Home Selling Tips: Closing Your House

You may remember the first step, where you dealt with the emotions of home selling. You have a contract and now it’s time for the closing. You’ll likely feel all the emotions you felt while putting your home on the market again, but this time they will be more intense. Soon, your home will belong to someone else. The moment you close your door for the last time is a monumental one. You might feel a mixture of emotions, such as sadness, excitement, anxiety, and joy. You may feel relieved that the process has finally ended and you can start your next adventure.

Close your home before you move. This is usually the easiest part. You may encounter minor delays or major problems. You’ll be able to know what you can expect if you walk through the process of closing.

Home Selling: The Closing Process

What is Open Escrow?

The sale of your house is “open escrow” from the moment the buyer places their deposit in escrow to the point that the sale is complete. Many things can occur during open escrow. The buyer will complete their final loan documents and send them to the escrow firm. This process will continue up until the sale has been completed.

As the seller, you will be responsible for completing any repairs and making any modifications to the property agreed upon during the contract. Also, you’ll want to arrange for the transfer of utilities as well as make preparations for moving. You shouldn’t cancel your insurance right away. Keep your home insurance until the sale has been completed.

The Final Walkthrough

The buyer will conduct a final walkthrough before closing. It’s not an inspection but a way for the home buyer to ensure that you have completed the work agreed upon in the contract. This final walk-through is the last time you will be in your house unless you have worked out a delayed ownership agreement with the buyer.

Make sure that all closets, storage areas, and bedrooms have been cleared. Allow yourself a few extra days between the date you plan to move out and the date of your final walk-through. You should aim to leave the property at least two to three days prior to the buyer’s inspection. You’ll have more time to double-check your closets, attic, and garage and to address any problems that may arise. After clearing your home, inspect the walls, doors, and floors. Moving furniture may cause damage. Before the walk-through, touch up any scuffs and dents.

You’ll need to do one last thorough cleaning of your house before the walkthrough. Consider having your home professionally cleaned if you can. This final, thorough cleaning should include vacuuming air vents and scrubbing inside the oven. It may also include shampooing carpets. Avoid leaving any trash in your trashcan. You can work out a deal with your neighbor or request a special pickup from the waste disposal company.

It’s not necessary to gather all warranty cards and manuals for appliances. Instead, place them together in one location. You could even leave a sort of “How-To manual” with information about local restaurants, cell phone dead zones, and trash day.

The Closing documents

You may be surprised by the amount of paperwork required if this is your first home sale. The closing documents, prepared by the closing lawyer or escrow agent, must be notarized. It may seem like you’re buried under a mountain of legalese. What’s the point? Here are some documents that you may see at the closing, although every transaction and local laws differ.

• Certificate of Title (Certificate of Title): This document is a legal declaration that you are entitled to sell your property.
• Deed: The document that transfers the title. This document may be called a grant deed or warranty deed depending on where you reside. Once the deed has been signed, ownership will transfer.
• The HUD-1 Settlement Statement: This document outlines all of the financial transactions that were involved in the sale of the house. You and the buyer will fill out this form, which has columns for both. This document should be read carefully.
• Bill of sale: A detailed list of all the items that are being transferred, including furniture.
• Statement of Closing Costs: This is a description of closing costs and an acknowledgment that you have read and understood them.
• Statement of Identity/Information: The Statement of Identity (or the Statement of Information) declares that you are who you say you are. You will need a valid photo ID.
• This statement will indicate that any remaining money on your loan will be paid at the closing.
• Mechanic Lien: Although this document is not always included, it states that there’s no way a subcontractor can have a lien against the home due to non-payment. The document states that all previous repairs and renovations have been completed.

These instructions will be given to the closing agent by the lender. The document can be signed either at the beginning of the contract, or at its end.

What to bring to the closing

The closing attorney brings most of the documents to the closing. It’s now time to notarize, sign, and initial. Bring a few items to the closing, including:

• The deed of the house (if it has been paid for and there are no liens).
• Photo ID issued by the government, such as a driver’s license or passport
• The escrow company will receive a certified check
• The keys to your home

Each document, even though you may not have as many documents to sign as a buyer, is still important. Make sure you check everything and that the monetary transactions of the deal add up. Be sure that the date of possession is correct. Double-check that the loan is funded.

Transferring House Keys

It’s possible that you will never meet the person who is buying your home. The final walk-through is usually done by the Myrtle Beach real estate agent. Once all paperwork is signed, you will bring the keys to your escrow officer/closing lawyer’s office to hand over the keys. The buyer may close at a time different from yours, so the keys are delivered to the new owner after the deed has been registered by the county.

Congratulations! You have just sold your house. You’ve finally reached this point after all the cleaning, staging, and photographing. You’re probably looking back at the journey, and you think it was worth it. You’re going to love your new home!

Call Full Potential Real Estate, LLC now, and let our team help sell your home quickly at the best price possible.

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Full Potential Real Estate, LLC
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-236-0203
http://fullpotentialrealestate.com

Home Selling Tips: How to Handle Offers On Your House

There are many moving parts in the home selling and buying process. Also, there’s a time factor to be considered. The time factor is also important. Buyers must find a house before their preapproval expires, and sellers need the offer to re-sign before they have to re-sign. You may be tempted, if you are also looking to buy a home, to accept the first offer that comes your way, if it is accompanied by a deadline for a home sale.

Your agent can help. Your agent wants to get you the best deal possible. They will help you determine which offers are good and bad, as they don’t have the same emotional attachment as you do. The agent will also ensure that the buyer has the financial means to make an offer.

Home Selling Tips: Dealing With Offers

Negotiating an offer

The buyer’s agent will also be helping him. Your agent will have an idea of the most popular negotiation tactics and can guess what the buyer’s representative is telling them to do. It can be simple or complex. Your agent will let you know if there are any differences in the standard contract, like anything written by hand or an addendum with a different language.

Negotiating begins once you’ve received a good offer. You can either counter the offer with the original price you listed or you can reject it and ask the buyer to submit it again. You will then show that you are firm in your pricing. They will come back to you with a higher bid if they’re serious about purchasing your house. You can then begin negotiations in a better position.

Make your counter-offer time-sensitive to avoid getting caught in an endless and legally-binding negotiation. You can still entertain any other offers that may come up.

Buyers may also ask for concessions in addition to a lower price. For example, they might request that you pay a portion of their closing cost. Try to include the closing costs in the price of the house if you offer such a concession. You might, for example, stipulate that you will cover closing costs during the sale of the home, but only if buyers are willing to compensate you by paying a higher price. It’s a win for both parties. The buyers can save cash when they’re in need, and you don’t lose money.

Prepare ahead of time with your agent by talking about the process. Answer the following questions.

• What is the lowest price you will sell your home?
• Does the market warrant your counteroffer?
• Should you counter-offer at full price?
• What are your offers, conditions, and contingencies?

Tips on Successfully Negotiating an Offer for a House

Your real estate agent in Myrtle Beach will advise you, and help you to understand the details of an offer. However, the decision to accept, reject or negotiate is entirely up to you. It’s important to learn how to negotiate.

Know your market first. You’ve probably already discussed comparable homes with your agent. However, it may be worth reviewing them again. Some real estate markets fluctuate rapidly, while others are stable. You should know the current value of your home.

Be patient. Don’t accept the first offer if you have priced your house fairly. First offers are usually below the actual price limit of the buyer, but they want to lower your asking price. You can rely on your agent to guide you through the negotiations.

Negotiating doesn’t end when you agree on a price. Negotiating may also occur during the inspection and appraisal process.

What is a “Kick-Out” Clause?

Buyers will often add continencies in their offers. The most common contingencies are the financing contingency, the inspection contingency, and the appraisal condition. These contingencies are usually not disruptive to the sale. However, a different type of contingency is. This contingency is added to the contract if a buyer cannot buy your home until their own house has sold. The buyer will then be unable to complete the sale if they are unable to sell their house within the specified time frame.

You may want to include a clause that allows you to reject an offer if it includes a condition for the sale of your home. You can continue showing your house during the period of the home-sale contingency, which is usually between 30 and 90 days. You will notify the original buyer if you receive another offer. The first buyer must then proceed with the sale. The agreement is legally void if they are unable to purchase the house. You can then move forward with a new offer.

Negotiating an Appraisal

You have a few options if your home does not appraise at the price agreed upon. First, you can lower the price of the home. If you don’t want to lower the price, you can split the difference with other costs. An appraisal that is too low could be as damaging to the buyer as you are. They may agree to a second appraisal in this situation. This is important to consider since there are no absolutes when it comes to home appraisals. Different appraisers may provide different numbers. You’ll need to negotiate the price with the buyer, no matter what option you select.

Negotiating Inspection

Most home inspectors will provide a list of items that need to be repaired. These items are usually minor, and you can discuss with the seller whether to repair them or not. If the inspection reveals a serious issue, the buyer might want to negotiate on the price. Consider the percentage of the final sale that the repair will cost when deciding whether to fix the problem yourself or drop the price. You may want to do the fix yourself if it costs less than five percent of the total sale price. You may want to reduce your offer if the repair is more severe (for instance, 10% of the sale price). Not only is it expensive to fix, but the repair can take a long time. The longer the repair takes, the more you will be unable to move.

What if I don’t get an offer?

After you have signed a contract with a real estate agent, the time to sell your home is critical. In general, the quicker a house is sold, then the closer the price will be to what the owner wants. You and your agent must work together in order to sell your home as quickly as you can. What if there are no offers? This is not a typical occurrence, but it can happen. You can determine the solution based on how a problem appears.

You have a problem with marketing if no one comes to your open house. Your agent can tell you what marketing methods are being used. Your agent should spend a lot of money and use social media to market. Don’t let your agent advertise on just one social media site. You want to advertise your property on as many social media sites as possible. Perhaps you need to improve your photos or use drone footage.

You may have a pricing problem if you get a lot more showings than offers. You may be overpricing your home if you are getting great feedback about your house, but still no offers. If buyers don’t make any offers, it could be because they are intimidated by the cost and won’t negotiate. It’s best to not lower your price beyond once or twice. When a price is reduced multiple times, buyers become suspicious. If you have already reduced the price but still don’t receive any offers, it may be worth taking the house off the market to start over.

Offers are coming in, but the prices are too low. You might consider offering incentives to buyers if they are not making the best offers. You can offer incentives of any size, including window treatments or furniture. Some buyers of homes have a lot more credit than cash. Some buyers may struggle to pay the down payment as well as the closing costs. You might be able to attract more buyers by offering to pay the closing costs if you offer a higher price.

Call Full Potential Real Estate, LLC now if you need help in selling your home.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about home buying or selling.

Full Potential Real Estate, LLC
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-492-4537
https://fullpotentialrealestate.com

List Your Home for Sale

You want your listing agent to visit your home as you clean, declutter, and depersonalize it. You can show off the newly-spruced space to your agent and discuss with them how to get your home sold. This is also the perfect time to discuss price.

What you need to know about housing prices

Real estate is a dynamic market. Home prices are affected by a number of factors. Mortgage rates are a key factor in determining whether a potential buyer can afford to buy a house. The number of homes available and the number buyers who want those houses are also factors. We are still in a sellers market which means there are more buyers looking for homes than there are home available. As interest rates rise, this could change.

It’s not hard to understand why sellers overprice their homes when you combine an ever-changing market with emotional attachment. This can lead to homes sitting on the market for far too long. Your Myrtle Beach real estate agent knows your local market well. Your agent will use comparisons to similar homes (comps) that have sold to determine the correct price for your home. Comps are recently sold homes with the same dimensions, the same number and type of bedrooms, and the same location as your home. Your agent can also perform a market study to ensure that your home’s price is comparable with the neighborhood.

Your real estate agent will suggest a price based upon those comps and  the market analysis. However, it is ultimately up to you to decide the final price of your home. Take emotion out of your decision and try to look at the home objectively. You love it. Your home is filled with many wonderful memories. Your home is priceless to you because you’ve invested a lot of time, effort, and money into it over the years. Buyers won’t be attached to these things. They look at the condition, space and location of the house. If your home is too expensive, they will walk away.

How to create a home listing

After you have determined the price of your home, it is time to take pictures. You’ve probably already done the cleaning and staging and your house is ready for a camera. Take some time to upgrade your home, clear out space, and arrange furniture, if it’s not ready for the spotlight. Walk around your home (inside and outside) to make sure that everything is neatly arranged. That dish towel over the sink might be an eye sore in kitchen pictures, so remove it. Close the cabinet doors and lower the lids of the toilets. Also, put away bicycles, rakes or lawn mowers.

The listing description is next. You can work with your agent to create the listing descriptions. You know your house better than anyone else and can describe its unique features beyond the number of rooms and square footage. You don’t have to be a writer! It’s not necessary to be William Shakespeare in order to write a good property description. Here are a few tips:

It’s not necessary to list all of the details. You don’t have to include every fact. The MLS will show the number of rooms, bathrooms, the year of construction, and the lot size. So, unless you’re highlighting something unique (for instance, if the home is on a corner or sits higher than other homes in the neighborhood), it’s not necessary to list all the facts. Focus on the special features of the home (finished basements, pools, fireplaces, etc.).

List the improvements. List the upgrades. You agent will know which upgrades will attract buyers’ attention, but you should also point out recent improvements that may not be so obvious.

Be specific. If you say, for instance, that your home is located in a forest, it doesn’t give much information. If you say that it’s one block away from a nature preserve, the reader will instantly get a feel for the area. Give details instead of “house with porch”. For example, “two-story Victorian-style house with a wraparound porch.” List the brand names of appliances, particularly if they’re high-end. Do the same with cabinetry, chandeliers and flooring from highly desirable brands.

Do not make it too short. Your property description should be around 250 words. If you make your description too short, it won’t be as detailed. But if you make it too long, potential buyers may lose interest. Use real estate buzzwords. Use some descriptive words that are popular with realtors.

Truthfulness is important. Don’t describe your home as “open concept” if it isn’t. Any feature can be viewed positively. Your home might not have an open concept but you may still have a dedicated living space with private, cozy alcoves that are ideal for relaxing.

Avoid excessive capitalization or punctuation. This is because !!!!! IS ANNOYING. It looks sloppy! You can convey excitement or urgency by using your words. Your listing will still look better and you’ll still be able to grab the attention of your reader.

List Your Items in a Creative Way

Consider including drone footage in your property listing. A drone can be used to take aerial video and stills, which will give buyers a better idea of the home and its surroundings. Virtual reality (VR), or 3D tours, are great for marketing your home. These types of tours allow a buyer to “walk” around your home and get a better sense of its layout.

Social media can be a very powerful marketing tool. Post about your house on social media beyond what your agent does. Sometimes a friend’s friend knows someone who is looking for a home in your area. You shouldn’t overlook the old-fashioned method of word-of mouth. Tell people about your move when they ask you how you are doing. Also, let them know that you will be selling your house. You never know when you’ll find a buyer.

Cheryl with Full Potential Real Estate know the Myrtle Beach/Conway area. There is no one better to list your home for sale in today’s competitive market. Give her a call today while you are still in the planning phase of selling your home.

Full Potential Real Estate, LLC
4201 Carolina Exchange Drive Suite 202
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
843-236-0203

Home

What to Prepare If You Plan To Sell Your Home

Do you plan to sell your home? If yes, then now time to start the real work: find a listing agency. What is a listing agency?

Listing agents, also known as seller’s agents (not to confuse with selling agents, who represent buyers), work almost exclusively for home sellers. Your agent can help you with staging and marketing, as well as pricing your home. Your agent will make sure that your home is listed in a Multiple Listing Service (MLS). The MLS is a database of homes that are for sale. It distributes these houses to other agents. This is a great way to put your house in front of buyers’ agents.

Dual agents are agents who represent both the buyer and seller. Research the laws of your state for more information. Dual agents are preferred by some sellers because they can result in a faster closing and require less negotiation. However, if you end up having your agent represent both the seller and buyer there could be a conflict of interest. If this happens, the dual agent will not have to split commissions, and it is possible to negotiate lower fees. You can choose to hire a dual agent, but you should ask agents about this when you interview them.

What You Need To Do Before You Sell Your Home

When you hire a listing agent in Myrtle Beach to sell your house, they will take the lead in marketing it and ensuring that the home is sold as quickly as possible for the highest price. Your agent might recommend other professionals such as a home stager, a professional photographer, an expert contractor who can make repairs, and a real-estate attorney.

You have done your research, reviewed your finances, and selected the best agent. It’s now time to sell your home! First, how is your house looking? When was the last moment you viewed your home critically? Walk around your home, and then go through every room. Try to imagine how a prospective buyer would see your home. If you are selling your house, it is important to make sure that as many people as possible can see the home. Depersonalizing and decluttering your home, as well as using neutral colors for paint and making basic repairs, may be required. You don’t need potential buyers to feel as if they’re guests in your home. Instead, you want them able to envision themselves living in it. This is easier to achieve if your house doesn’t have family photos and your great-grandmother’s things throughout.

Clean and Declutter Your House

You’ll need to declutter, organize and clean your home before you can determine what you want to do. It’s best to keep only the essential furniture, appliances, and decorations while your home is in the marketplace. You can store and pack some items, and then sell them at a garage or online market.

If you have lived in the same house for a long time, you may be surprised by how much stuff you have accumulated. You will be forced to examine those cabinets that are hard to reach, as well as the crawlspace, garage, and basement corners. Get a headstart on cleaning (and inspecting) these areas.

When you are going through your items, resist the temptation to hold onto something because it brings back memories. Is it really something you want in your home if it has been sitting on a basement shelf for years with no one taking notice? Will it be displayed prominently, or will it again end up forgotten on a bookcase? Are you willing to carry it, pack it, and then unpack it? Add it to the sell or donation pile if it’s not.

Get a storage unit for all your possessions to keep them safe while you are selling your house. You will have more space and can start your move earlier.

Making Home Repairs

Allow yourself enough time to complete repairs, store and pack personal items, and stage your home. You may want to begin the work on your home well in advance of putting it on the market, depending on how much you need to do. If you plan to sell your house in the spring, it may be a good idea to start some outdoor projects before the cold weather sets in.

Talk to your agent before you do any major renovations. Your agent will tell you whether an upgrade is worthwhile or not. You may think that a newly renovated kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances will be a big selling point in your area, but it may not. Since your agent has never lived in the house, they will likely notice things that you have forgotten about, like the stain on a basement ceiling or the cracked tile in the kitchen. Here are some basic repairs that you may need to make, even though every house is unique.

What is the condition of your carpet? Does the carpet look dirty or stained? Consider replacing the older carpet. Consider removing all carpeting if there is hardwood flooring underneath.

Paint your walls in neutral and warm colors such as beige. Paint the walls of your children’s bedrooms if they are painted in a bright color. The home buyer may also have children, but they might prefer something different. You want the home buyer to visualize their space, so don’t fill it with other people’s personalities and styles.

Ceiling: Consider removing textured ceilings. It’s not only messy but also time-consuming. Consult with a professional if you plan to do the job yourself to ensure you don’t release asbestos.

Renovations to the kitchen can be expensive. New cabinets, new appliances, and new faucets will impress buyers. Speak to your agent to find out how much you can do without going overboard. Avoid dripping taps and an old or worn-out look.

Bathroom: The bathroom is the most important part of the house. Fix any leaks in showerheads and faucets, just as you would do in the kitchen. Replace any tiles or glass with lime deposits. The bathroom can be made to feel bigger by painting it a light color.

Roof: If you need to replace your roof, some potential buyers will pass your house up. Re-shingling it now is a good idea.

It is impossible to overstate the importance of curb appeal. You want to make a good first impression on your potential buyers. Fill in any cracks on the driveway. Trim back overgrown shrubbery. Paint the porch railings or fence if necessary. Consider getting new knobs and lock for the front door.

If you are not aware of any major structural issues with your house, the majority of updates you will want to make prior to putting it on the market will be cosmetic. It’s all about creating a good first impression. After the inspection, you’ll likely have to make additional repairs. You can still take action now, even though the inspector may find problems you didn’t notice. Check that the air conditioning and heating systems, as well as any other appliances, are working properly.

home for sale

How to Stage Your Home

You want to declutter and clean your house, but you do not want to leave it completely empty. This will make it look smaller. Furniture strategically placed will give buyers an idea of the size of a room and help them imagine themselves living in it.

Consider hiring a professional home stager to maximize the space in your house. Real estate experts say that professionally staged houses sell more quickly and at higher prices. Statisticians have found that 95 percent of professionally staged houses sell in less than 11 days and for 17 percent more than homes that are not staged.

Home staging is a small cost compared to selling a house in Myrtle Beach, but there are many upfront costs. You can save money by staging your home yourself. Just remember to remove as much personal property as possible. For each room, aim to have one piece of furniture and an accent piece. Allow plenty of room around furniture to allow home buyers to easily move around.

Remove or secure any valuables while you are at them. You’re being extra cautious, but you don’t need to lose anything important or expensive. You should require a password on your computer and remove all mail that may contain credit card or banking information.

What to expect when selling your home

You should have asked about the marketing plan of your agent when you met them for the first time. All agents should be prepared with a plan that includes social media and a budget for advertising. A stager or photographer may be included in the budget. Be sure that your agent uses 360-degree and drone videos as well as photographs. Homes with poor imagery will be less attractive to buyers online, where the majority of home purchases begin.

Prepare for the Sale

You’ll have to leave your house in a few months or days, depending on how quickly you sell. You should start planning for this, especially if your home is in a high-demand real estate market. Don’t be caught without a plan of exit. Consider the following:

Utility providers: The new buyer of your home will want to move in as soon as they can. They’ll need water and electricity. Before closing, the buyers may request a list to transfer utilities.

Check your insurance policy before you move out. Insurance companies do not like vacant homes, so you may be penalized if you leave before the new owner takes possession. Insure all expensive items that you will be moving. Consider having the items appraised if you’re not sure of their value. This will ensure you receive the right coverage. Many insurance policies limit coverage for property that is in transit. It might not be covered if the movers leave an expensive piece in the driveway.

Mortgage: Make sure all of your paperwork is in order and that you have sorted out your mortgage. You should let your mortgage company know if you are selling and purchasing at the same time so that they can help you time out the transaction. You can borrow money against the proceeds of your sale if necessary.

Get Organized

It can be a hectic process to sell a home. You have a lot to do, starting with cleaning and repairs to getting your home photographed and marketed. Then there are showings and offers. Get organized now before the chaos begins. Be sure to have your title, deed, and survey of the property. This paperwork will save you time in the future. Title and deed documents are what make you a legal owner of a property. The size of your home is determined by the survey.

These documents are available to the mortgage company if you still owe money. You should have received them if your mortgage has been paid. You may be able to get copies of them from the county records office if you cannot find them. It is possible that someone else holds the deed for your house, and this could explain why you haven’t received it. It’s best to know now, rather than later.

When selling a house, things rarely go as planned. Plan B is a good idea (or even C, D, and E). What if, for example, you list your house and it sells in a week or less? When will your new home be completed? Where will you stay in the interim if your new home is not ready? What if, on the other hand, your home is listed for a much longer period of time than you anticipated? Will you move out of your house and leave it vacant or will you stay? You could lose the chance to sell your new house if you don’t comply with the conditions of the contingency clause. You won’t be surprised if things don’t work out as planned if you know what to do. It’s now time to list your home!

Call Full Potential Real Estate, LLC now if you’re looking for a listing agent in Myrtle Beach to help you sell your home.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about selling or buying your home.

Full Potential Real Estate, LLC
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-236-0203
http://fullpotentialrealestate.com

Find a Listing Agent

In the planning stage, selling your house was more an idea. It’s now time to start the real work: find a listing agency. What is a listing agent?

Listing agents, also known as seller’s agents (not to confuse with selling agents, who represent buyers), work almost exclusively for home sellers. Your agent can help you with staging and marketing, as well as pricing your home. Your agent will make sure that your home is listed in a Multiple Listing Service (MLS). The MLS is a database of homes that are for sale. It distributes these houses to other agents. This is the best method to put your house in front of buyers’ agents.

Dual agents are agents who represent both the buyer and seller. Some states do

In the planning stage, selling your house was more of an idea. It’s now time to start the real work: find a listing agent. What is a listing agent?

Listing agents, also known as seller’s agents (not to confuse with selling agents, who represent buyers), work almost exclusively for home sellers. Your agent can help you with staging and marketing, as well as pricing your home. Your agent will make sure that your home is listed in a Multiple Listing Service (MLS). The MLS is a database of homes that are for sale. It distributes these houses to other agents. This is the best method to put your house in front of buyers’ agents.

Dual agents are agents who represent both the buyer and seller. Research the laws of your state for more information. Dual agents are preferred by some sellers because they can result in a faster closing and require less negotiation. However, if you end up having your agent represent both the seller and buyer there could be a conflict of interest. If this happens, the dual agent will not have to split commissions, and it is possible to negotiate lower fees. You can choose to hire a dual agent, but you should ask agents about this when you interview them.

When you hire a listing agent to sell your home, they will take the lead in marketing it and ensuring that the home is sold as quickly as possible for the highest price. Your agent might recommend other professionals such as a home stager, a professional photographer, an expert contractor who can make repairs and a real-estate attorney.

The right agent can make or break your sale. Let’s look at what you should look for, how your listing agreement may look, and what role your agent plays in the sale of your home.

Researching Listing Agents

You’re looking for the best candidate to represent you as a seller of your home. You wouldn’t hire anyone before speaking with them. So, it is important to be selective when selecting an agent. You should still interview at least two other agents, even if you have an agent already in mind. You want someone with whom you can connect on a personal basis, not just someone who has the right qualifications. You need to be sure that the person you choose is someone you can trust. Here are some questions you can ask agents when they interview you:

How long have been you an agent? The agent’s level of experience is entirely up to you, and you should choose someone who has at least two year’s experience. They’ve already experienced most of the unexpected situations that may arise during the selling process. This question can be used by a good agent to tell you more about them and their background.

How long have your been working in this field? If the agent does not volunteer this information, you can ask this question. You want an agent with expertise in your area.

How many houses have you sold in the last year? You want to get a number in the double-digits. This is usually between 15 and 20.

What is your list-to-sell rate? Divide the home’s sale price by its last listing price to find the ratio. If the ratio exceeds 100 percent, the house has sold for more than the list price. This ratio will tell you whether the listing agent in Myrtle Beach is accurately analyzing data, and correctly listing houses. You want to see a high percentage – around 90 percent if it is a tough market.

How many clients work you with at once? You’re unlikely to receive much personal attention if the agent has dozens of clients working at once. This question can be used by a good agent to discuss time management.

Work with a Team? Many agents have a team of experts who take care of different aspects of the process. This has some benefits, but you should tell your agent about it. Don’t be surprised if someone unknown shows up at your home.

Do you have experience with buyers? You will know if the agent has some experience with the buyer side of the transaction. Asking if your agent is a dual agent can be a good way to start the conversation.

What is your marketing strategy? You need an agent who uses tried and true methods, such as yard signs. But you also want someone who is able to use social media. You should ask how much money they intend to spend on marketing.

What is your communication style like? You probably have a good idea of the agent’s communication style after chatting with them for a while. You can get a better idea of how an agent communicates by asking this question at the end. It’s important to find an agent you can easily communicate with.

Do you have any questions for me? The agent should be able to answer this question without you having to ask it. These questions shouldn’t be limited to the basics, like your timeline or selling price. They should get to know your personality. You want to work with an agent that understands the emotional aspects of selling a house.

What is the role of a listing agent?

You can expect the following from your listing agent:

Calculate the value of your home. It’s difficult to find the right price, and many homeowners overprice their homes. You won’t be told what price to ask by your agent, but they will advise you on the best possible price.

List the house. You can list your home without an agent but it will cost more. This service is already available to your agent.

A professional agent knows the best contractors, stagers, and photographers to use in order to make your house shine.

Show the house. You can do this by having an open house or a special showing.

Negotiate with the buyer. In many home sales, the buyer and seller have never met. Your agent will work with the buyer’s representative to negotiate the details of the contract while it is being negotiated. Your agent will know what is typical and what is unusual because they have read these contracts before. They can also remain detached to negotiate effectively.

Attend the Close. When it comes time to close, an agent is very helpful, especially if they have some legal knowledge. They can review all the documents with you, along with an escrow agent and/or a closing lawyer.

Signing the Home Listing Agreement

You’ll negotiate a contract once you find an agent. In most states, real estate agents have standard legal agreements that they use to protect both the seller and agent. It’s important to understand what you will be signing, what you can negotiate and what you should watch out for before you sign. What is usually included in a listing contract?

Commission

The commission in most cases is 6 percent. This is divided between the agent of the seller and your agent. The commission will be the same if you are using a dual agent. You may have the ability to negotiate with your agent if he or she represents both you and the purchaser. Some agents are willing to negotiate lower commissions, but this is rare, especially for sales above $500,000. Keep in mind that the lower you pay, the less your agent will give to you.

Right to Sell

Agents will often ask for exclusive rights to sell. This means that only they can list your house. In other types of contracts, the agent will get their commission regardless if you or the agent find the buyer. Exclusive rights are advantageous because they motivate the agent to do the work on your behalf.

Length of the Agreement

Standard contracts are usually between three and six months. You, as the seller, benefit from shorter timeframes because you can quickly find another agent if the first one doesn’t work out. The agent will benefit from longer agreements because they can get a better price for their house if more work is done.

Protection Clause

Listing agents in Myrtle Beach are required to protect themselves against homeowners who agree with the buyer that they will wait until the end of the contract to avoid paying a commission. If you find a buyer through the agent and sell to them, you will still owe the commission even though the agreement is terminated. In the event that the agent does not perform, you’ll need to be protected by the clause. You should ensure that this clause is exempt in the event of a change in agent. This will prevent you from paying a double commission.

Payment

Pay the agent only when the sale has been closed, not when the buyer is delivered. If payment is due when the buyer is delivered as per the contract, it’s possible that the deal could fall apart during negotiations with the buyer and you will be responsible for the commission.

Service

The contract should clearly state what the agent will be expected to do. The list may include using MLS, putting up yard signs, a monetary budget to spend on advertising, attending walk-throughs and handling negotiations with buyers, as well as resolving conflicts. The list should be detailed.

Verification

You will be required to verify that the property is owned in good faith and that there are no claims against the title.

Negotiating the Contract

Everything in real estate is negotiable. Even your listing contract. It is only between you and your agent, so you can change or add to the contract if both of you agree. Most agents will use boilerplate forms that are fair for both parties.

This agreement should be read carefully, just as you would any important legal document. Have a lawyer review it if anything is strange. It doesn’t matter if you think everything is fine. A lawyer can still review the contract for you. Pay attention if the agent insists that you sign the contract immediately. You may not have chosen the best agent.

Call Full Potential Real Estate, LLC now, and let our listing agent help you sell your home.

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Full Potential Real Estate, LLC
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-492-4537
https://fullpotentialrealestate.com

Sovereign Village Townhomes: Your Perfect Coastal Retreat

Looking for a coastal retreat that offers an unbeatable location, luxurious amenities, and a selection of beautifully designed townhomes? Look no further than Sovereign Village Townhomes, the newest community of townhomes coming soon to North Myrtle Beach, SC.

With its prime location just minutes from the beach, golf courses, shopping, dining, and entertainment, Sovereign Village Townhomes offers residents the best of both worlds – the tranquility of coastal living and the convenience of a bustling community.

But location isn’t the only thing that makes Sovereign Village stand out. This community of new townhomes for sale also boasts an array of luxurious amenities that are sure to impress.

For starters, each townhome in Sovereign Village Townhomes comes equipped with top-of-the-line appliances, including stainless steel refrigerators, dishwashers, and microwaves. The kitchens also feature granite countertops and custom cabinetry, giving you both style and functionality. (Note: this image is for an example only and is not an actual rendering of the kitchen in Sovereign Village Townhomes.)

But that’s just the beginning. Each townhome also includes a private patio or balcony, providing residents with the perfect spot to relax and take in the beautiful coastal scenery.

If you’re looking for even more luxury, Sovereign Village also offers residents access to an array of community amenities. The clubhouse features a pool and a lounge area, perfect for gathering with friends and neighbors. Even a dog park for that special pet in your life!

And let’s not forget about the beach. Sovereign Village is just minutes from some of the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast, including Cherry Grove Beach and North Myrtle Beach. Spend your days lounging on the sand, playing in the surf, or exploring the area’s many beachside attractions.

But perhaps the best part of Sovereign Village Townhouses is the selection of townhome designs to choose from. Our unique designs feature a master suite on the main floor and a master suite and third bedroom on the second floor. Imagine having plenty of room for your family to visit!

These three-bedroom townhomes offer an open concept living area, perfect for entertaining. These three-bedroom townhomes include a master suite with a walk-in closet and an ensuite bathroom. A convenient laundry room is located on the first floor.

No matter which floor plan you choose, you can rest assured that each townhome in Sovereign Village has been designed with both style and functionality in mind. From the high ceilings to the hardwood floors, no detail has been overlooked.

And if you’re looking for even more customization options, Sovereign Village also offers residents the opportunity to work with a designer during the initial planning stage to create a home that’s truly yours. From selecting your own finishes to adding custom features, the possibilities are endless.

But don’t just take our word for it – see for yourself why Sovereign Village is the perfect place to call home. Call Full Potential Real Estate today and see all that this beautiful community has to offer.

Full Potential Real Estate, LLC
4201 Carolina Exchange Drive Suite 202
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
843-236-0203

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How to Sell a House

Your home is much more than bricks and drywall. Your home is where you can relax, unwind and make memories. From the bathroom tiles you installed yourself to the scratch marks left by your pet on the doorframe, you’ve done a lot to your home. That tree in your backyard, that crayon mark that never came off the wall. It’s possible to feel many emotions when you sell your house. There may be sadness about what you are leaving behind, along with the excitement of moving forward. All emotions and thoughts are valid when you sell a house. There are many factors to consider when selling your home. Let’s go through the entire process, from start to finish so you know what to expect.

What is the time frame to sell a house?

There are many factors that can influence the time it takes to sell your house, such as which market you live in. A home seller will spend between eight and 12 days preparing their home for sale, 45 to 70 days waiting (and sifting through), and 14 to 60 days closing the deal. It could take just 30 days or several months for the entire process to be completed. It’s hard to predict the time it will take to sell your house. Here’s an estimate of the timeline and average timeframe for each step.

Five to seven days for finding a real estate agent

If you don’t already have a realtor, it is worth spending some time researching the local agents and getting recommendations from family and friends. You can also meet agents in person. To ensure you are able to trust your agent, take the time to interview them. Ask about their market knowledge and the number of homes they have sold. You want an agent who is open to your ideas. To ensure that the agent is licensed in your region, visit the agent’s site and check the website of your state’s realty commission. These are questions you can ask potential real estate agents in Myrtle Beach:

• Are you a full-time agent? You can choose to be a full-time or part-time agent. However, it is possible that part-time agents may prove more difficult due to time constraints.
• What is your experience as an agent? You might prefer an experienced agent with many contacts and knowledge. Or maybe you’re looking for someone who is just starting out but still learning.
• Do you prefer that I work with you directly or have you put together a team of agents? Some agents handle only a small portion of the sale while others handle it all.
• Are you able to work with both buyers and sellers? Agents can represent buyers and sellers. However, there may be conflicts of interest if the agent represents both you and the buyer.
• What is your marketing strategy for my house? Your area should have a marketing strategy for agents.
• What are the nearby comparables? This will allow you to have a discussion with the agent about prices.
• What number of clients are you currently serving? It’s up to you. Are you looking for someone who has lots of time or is busy but highly sought-after?
• How much is your commission? Although six percent is the norm, it will be split equally between you and the buyer’s agents. However, some agents charge different rates.

After you have found the right agent, you will sign a contract or listing agreement. The agreement allows the agent to market your property. This agreement includes information such as a description of your property, asking price, and expiration date.

Three to five days for listing your home

It all depends on how fast your real estate agent is able to gather information about the property, such as tax records, and how quickly it can be staged and photographed. If they feel it will impact the sale, your agent might suggest ways to increase curb appeal. An agent might also request a sign for your yard and a lockbox for your door.

Get an offer in as little as 70 days

Because it is so variable depending on where you live, this timeframe can be the most difficult to establish. A seller’s market could offer you a deal within days of your listing. It could take several months to get an offer in a buyer’s marketplace. You could lose offers if you list your house at a higher price than the market. Keep in touch with your agent to ensure that your home is priced fairly.

Clear to close in 14-60 days

You’ve found a buyer. Although it’s exciting, don’t rush to accept the offer. Discuss the offer with your agent to ensure you fully understand it. The buyer might have contingencies that are not included in the price. You should be comfortable with the terms and not only the price. The agent will be able to explain all contingencies and their impact on the final sale. Voicive some common contingencies:

• Conditon sale (meaning that the buyer must sell their home before they can buy yours).
• Appraisal contingency (if the house fails to appraise at the agreed price, the seller could back out).
• Inspection contingency: When the home inspector discovers problems, it can impact the sale
• Funding contingency: When the homebuyer can’t obtain a mortgage loan, the contingency lets them get out of the contract.

Transfer possession

Depending on your location, the buyer may get the keys the same day or shortly after closing. Make sure you have a plan for moving out before closing. It is possible to negotiate with buyers to rent the property for a few days if you are unable to leave the property due to any reason. You will need to negotiate the terms of a post occupancy agreement.

Important Steps to Take in Your Home Selling Journey

Your home-selling experience may look very different depending on where you live. There are some steps that every home seller should follow. These steps will be covered in detail in future How-To articles. Here’s a general overview.

Research the market to determine your home’s worth. This will help you when you meet with agents. Your agent will give you an estimate of the price based on market conditions and comparables, but it is you who will decide the asking price.

At least three agents are needed to find a good real estate agent. It is important to choose someone who is familiar with your area and can be reached by you. You will need to partner with your agent throughout the entire home-selling process. Find someone who can communicate well and is knowledgeable about your market.

Prepare your home for sale. Make any necessary repairs and improve the curb appeal. Your personal belongings such as family photos and knickknacks should be moved if possible. to a storage unit. Avoid storing items in your garage, as buyers may want to view them when they tour the house.

Listing your home: This step involves working with an agent to create a listing. Talk about how you can bring out the character of your home and don’t hesitate to use new technology to improve your home’s visibility.

Open houses: This is a big change from the open houses of years past where curious seekers came to view the inside of the house. Nowadays, most people first look online at houses. Virtual tours, drone footage, AR, and AR can help buyers decide if they want to buy a home. The majority of buyers who attend open houses today are serious buyers who want to see the home in person.

Receive offers: You’ll need to make important decisions when you receive offers for your home. Are you surprised by the low offers? What happens if there are multiple offers? What if you have multiple offers?

The closing: Your agent will most likely work with the buyer’s representative to finalize the contract. This could include home repairs or the transfer of utilities. It is important that all documentation from your real estate attorney be signed, notarized, and initialized. After the contract has been signed, initialized and notarized, you can begin planning your move.

Advice for Home Sellers

You love your house and want it to sell quickly. Many home sellers, especially first-time sellers, make common mistakes when trying to sell their property. We have compiled some advice from other home sellers to help you avoid these common mistakes. Here are their comments:

Look for a professional agent. Selling a home in Myrtle Beach can be complicated. Some sellers choose to sell through ibuyer companies, while others go the “for-sale-by-owner” route. A good agent can make your home-selling experience a breeze. The agent will negotiate the best price for your house while also guiding you through the tax records, legal documentation, and marketing aspects. This is a big sale so be sure to have an agent who understands the market and the industry.

Marketing your home can make all the difference. A home sale is like selling a business. Every business requires good marketing. Your house should shine. Clean up your house, get rid of clutter, clean up your lawn, and give it a new coat of paint. To make your home shine online, hire a professional photographer. Hire a professional stager for your home to make it look great in photos and in person.

Set a fair price. It is your home and it is worth everything. Real estate agents will tell homeowners that they often overprice their homes, regardless of whether they are first-time buyers or not. Be realistic about the price from the beginning. You can take the emotion out of the equation and base your price on comparables (homes that are in the same area with the same features) A home that is too expensive might remain on the market for quite some time. You may have to lower the price than if the price was moderate. The home that sells first is usually the most expensive in the area. You can get a buyer who is willing to pay what you ask. However, if the appraiser is lower than the agreed-upon price, the deal may fall apart.

Checklist for Home Selling

This checklist will help you navigate the selling process.

• Do your homework
• Make sure you review your finances before making a budget for repairs or closing costs.
• Ask for advice from professionals in real estate, including tax and legal specialists.
• To help you decide the right price for your property, research your local real estate market
• Locate an agent

You should ensure that the following items are in good order and make any repairs.

• Roof
• Gutters
• Yard
• Doors and windows
• Floors
• Plumbing
• Elec.
• Heating and cooling
• Paint

Important Points To Remember:

• The house should be priced
• Get your home appraised
• Have a look at the market again
• Set a similar price
• Get ready for the open house
• Get rid of clutter and clean up
• Plan for your children and pets
• Hiring a professional stager
• Hiring a professional photographer
• Negotiate the offer
• Discuss the purchase contract with your agent.
• Identify contingencies that you are willing to accept
• Your agent can help you negotiate with the buyer
• If necessary, make additional home repairs
• Make a move-out schedule and share possession with the buyer
• Sign the purchase agreement
• Closing
• Closing the contract via escrow
• Satisfy final inspection requests/contingencies
• Arrange for the transfer of utilities
• Send the title and any other documents to your local government/buyer
• The buyer will send you the letter of commitment to lend money
• Close fees to be paid

Let’s now look at each step of the home-selling journey. Call now if you need expert help in selling your home.

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Full Potential Real Estate, LLC
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-492-4537
https://fullpotentialrealestate.com