You may get the idea that selling your house would mean reaping lots of cash, but it is good to be reminded of the costs that you still have to settle as a seller before you start making plans on what to do with your estimated profit. Several factors can affect the cost of selling your home. It would be wise to factor in these costs beforehand so that you can have a precise estimate of your profit come settlement.
As a seller, you should also clarify with both your agent and the buyer's agent which fees are customary and which are not. Here are the standard fees associated with selling a house:
1. Realtor's commission – While this fee is negotiable and varies within markets and property values, it usually takes a big chunk off the selling price, generally amounting to 5-6% of the sale cost. Some arrangements may require you to pay a flat fee, where you and the agent will agree on a fixed price for the sale of the house no matter how much the property sells for. Take note that this fee is split between your agent and the buyer's agent.
You may opt not to hire an agent to sell your house, but keep in mind that the realtor’s responsibilities would cost you money and much of your time, too. Professional agents would also have better access to information on your market and contacts to prospective buyers.
2. Closing costs – This string of fees could be split between the buyer and the seller based on agreements from both parties, but you can expect to pay 6-10% of the house’s sales price upon settlement. Closing costs for sellers vary according to where you live but what the seller usually shoulders are the title transfer fees, notary fees, and escrow expenses. The closing costs could also include outstanding balances from property taxes and mortgage fees. You may also need to pay for a prorated share of the water and sewage bills. It is worth to take note that – unless you are selling with very low equity -- payment for closing costs will not be coming directly from your pocket but would instead be deducted from the profit of selling your home.
3. Home repairs – For your house to have a high market value and to look appealing to buyers, you may want to present your home for sale in its best condition possible. Do not skimp on repainting and having a second look on the functional spaces of the house (such as the kitchen and bathrooms) if ever something needs repairing.
4. Inspection fixes – If the buyer’s home inspection detects major faults in your house such as sewage leakage and roof issues, you have to be ready to cover these costs.
5. Marketing – Your agent may recommend a marketing campaign that includes online listing and physical posters. You will have to pay for these costs which include professional photography, the creation of a floor plan, and press advertising.
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Counseling Session Activities
- Prepare the buyer for executing a buyer representation agreement
- Explain agency relationships to the buyer and get state required legal consent to represent, if needed
- Inform the buyer of working relationship based on state law, the REALTORS® Code of Ethics, and the broker’s business policies
Building a Relationship
- Learn the buyer’s wants and non-negotiable needs
- Understand the buyer’s budget and what will be needed financially
- Help the buyer understand what property their chosen budget will buy
- Consider having the buyer fill out a homebuyer’s checklist
- Assist the buyer in examining how much they can afford to spend
- Provide quality lender resources
- Partner with the buyer to locate suitable properties for consideration
- Match the buyer’s needs with available property
- Constantly re-evaluate buyer’s needs and refocus property showings to fit those needs
- After ensuring the buyer understands what is done for them, how it is done,and the benefit to them, obtain signatures on the buyer representation agreement
- Explain how compensation is paid, who pays it, and what the buyer’s options are for paying it
Educating the Buyer
- Communicate the working relationship based on state law, the REALTORS® Code of Ethics, and the broker’s business policies
- Explain Federal and State Fair Housing laws
- Explain what to look for in applicable property disclosures
- Reassure the buyer that their personal information will remain confidential
- Inform the buyer that you will always disclose all known material defects
- In accordance with state law, provide information on checking the sex-offender registry and crime statistics for the neighborhood
- Discuss available resources that the buyer can check to learn more about prospective neighborhoods
Preparing the Buyer
- Explain the timeline for house hunting, mortgage approval, and closing
- Explain the local market and how it impacts the buyer
- Show statistics on what percentage of list price sellers in the area are currentlyreceiving
- Inform the buyer on what home features are popular
- Identify current average days on market
- Share the dangers of using the price per square foot to figure home values
- Explain the concept of absorption rate and how it impacts the buying process
- Indicate current listing months of market inventory
- Share estimated potential out-of-pocket costs to complete the transaction
- Assist the buyer in analyzing the loan estimates
- Qualify the buyer for financial ability to purchase
- Help the buyer account for the complete costs of homeownership
- Prepare lender for listing agent calls
- Assist in comparing different financing options
- Help the buyer select for viewing only those homes that fit their needs
- Proceed in showing homes that fit the buyer’s must-haves
- Caution the buyer on posting information to social media
- Review the sample sales contract so the buyer is prepared when it comes time to make an offer
Showing Properties
- Schedule showings and provide access to all listed properties as soon as they become available in their local MLS broker marketplaces
- Educate the buyer on the immediacy of new listings appearing in their local MLS broker marketplaces and the lag time for them to appear on some websites
- Collaborate with the buyer on properties they may have learned about through their sphere contacts
- Research and assist on all unlisted properties the buyer wishes to see
- Preview properties prior to showing if needed
- Network with other agents to source properties not yet in their local MLS broker marketplaces
- Contact homeowners in focus areas to see if they are considering selling
- Set up an automated email alert system through their local MLS broker marketplaces that immediately notifies the buyer of properties that fit discussed requirements
- Arrange a tour of areas, schools, and key points of interest
- Provide resources containing neighborhood information on municipal services,schools, etc.
- Inform the buyer of negative aspects like nearby venues or operations that may result in issues that could impact value
- Collect and share any other vital information on available homes, remembering to follow all fair housing laws at all times
- Check applicable zoning and building restrictions
- Help the buyer decipher public property and tax information
- Collect and share pertinent data on values, taxes, utility costs, etc.
- Compare each property shown to the buyer’s wants and needs list and remind them of what they were looking for
- Help the buyer narrow the search until the buyer identifies top choices
Negotiating Offers
- Assist the buyer in getting the best property at the best price
- Suggest that the buyer learn more about the neighborhood prior to makingan offer
- Prepare a comparative market analysis (CMA) in advance of making an offer
- Prepare the buyer to have the most attractive offer in the current marketplace
- Explain common contract contingencies and include approved protective clauses in the purchase offer
- Ensure that the buyer receives and understands all state and federally-required disclosure forms
- Prioritize contract negotiation goals with the buyer
- Help create a negotiating strategy
- Use strategies such as an escalation clause to maintain a competitive offer
- Prepare the buyer for a multiple offer situation and develop negotiation strategies
- Write an offer that has a reasonable chance of being accepted
- Recommend optional contingencies and explain the pros and cons of using them
- Provide information on purchasing incentives that may be available
- Discuss financing alternatives
- Negotiate the buyer’s offers to arrive at the best price and terms
- Utilize hyperlocal expertise and strong communication skills to assist the buyer in being the successful offer
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