When it comes to selling your South Lake Tahoe real estate, there is a LOT that goes into it! First you have to find a South Lake Tahoe realtor. Then you have to do repairs, de-clutter, prepare for staging, make sure your curb appeal is…well…appealing and SO much more. Things fall between the cracks and sometimes things are overlooked completely. If you are selling your South Lake Tahoe real estate, be sure not to miss these steps!
Don’t Forget No. 1: Check your South Lake Tahoe Realtors references
An unqualified Realtor can cost you money, time and cause a whole lot of stress. Making sure you have a good one that has your best interest at heart is the number one step. Sure, it would probably be easier for the family dynamics if you just go with your cousin who happens to be a part time agent. But is it the best for you? It is truly crucial to go with someone who has their finger on the pulse of the South Lake Tahoe real estate market. You want someone who can give you stats, discuss the conditions for each neighborhood and is going to work hard for you. Additionally, you should make sure the South Lake Tahoe Realtor actually has a license and has no complaints. Feel free to interview the agent, see their marketing plan and talk with past clients. Don’t just go with someone because you are related, they are your friends or because your friends know of an agent nearby and they think this agent is ok. You don’t want ok. You want extraordinary. This is a big financial move and you need someone who is going to get you the most money in the shortest amount of time with less hassle for you.
Don’t Forget No. 2: Insist on social media marketing
While we are on the topic of picking a qualified Realtor in South Lake Tahoe, be sure to pick one that has a fabulous marketing plan that includes social media. Your listing should show up on the agent’s website, the agent’s broker website, Facebook, Twitter, etc. You can share it with your friends and family. Plus, the agent’s followers see it and have the same sharing capabilities.
Don’t Forget No. 3: Google your home
90% of South Lake Tahoe real estate buyers are searching online to find a home for sale. Know what your home for sale in South Lake Tahoe looks like online. Is it outdated? Does the street map view not account for upgrades? Knowing this guides your listing approach. If you have hired a quality South Lake Tahoe realtor, they will include any upgrades in the listing and the marketing. However, you want to make sure your home shows just as good online as it does in person.
Don’t Forget No. 4: Make the necessary improvements & account for the changes you already made
Chances are that at some point during your home ownership, you made some repairs and upgrades. Make a list of those fixes along with any items (like appliances, AC, etc.) that were purchased and the warranties they come with. You can either store this in a binder or a file and pull it out when it is time for disclosures. You can also give this to the home inspector so they can cross reference and make sure everything is still in working order. It also isn’t a bad idea to have a pre-inspection done before listing. Some items you can fix yourself and some might be worth it to hire out. The less that comes back on the inspection, the better. If nothing else, touch up paint, fix leaky faucets and tighten loose screws on cabinets. Trust us, buyers notice the littlest things.
Don’t Forget No. 6: Clean inside everything
While you are fixing things around the house, be sure to clean things out. We mean that in a few ways. First, start getting rid of things you no longer use. Donate, sell and toss to show off just how much storage space you REALLY have. Then go through and physically clean those spaces. Vacuum and wipe down closets, drawers, appliances and cabinets. People will open them so make sure they look good.
Don’t Forget No. 7: Make a list of what stays
Your buyer may fall in love with the house for the things in it….like the custom window treatments or unique chandelier you spent a fortune on and are definitely taking with you to the new spot. Law states that items bolted to the walls and the ceiling go to the lucky buyer unless stated otherwise in the contract. This includes the mounted flat screen, that funky pot and pan rack and the cool Pottery Barn lighting fixtures installed next to your bed in lieu of lamps. Make a list up front of what stays and what goes so people don’t rescind their offer when they find out your custom choices are going with you.
If you are selling South Lake Tahoe real estate and need assistance with the selling process, let us know. We would be happy to guide you!
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