Selling Your Home in San Antonio | Your Guide to Success

3. Finishing Touches

The best thing to remember here is to always look through the eyes of a buyer. Think about the things that you expect to see when you are touring homes for your next home, as well as the things that you would not like to see.

Here are a few final items that are really helpful to complete when getting your home market & showing ready:

So now you know that overpricing your home is bad, and underpricing your home is bad – now you’re probably wondering, “How do we find the best list price?” Of course I’ll go over all of the details on the market analysis with you, but here are a few important things to remember when determining that magic number:

Today’s market is centered around technology. Buyers are performing their own searches online so it is important that your listing is ranked high and shown in its best light. Studies have shown that online buyers disregard homes with limited photos, low quality photos, and minimal information, without ever stepping foot into the home. I will take the extra steps to get maximum exposure for your listing and giving the online shopper a wealth of information, and high-quality photos/tours.

Here are a few ways that I use modern marketing techniques to effectively advertise and market your home that will attract the most potential buyers and help you through a successful home sale.

And this is one that only you can control: How well your home shows when buyers schedule a showing. Because more successful showings = more interest in your home = more potential offers! Here are some of the tips that pretty much guarantee a successful showing.

FLEXIBILITY- Be as flexible and accommodating to the buyers schedule as possible. We want to avoid having missed opportunities if at all possible.

INFORMED- Make sure everyone in the home is informed when showings are to happen so they can keep their spaces clean.

DAILY CLEANING- Keep up and daily messes. Wipe down kitchen and bathroom counters before leaving for the day.

ODORS- Avoid strong-smelling foods: Keep your meal prep as neutral and simple as possible.

FURRY FRIENDS- Keep pet areas clean: Clean up after your pets immediately and wash their bedding regularly. Hide pet food or litter. Not everyone is a pet person and it may hinder their ability to picture themselves living there.

NATURAL LIGHT- Open blinds and curtains and let in as much natural light as possible. Leave lights on before you leave for a showing.

TRASH- Empty trash cans to avoid any odors. Try and empty trash cans nightly so that the home is fresh when you leave for the day.

TEMPERATURE- Keep room temperature comfortable. This demonstrates to buyers that HVAC is working properly.

PERSONALS- Make sure you place all valuables and prescriptions out of site and in a safe place.

VACATE- Having a seller present can make buyers feel awkward. We want to make the buyers feel at home and stay awhile.

Once your home is on the market, offers will start rolling in (fingers crossed!). Understanding the ins and outs of offers and negotiations is essential to ensure you get the best possible deal. This part of the selling process can feel overwhelming, but with the right knowledge and strategies, we can navigate it with no problem.

Sales price is just one of many considerations when deciding which offer is best for your home. Here are some of the other factors that matter:

Congratulations! You’ve successfully navigated the challenging waters of selling your home, and now it’s time for the best part of the journey: the closing process. This is where all your hard work pays off as you finalize the sale and hand over the keys to the new homeowners. The closing process in Texas can be a bit intricate, but don’t worry! I’m here to guide you through every step to make sure you’re fully prepared and confident.

What to Expect During Closing (Escrow Process)

• Understanding the Timeline: The closing process typically takes about 30 to 45 days after you accept an offer. This period allows time for necessary inspections, appraisals, and paperwork to be completed.

• Title Search and Title Insurance: A title search will be conducted to ensure there are no liens or claims against your future home. Title insurance is recommended to protect against any potential issues that might arise after the sale.

• Home Inspection and Appraisal: Once you accept an offer, the buyer will likely schedule a home inspection to identify any potential issues. An appraisal will also take place to determine the home’s value, ensuring the buyer’s lender is comfortable with the loan amount.

• Final Walk-Through: Just before closing, the buyer will do a final walk-through of the property to confirm it’s in the same condition as when they made their offer. It’s a great time to ensure any agreed-upon repairs were completed.

• Signing Documents: On closing day, you’ll sign various legal documents. This includes the deed, which transfers ownership to the buyer, and the closing statement, which details all financial transactions related to the sale.

• Receiving Payment: After all documents are signed, you’ll receive your payment. This usually comes in the form of a wire transfer or a check.

Pro Tips for a Smooth Closing

• Stay Organized: Keep all relevant documents handy, including the purchase agreement, inspection reports, and any warranties for appliances or repairs.
• Communicate: Maintain open communication with your real estate agent and the title company. They are your allies in ensuring a smooth process.
• Be Flexible: Sometimes, unexpected issues may arise during closing. Keeping a flexible attitude can help ease any stress.

Wrapping It Up

The closing process can seem daunting, but it’s simply the final step in your home-selling journey. With a little preparation and the right support, you’ll find that this stage can be quick and straightforward. So, take a deep breath and get ready to celebrate as you hand over the keys to your home!

Selling your home in San Antonio is a huge milestone, especially if you’ve never sold a home before. It’s an exciting yet significant decision that requires careful consideration. Let’s review some important factors to help you determine if you’re actually ready to sell your home.

Navigating the process of selling and buying a home simultaneously can feel like a juggling act. Timing, logistics, and financial considerations all play crucial roles in making this transition smooth as possible. Many homeowners find themselves in a position where they want to capitalize on the current real estate market while also finding a new place to call home. In order for this process to be a success, we really need to assess both the market for your current home and your potential new home, making sure that your timeline aligns with your goals. A strategic approach is crucial to help you manage the process effectively, making your move a seamless experience rather than a stressful one.

To succeed in this dual transaction process, it’s wise to assemble a team of professionals who understand the nuances of buying and selling concurrently. Real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and financial advisors can provide invaluable insights, helping you navigate contingencies, negotiations, and keep your sanity! Understanding your financial position is critical, as it will guide you in making informed decisions about your offers and timelines. For more detailed strategies on how to successfully sell and buy a home at the same time, check out my blog post about selling and buying a home at the same time that dives deeper into this subject!

• What’s the first step to selling my home in San Antonio?

  • The first step is to assess the condition of your home and decide how you want to sell it—whether you’ll go the traditional route with a realtor or FSBO (there are pros & cons to both!). Pricing it competitively based on local market trends is crucial to attract potential buyers quickly!

• Do I need to make repairs before selling?

  • It depends! Some buyers prefer homes in “as-is” condition, but making key repairs can significantly increase your home’s appeal and value. A fresh coat of paint and fixing minor issues can go a long way in impressing buyers.

• How do I determine the right list price for my San Antonio home?

  • Researching comparable homes in your neighborhood is a great start. A real estate agent can also provide a comparative market analysis (CMA) to help you set a competitive price that aligns with current market conditions.

• What should I disclose to potential buyers?

  • Transparency is key! You should disclose any known issues with the property, such as plumbing problems, roof leaks, or pest issues. This builds trust with potential buyers and can save you from legal headaches down the line.

• How long does it typically take to sell a home in San Antonio?

  • On average, homes in San Antonio can sell within 30 to 70 days, depending on various factors like pricing, location, home condition and market conditions. Being well-prepared and pricing your home right can help speed up the process.

• What are the closing costs involved in selling my home?

  • Closing costs can vary but typically range from 1% to 3% of the sale price. These costs might include title insurance, real estate agent commissions, and any agreed-upon repairs, so it’s good to budget for them.

• Do I need a real estate agent to sell my home?

  • While it’s not mandatory, having a knowledgeable real estate agent can simplify the process significantly. They can help you navigate the complexities of pricing, marketing, and negotiating offers to get the best deal possible. Plus, it is helpful to have someone to represent your best interests and help you to navigate the contract and deadlines.

• What happens on closing day?

  • Closing day is when you officially transfer ownership of your home to the buyer. You’ll sign various documents, settle any outstanding fees, and receive your payment, making it a day to celebrate the successful sale of your home!