Selling Charlottesville Real Estate

Ten steps to optimize your home sale

• Analyzing your needs.

  
  Why do you want to sell?
  How much time do you have to sell?
  

• Pricing your home?

  
  You need to know what similar properties in the area have sold for in the past few months. You can gather this information by visiting the county/city clerk's office or Gayle Harvey Real Estate, Inc. will be glad to furnish you with this information. You can also hire an independent appraiser to determine your home's market value. Be realistic when establishing your price.
  

• Preparing your property for maximum return.

  
  First impressions are very important! Eliminate all clutter and fix any items that are broken. Consider painting any portions of your home that need it. Make sure to open all curtains to ensure that your home looks bright and cheerful! Consider hiring a professional to "stage" your home. Be sure that your home has "Curb appeal." Once again, this is that first impression that make Buyers want to see more of your home.
  

• Creating a marketing strategy.

  
  How will people find out about your home or property? Will you place an advertisement in the newspaper? Weekly real estate publications? On the Internet? Gayle Harvey Real Estate, Inc. Realtors are pros in advertising homes and properties!
  

• Handling the offer.

  
  Remember that once you refuse an offer, it becomes void. You can always propose a counter-offer.
  

• Negotiating the offer.

  
  Most real estate transactions involve some negotiating. Remember to have any agreements put into a written contract. Verbal agreements are very difficult to enforce. Make sure all responsibilities and contingencies for both parties are clearly stated in the contract.
  

• Selling.

  
  After the purchase contract is signed, you will probably be responsible for some tasks such as home inspection repairs, water & septic tests and wood boring insect inspections. Make sure these tasks are completed prior to closing.
  

• Preparing for closing.

  
  Make sure all necessary documents have been delivered to the closing company or attorney several days prior to closing. You may or may not be required to be at the closing.
  

• Closing.

  
  Legal title to the property transfers at closing. Make sure that you have performed all of the required tasks before this time to ensure a smooth closing.
  

• Vacating the premises.

  
  Services such as electric and telephone will need to be either discontinued or transferred to the new owners prior to your vacating the premises.
  

• Congratulations on the sale of your home or property!
  
  Remember this can be a tough time for your pets---Give them special attention during the transition!