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Tips for First Time Home Sellers

Tips for a First-Time Home Seller

Homeowners don’t generally think about filling the shoes of a first-time home seller until they decide to buy a new home. Usually, the motivating factor is the need to move — due to work-related issues or the needs of a growing family — and that generally involves buying another house.

It’s when the homeowners stop to consider the move that it may dawn on them, yes, because they need to sell, they are now a first-time home seller.

Selling a home is very different from buying a home. Whereas buying a home generally involves emotions and feelings, selling a home typically centers on what listing agents like to call maximizing profit potential.

Price Your Home Accurately

Price your home accurately. For this, you should enlist the help of a reputable listing agent.  You’ll fare much better if you select an experienced real estate agent who sells a fair number of listings for your market.

Your agent will analyze comparable sales and prepare an estimate of value for comparative market analysis.

Home Staging Boosts Selling Power and Appeal

Ask your agent to advise you on preparing your home for sale. Most homes show better with about half of the furniture removed.  Consider home staging to boost your selling power and appeal, and ask your agent for input.

Painting is the single most effective improvement you can make. Don’t let dings in the woodwork or scraps on the walls make your home reflect deferred maintenance.

The Best Day to List Your Home

The time period for listing your home will vary depending on your local community, the weather, time of year, and a host of other factors, including the state of your present real estate market. You basically get one chance to present your home in hopefully its best light the first day on the market.

Ask About Your Agent’s Standard Real Estate Commission

Ask about your agent’s standard real estate commission before you get too far down the line. If it’s reasonable, consider the big picture and benefits to you to hire this individual. Check track records for performance. Don’t expect a full-service agent to discount. Getting into a contract is only the beginning; you need to make it all the way to closing.

Your home will not sell itself, despite what you may read or hear or the propensity of real estate websites to make the process appear as easy as the click of a mouse. It’s not. You don’t know what you don’t know. To get the most money from the sale of your home, you will most likely rely on the professionals you have hired to sell your home.

Do not try to pit agents against each other to compete for commission or you’ll increase the chances you’ll end up with a weasel. You don’t deserve a weasel.

Be Flexible With Home Showings

Be flexible with showings. If home showings are too much of an imposition, consider going away the first weekend your home is on the market. Yes, it can feel a bit intrusive to allow strangers to trek through your home.  The best way to sell your home is to let a buyer inside with their buyer’s agent to tour in peace and quiet.

Host an Open House

Allow an open house if your home is conducive to an open house.

Not every home is a viable candidate for an open house. If your home is located in an area close to major traffic, that is generally indicative of a reasonable expectation that the open house signs will pull in visitors. Ask your agent if she advertises the open house online. Many a home buyer has had no desire to buy a home until they spot an open house and subsequently falls in love.

Make Sure You Have Professional Photography

Of course, if you have hired a top-notch listing agent, your agent will most likely already provide professional photos. It’s not enough to just get the angle right in the photo, the most popular photos are rich in color and depth, and they entice.

Review Your Listing Online

Look at your home listing on various websites to make sure the information conveyed is accurate. Agents do their best to ensure accuracy, but since it is your home, you know the details better than anyone.

Respond Promptly to a Purchase Offer

Try to respond promptly to a purchase offer. Many offers contain a date by which the offer expires. Notwithstanding, it can drive buyers crazy if they are forced to wait for a seller to decide whether to accept their offer or to issue a counteroffer.

 

Enjoy the Process – Have Some Fun

Real Estate doesn’t have to be stressful.  When looking for the right listing agent, see if they have a counterpart to help you find your new home in the process.  The better the agent, the less stressful the situation – remember that as you pick!

 


Posted on March 6, 2018

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    View Instagram post by storyhousere

    May 8

    4 0
    Open post by storyhousere with ID 18058148761943440
    JUST LISTED & FEATURED LISTINGS🎈 11 LISTINGS

JUST LISTED | 🏠 4286 Sunset Drive Charlottesville VA 22911 | MLS#664112 | $525,000 | 🛏️ 3 bed 🛁 2.5 bath | 🎉 OPEN HOUSE Saturday, May 10th from 11 AM - 1 PM!

JUST LISTED | 🏠 127 Kathys Lane Troy VA 22974 | MLS#664146 | $500,000 | 🛏️ 4 bed 🛁 2.5 bath | 🎉 OPEN HOUSE Saturday, May 10th from 11 AM - 1 PM!

JUST LISTED | 🏠 382 Grayrock Drive Crozet VA 22932 | MLS#664155 | $775,000 | 🛏️ 5 bed 🛁 3.5 bath | 🎉 OPEN HOUSE Saturday, May 10th from 12 PM - 2 PM!

JUST LISTED | 🏠 2024 DeSoto Drive Charlottesville VA 22902 | MLS#664186 | $535,000 | 🛏️ 4 bed 🛁 3.5 bath | 🎉 OPEN HOUSE Saturday, May 10th from 11 AM - 1 PM!

JUST LISTED | 🏠 1184 Partridge Lane Charlottesville VA 22901 | MLS#664253 | $395,000 | 🛏️ 3 bed 🛁 3 bath | 🎉 OPEN HOUSE Saturday, May 10th from 2PM - 4 PM!

FEATURED LISTING | 🏠 109 Applewood Drive Zion Crossroads VA 22942 | MLS#663702 | $725,000 | 🛏️ 4 bed 🛁 3.5 bath | 🎉 

FEATURED LISTING | 🏠 722 Empire Street, Charlottesville, VA 22901 | MLS #663533 | $500,000 | 🛏️ 3 bed 🛁 2.5 bath | 🎉 

FEATURED LISTING | 🏠 🏠 6183 Spring Hill Rd Ruckersville VA 22968 | MLS #663532 | $350,000 | 🛏️ 3 bed 🛁 2.5 bath | 🎉

FEATURED LISTING | 🏠 5077 W Hoover Road, Reva, Virginia 22735 | MLS#662321 | $800,000 | 🛏️ 4bed 🛁 4 full/ 2 half bath | 🎉 

FEATURED LISTING | 🏠 68 Appalachian Ln Zion Crossroads, VA 22942 | MLS #662313 | $475,000 | 🛏️ 3 bed 🛁 3.5 bath | 🎉 

FEATURED LISTING | 🏠 1191 Pen Park Road, Charlottesville, Virginia 22901 | MLS #661820 | $620,000 | 🛏️ 3 bed 🛁 2.5 bath | 🎉

Email showings@storyhousere.com with any questions and/or interest!
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    View Instagram post by storyhousere

    May 8

    6 0
    Open post by storyhousere with ID 18134882833407413
    JUST LISTED | 🏠 1184 Partridge Lane Charlottesville VA 22901 | MLS#664253 | $395,000 | 🛏️ 3 bed 🛁 3 bath | 🎉 OPEN HOUSE Saturday, May 10th from 2PM - 4PM!

Sunny and spacious main level 2BR/2BA plus terrace level 1BR/1BA end-unit townhome in the highly sought-after Branchlands Community! Enjoy true one-level living with a generous great room, dining area, and bright sunroom perfect for morning coffee or afternoon reading.

The First-floor owner’s suite offers ample closet space and natural light. Basement abounds with options—a bedroom and bath combination/suite (ideal for a nanny or live-in care), plus a large unfinished area with built-in shelving and separate walk-out access, offering rare storage flexibility or potential for a workshop or hobby space. This well-maintained home provides an easy, low-maintenance lifestyle with kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, and laundry all on the main floor.

Ideally located near public transportation, medical offices, shopping at UVA and Barracks Road, and formerly near the Senior Center (now relocated but still easily accessible). Residents enjoy beautiful walking trails, a peaceful park with a pond, and wooded green space right in the heart of town. Reserved parking at your door plus guest parking. HOA covers trash, exterior maintenance, and landscaping. A rare find in a prime location!

 📩 Email showings@storyhouseRE.com with questions!
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    View Instagram post by storyhousere

    May 6

    12 0
    Open post by storyhousere with ID 18055434422194281
    COMING SOON | 🏠 382 Grayrock Drive Crozet VA 22932 | MLS#664155 | $775,000 | 🛏️ 5 bed 🛁 3.5 bath | 🎉 OPEN HOUSE Saturday, May 10th from 12 PM - 2 PM!

Beautiful 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath Colonial on a waterfront lot in Crozet’s Grayrock neighborhood. Enjoy stunning Blue Ridge Mountainviews from the large screened-in porch, expansive grilling deck, or while strolling around the backyard next to the Grayrock pond.

Inside, the grand foyer opens to a spacious living room, while the main level offers two potential studies—perfect for working from home. The large owner’s suite features a sitting area and an elegant ensuite with separate vanities. Relax on the covered front porch or enjoy walks on neighborhood sidewalks, around the twoponds, or play at one of two playgrounds.

Convenient to downtown Crozet, shopping/dining, wineries, and hiking trails. This home combines classic charm, modern comfort, and an unbeatable location.

 📩 Email showings@storyhouseRE.com with questions!
 #Charlottesvillerealestate #StoryHouseRealEstate #StoryHouseRE #startyournextstory #comingsoon #Charlottesville #StartYourStoryWithUs
    View Instagram post by storyhousere

    May 6

    10 0
    Open post by storyhousere with ID 17980999967819799
    COMING SOON | 🏠 2024 DeSoto Drive Charlottesville VA 22902 | MLS#664186 | $535,000 | 🛏️ 4 bed 🛁 3.5 bath | 🎉 OPEN HOUSE Saturday, May 10th from 11 AM - 1 PM!

Like-new and designer-inspired in desirable Avon Park, this 4BR/3.5BA modern end-unit townhome offers space, style, and unbeatable location just minutes to Downtown Mall and 5th Street Station. The open floor plan features a stunning kitchen with quartz counters, large island, stainless appliances, and pendant lighting. A spacious dining area opens to the bright living room and back deck—perfect for entertaining.

Upstairs offers a serene primary suite and two additional bedrooms. The terrace level includes a private 4th bedroom/rec room with full bath and separate entrance. The top floor bonus room provides great extra space—ideal for a playroom, office, or lounge—and opens to a rooftop terrace with sweeping views. Enjoy sunrise coffee, sunset dinners, or stargazing!

Avon Park is uniquely situated alongside Biscuit Run State Park, with trails leading directly into the park from within the neighborhood and public parking just a mile away. Community amenities include a dog park!

Just 5 minutes to the Monticello Trail, Belmont Park, I-64,and winery tasting rooms; 10 minutes to dinner on the Downtown Mall or apple picking at Carter Mountain. Beautiful finishes, natural light, an unbeatable proximity make this home a rare find!

 📩 Email showings@storyhouseRE.com with questions!
 #Charlottesvillerealestate #StoryHouseRealEstate #StoryHouseRE #startyournextstory #comingsoon #Charlottesville #StartYourStoryWithUs
    View Instagram post by storyhousere

    May 6

    15 0
    Open post by storyhousere with ID 18207694573306458
    COMING SOON | 🏠 127 Kathys Lane Troy VA 22974 | MLS#664146 | $500,000 | 🛏️ 4 bed 🛁 2.5 bath | 🎉 OPEN HOUSE Saturday, May 10th from 11 AM - 1 PM!

Well-maintained and beautifully appointed Colonial on a scenic 4+ acre lot, featuring a perfect mix of open fields and mature woods.This charming home offers a private setting with modern conveniences, including stainless steel appliances and high-speed internet—ideal for today's lifestyle.

Enjoy a spacious, light-filled interior with quality finishes throughout. The nearly level lot provides ample space for outdoor living, gardening, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet.

Conveniently located with easy access to the 250 corridor and Interstate 64, making travel to Charlottesville,Richmond, and surrounding areas a breeze. A rare opportunity to enjoy comfort, privacy, and convenience all in one.

 📩 Email showings@storyhouseRE.com with questions!
 #Charlottesvillerealestate #StoryHouseRealEstate #StoryHouseRE #startyournextstory #comingsoon #Charlottesville #StartYourStoryWithUs
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