YOUR HOME'S VALUE

Sellers

If you’re considering selling your home without an experienced real estate agent, be prepared for a significant amount of work. While it is certainly possible, it requires time, effort, and commitment. If you’re short on time or need to sell quickly, this may not be the best option for you.

If handling the sale on your own feels overwhelming, you might explore assist-to-sell programs offered by many agents. These services often include yard signs, marketing strategies, and flyers at an affordable cost. In most cases, sellers may not have the time or resources that a dedicated real estate agent can provide. Working with a professional ensures access to extensive resources and a strong commitment to achieving the highest possible price for your property.

Regardless of whether you choose to work with an agent, doing your research is essential. Below is a checklist to guide you through the process:

Get to Know Your Property

Make sure you’re familiar with key details about your home, such as property taxes, zoning regulations, lot size, and square footage. Review the terms of your existing mortgage to understand any potential implications for the sale.

Research the Market and Local Property Laws

Check recent sales of homes similar to yours—how much are they selling for, and under what terms? Be sure to familiarize yourself with any property disclosure laws that may apply in your area.

Set a Competitive Price

Once you’ve gathered information on your home and comparable properties in your area, establish a realistic and competitive asking price.

Understand Financing Options

Speak with local lenders to explore financing options available to potential buyers. Being informed about their choices can help you answer their questions confidently and avoid losing interested buyers due to uncertainty.

Assess Your Home’s Condition

Walk through your home as if you were a prospective buyer or an inspector. Identify any necessary repairs or upgrades, and take notes on areas that may need attention. Key things to evaluate include:

Outside

  • Does the home need a fresh coat of paint? Consider repainting if the current paint is faded, peeling, or an unconventional color that might not appeal to buyers.

  • If the property has a yard, is the landscaping well-maintained? A neat, healthy lawn and trimmed greenery can enhance curb appeal.

  • For condos, while you can’t change the building itself, is the front door and balcony (if applicable) clean and inviting?

  • Are the windows and doors in good condition and visually appealing?

  • Is the roof in good shape, and are the gutters clean and functional?

  • Is the exterior tidy? Ensure the grass is freshly cut, hedges are trimmed, leaves are cleared, and any outdoor items like bikes and scooters are neatly stored away.

Inside

  • Are the interior paint and finishes in good condition, or could they use a refresh? A simple update in this area can make a big impact at a relatively low cost, helping your home feel well-maintained and inviting.

  • Are the appliances in good working order and relatively modern?

  • Are the plumbing and electrical systems fully functional and in good condition?

  • Are the carpets and flooring clean, well-maintained, and visually appealing? Like fresh paint, updated flooring can greatly enhance a home’s overall impression.

  • Are the sealants around sinks, showers, tubs, and windows intact and in good shape?

  • Are all light fixtures working properly? Ensure each room has adequate lighting to create a bright and welcoming space, avoiding any impression that there’s something to hide.

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Selling Your Home

The Next Step Is Up To You

Step 1:

Defining success

The first step in selling your home is to outline your objectives. Consider your motivation for selling, your ideal timeline for moving, and your next destination. Identifying what matters most to you in the sale will help shape your strategy. Understanding the market is also essential—this includes analyzing macro and micro market dynamics, supply and demand trends, and reviewing active, pending, and sold transactions. Additionally, personal timing and seasonal factors can influence your approach. Strategic planning for your home involves highlighting its key features and benefits, identifying what sets it apart from competing listings, and ensuring it stands out in the market.

Step 2:

listing details

Once your objectives are clear, the next step is finalizing the listing details. This includes completing all necessary documentation and contractual agreements, making any property improvements, and working with a staging consultant to enhance your home’s appeal. Professional photography and media services will be engaged to create high-quality visuals, and a meeting with your trusted advisors will help define the launch timeline. Marketing preparations will focus on property launch materials, traditional advertising, digital marketing strategies, social media outreach, broker network exposure, and cross-marketing initiatives. An international buyer strategy may also be implemented to expand your reach.

Step 3:

Introducing the property

With the marketing plan in place, the next phase is launching the listing. This involves creating a perception of value, attracting and qualifying potential buyers, and ensuring safe showings. Buyer interest will be monitored through weekly reports, updates, and ongoing communication, allowing for strategic responses to market changes. When offers come in, negotiating strategies will be key—this includes securing written offers, assessing their strengths, and responding strategically to optimize price and terms. If multiple offers arise, a structured process will be followed to secure the best outcome, including backup offer strategies.

Step 4:

Escrow process and closing

Once an offer is accepted, the escrow process begins. This stage includes completing all necessary disclosures and ensuring a smooth transition toward closing. Final documentation will be handled efficiently, leading up to the successful closing and celebration of your sale. However, the relationship doesn’t end there. Staying in touch allows for continued support, whether it’s for a future home purchase, investment property guidance, or simply providing valuable resources. Client feedback, testimonials, and referrals help ensure ongoing collaboration and a trusted real estate experience.

Set Your Marketing Budget

How much are you prepared to invest in selling your home?

  • Real estate commission if you choose to work with an agent.

  • Advertising expenses, including signage and other promotional costs, if selling on your own.

  • Legal and professional fees, such as attorney and closing agent services.

  • Taxes associated with the sale, such as excise tax.

  • Prorated expenses for your portion of annual costs like property taxes, homeowner association fees, and fuel tank rentals.

  • Other common seller expenses, including surveys, inspections, and any additional fees specific to your area.

  • Real estate professionals handle transactions daily and can provide an accurate estimate of seller closing costs.

Explore Advertising Options for Your Property

Check Local Newspapers and Publications


Look into the real estate sections of local newspapers and magazines to find the best advertising opportunities. Which option provides the greatest value for your investment? Are there free real estate publications in your area that accept ads from individual sellers? When advertising in a newspaper, consider whether a simple text-based classified ad is more effective, or if a “photo box” ad—featuring both text and an image of your property—would attract more buyers.


Leverage Online Platforms


Don’t overlook the power of the internet. As you’ve likely seen from the website where you found this article, most real estate agents have websites that showcase their clients’ listings and provide full MLS search access. If you work with an agent, your property will likely be featured on their website and included in the MLS database. Additionally, some newspapers offer online advertising as part of their print ad packages or for an additional fee. Research pricing and deadlines for different publications, then choose the best option—or combination of options—for your target market.

Develop a Strategic Marketing Plan

Now that you have an understanding of advertising costs, create a strategy to effectively reach potential buyers within your budget. Consider both local and out-of-town buyers, as many people relocate from other areas. Be sure to incorporate online advertising into your plan to maximize exposure. If your city has a large enough market, your local newspaper may offer a national edition where you can periodically place your ad for additional reach.


Craft a Compelling Advertisement

Your ad should be well-written and engaging. At a minimum, prepare a clear and concise description that can be used for a classified listing or a photo box ad. Additionally, you may want to invest in a larger, custom-designed ad for newspapers, flyers, or open house handouts. High-quality advertising makes a strong impression—while a well-crafted ad can attract buyers, a poorly designed one may discourage interest. If you're not using full-service agent representation, consider working with an assist-to-sell agent, who can offer marketing support at a lower cost.

Install a High-Quality “For Sale” Sign

Choose a well-designed, weather-resistant sign that is both attractive and highly visible from the street. If you're working with a real estate agent, they will likely provide and install the sign for you.

Create an Informative Property Fact Sheet

Design a professional, visually appealing one-page flyer highlighting your property's key features and benefits. Have plenty of copies available for distribution at open houses to ensure potential buyers leave with a lasting impression. If you’re working with an agent, they will typically handle this for you.

Invest in Effective “Open House” Signs

Purchase open house signs that include space to write your property's address and the event’s date and time. Besides placing one in your front yard, strategically position additional signs at key intersections and along main streets leading to your home. Directional arrows can help guide potential buyers, even those unfamiliar with the area. Be sure to remove the signs immediately after the open house to avoid unplanned visits at odd hours.

Plan and Schedule Open Houses

While weekends are the most common time for open houses, some buyers may have scheduling conflicts. Consider offering alternative days or times to accommodate a broader audience. Coordinate your print and online advertisements to include details about your upcoming open houses.

Organize Essential Legal Documents

Selling a property requires various legal forms. In addition to the purchase contract and counteroffers, sellers are responsible for providing buyers with approximately 20 other required documents. Carefully review the contract to understand deadlines and the buyer’s rights once they receive the paperwork. Many of these forms must comply with state and federal regulations. You can obtain the necessary documents from your local Board of Realtors or your real estate agent.

Finalize sale terms

The buyer(s) must reach a written agreement on the following points:

  • Sale price

  • Contingencies related to inspections

  • Terms of financing

  • Closing date

  • Possession date

  • It’s recommended to have an attorney review all contracts before finalizing the deal.

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Joseph Martinez

Wholesale Mortgage Specialist

Las Vegas, Nevada | NMLS#1995247

(702) 235-3225

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