to make your house more saleable. We sometimes will come with several agents, as each agent has their own area of expertise. I have absolutely no decorating talent, but can spot a foundation or other structural problem a mile away.
I will then do a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) of your property to help you determine a price at which to list your property. I use comparable recent sales and make adjustments for square footage, basement finish, property condition, etc. I will also find a few similar properties, if there are any, that are currently on the market. The goal is to have your property be the best buy in the price range. This includes curb appeal, interior finish, condition of the floor coverings, and a host of other things.
After we arrive at a listing price, you will sign an exclusive listing agreement, property condition disclosure, and if the property was built before 1978, a lead based paint disclosure.
Q: I think my house is worth way more than what you say it is. Why can't we list it at a higher price?
A: We can, but it might backfire. When houses are overpriced they tend to languish on the market and get "stale." That means fewer showings, which means price reductions in order to generate more interest. Often homes that are overpriced end up selling for less than they would have if priced correctly from the start. Also, keep in mind that unless you get a cash buyer, the property has to appraise at or above the sale price in order to make the sale go through.
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