Your Home is Going on the Market Tomorrow
What are You Thinking About?
Going live on the MLS is a big deal, and probably prompts lots of anxiety for sellers. It will raise a few questions, and maybe even a few doubts.
There’s been lots of preparation (hopefully) for days or weeks - taking care of repairs and deferred maintenance, packing away all the extra stuff, perhaps painting and landscaping, and more – and now the big moment is here.
It’s showtime!! And your FIRST Open House!!
You’ve selected your list price, having learned about the local market conditions and comparable sales from your agent (you did listen, didn’t you?!), the photographer came by the other day (or did your agent take the pics?!), and your listing is going live in the MLS, soon to be seen by lots of buyers and their agents, and you will be off and running.
Feeling a little anxious? Confident? Worried?
It’s all very normal to have a rush of mixed feelings, and questions, when you are going live with your listing There are some important moments depending on this sale happening and soon, right?!
YOU MAY BE THINKING...
1. Is the home priced well? Should we have asked for a higher price?
2. Will we have lots of showings, and will they start right away? What if we don’t?!
3. Does our house show well? Good enough? Will buyers like it?
4. Are the MLS photos done well and will they encourage buyers to come look?
5. Have we done all the preparations we should have, or are there other things we still should do?
6. Should we have taken care of some of those other issues we talked about?
7. How does our house compare to the competition? Buyers will like our home better, won’t they? Our home is special!
8. How soon will we get an offer? Will it happen right away?
No doubt there is a lot of anxiety about going live on the market, despite having made the decision and completing a ton of preparations. That’s normal. There’s the relief that you are finally ready and the big day is here, but perhaps some concern about how the buying public and buyer agents will react lingers.
Here are some other things to think about for the big day:
FOLLOW THE SHOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Hopefully you and your agent agreed on how showings are to occur and what instructions are given to buyer agents in the MLS. Be sure to follow them.
The house won’t sell if buyers can’t see it - make the house readily available to show! And expect that some agents may be a little late or early.
EXPECT A LOT OF ACTIVITY
Given the market, you should expect a lot of showing activity, and possibly starting right after the home goes live on the MLS. So be prepared for a big change in your daily routine.
If you, and not your agent, are making the appointments, keep a detailed list of all callers, contact information, and appointment times. Be sure to contact your Realtor with any questions or concerns. If there is not a lot of activity, or any, something is wrong…like the price!
HAVE YOUR HOME SHOW READY ALL THE TIME
You may not live that way all the time, but you should always prepared for showings, especially at the beginning. Remember you are selling a house – it’s a product that needs to look great!
Life will be much easier to accommodate multiple showings, if you don’t have to worry about the condition of the house. Yep, it’s tough with kids but you might find them willing to help keep things picked up, if there is an incentive to do so.
LEAVE YOUR HOME FOR SHOWINGS
It’s in your best interest to be absent and not get into a Q and A with the agent and/or the buyers, so leave the home for showings…even if you don’t have somewhere special to go.
Buyers and agents want their private space to look on their own, and don’t want to feel uncomfortable around you! That’s why they are there, after all!
DO NOT ALLOW UNACCOMPANIED BUYERS IN
You might want to discuss this with your agent, but buyers need to come view the home with an agent, either their own or your listing agent.
If someone does drop by, give them your agent’s card, and ask them to either call for an appointment or talk with their agent about setting up a time to see your home.
BE SURE TO PROTECT YOUR VALUABLES AND IDENTITY
It’s surprising what some homeowners leave out in public when their home is for sale. It’s important to not leave personal stuff lying around – money, checkbooks, jewelry, laptops, tablets, phones, bank and credit card statements, and small valuables, could prove overly tempting.
Protect your identity by making sure any and all documents, financial statements, bills and similar records are safely secured and out of sight.
IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS, CONTACT YOUR AGENT
Your agent should know right away if there are any issues that arise or you have questions – a window gets left open, the door is not locked, the agent does not show, someone shows up without an appointment when that’s required. Such matters generally are exceptions but they do happen. And lastly…
BE AS FLEXIBLE AS YOU CAN
There is no doubt selling your home is tough, and multiple showings, especially in the early days, is stressful. Know that things do not always go as planned - agents may be late or early, or they stay longer than you expect. You might get a last minute showing.
You should expect that your normal daily routine may be altered a bit, or a lot, but keep in mind your goal! It's all worth it so you can move on with your life plans!!
NEXT STEPS - MORE INFORMATION
Please give me a call at (760) 840-1360 if I can assist you in any way with your sale and buying your next home. No doubt you have lots of questions about the local housing market and the buying and selling process.
Check out my video series for more details on the things your need to know BEFORE you get started on a purchase or a sale: How to Sell a Home (for sellers) and How to Buy a Home (for buyers.
SEARCH FOR CARLSBAD HOMES
If you are a buyer you can search the complete inventory of homes for sale in Carlsbad by clicking the photo to the right>>>>>>>.
As a seller you can check out the potential competition, too!
If you prefer a more focused search, or are interested in other North San Diego County areas, please let me know and I will create a detailed search for you based on your criteria and budget!
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If I can provide more information about homes for sale in Carlsbad and in surrounding areas, local housing market conditions, or assist you, friends or family in a purchase or sale, please call or text me at (760) 840-1360, or email me at JeffDowlerSolutions@gmail.com
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