Long-distance home selling isn’t an easy undertaking. In fact, it really complicates the process in a number of ways. Think about it for a moment. If you, as the seller, aren’t in the area, you can’t show the house with on short notice. And, you can’t keep your eye on the property, either. Plus, you can’t be a true part of the negotiation process, either. Then, there’s the matter of basic, regular maintenance or repairs. All of this, not to mention the fact you’ll have to ultimately be a part of the closing. When you stop to consider what being an absentee seller actually means, it quickly becomes a more daunting proposition.
How to Calculate Your Home’s True Market Value
Regardless of where you are while the property is on the market, you’ll need to list it at the right price. Unfortunately, too many sellers rely on gimmick strategies to arrive at their listing prices. For example, the whole idea of listing it just above actual market value to allow room for negotiation. That puts it out of the price range of the very people who are actively looking for just your type of property.
“In recent years, many homeowners couldn’t sell their homes because they couldn’t get the price they needed. Many were fortunate enough to stay in their homes, but others moved because of job transfers or other life changes. Many ended up renting out their homes rather than taking a bit hit when selling them. These “accidental landlords” were never in the game to be investors but were forced into it because of the market.” —The Street.com
So, how do you find the true market value of a house? Well, you need a professional CMA or comparative market analysis. This report contains all recently sold, truly comparable homes. In other words, it’s a real apples-to-apples comparison. Which means you have the right figures to set the correct listing price.
Long-Distance Home Selling Tips You can Use
If you are a long-distance seller, then you’ll rely on others to help you with the process. It’s just part of the absentee-seller’s scenario and one that you must navigate as best you can. Here are some long-distance selling tips you can use:
- Periodically visit your old home. While it might necessarily be convenient or even a welcome notion, you will need to visit your house from time to time. After all, you have the biggest and most compelling interest in seeing it in its best condition. Of course, you will also have to rely on others to help out, no one will care as much as you do. Which means, you’ll need to visit periodically to size things up and take appropriate action. This will also give you peace of mind and keep your finger on the pulse of the local real estate market.
- Hire a professional home stager. If you are a long-distance seller, it’s very likely the house you’re selling is empty. And, empty homes are very difficult to sell. (An industry fact, well-known by insider professionals.) Do yourself a huge favor and hire an experienced home stager to make it as appealing as possible.
- Partner with a solid, local real estate pro. Obviously, you’ll need an experienced and reliable residential real estate professional. Otherwise, you’re really sabotaging your own efforts. Pair up with a solid pro who knows the locality well.
If you are considering buying or selling a house in Orlando’s Hunter’s Creek, or another community, contact us for the latest market information. We are local and experienced in all facets of residential real estate, here to help you, when you need it.