It is now estimated that 51% of homes sold are listed online before their sale. 28% of these are sold through real estate agents’ direct contacts. So when it comes to selling on the web, do you know your options?
If you want to sell a home online, you have a few decisions to make. Read on as we help you sell your house in our expert guide.
Choose a Method
There are three options you have when you sell your home, online or through a traditional method. These include selling with a real estate agent, selling it yourself (FSBO), or finding a cash buyer. All of these methods have pros and cons.
Real Estate Agent
With online sales through a real estate agent, you get their knowledge and expertise. They will have contacts and access to networks you don’t. An ability to navigate the sales process easily will also come with them.
The downside is that they charge fees. By going through this sales route, you may also find it takes more time, especially if they have more lucrative property on their books.
For Sale By Owner
When you choose the “for sale by owner” route, you have total control over the property and how it is sold. It also helps you cut down on any fees, and you can decide if you want to do repairs or sell as is.
The downside is that by the time you upload the property to online sites, many of the costs can rival estate agent fees. You also miss out on their expertise and their pool of potential buyers.
Cash Buyers
When you want to sell house fast, cash buyers are the better option. You don’t have the lengthy and unpredictable chain you get with mortgage buyers. Many also buy as-is, so you don’t need to perform repairs or stage the home.
The downside is that you will get a lower offer. If you don’t go to a reputable company, you may also be prone to scams. Away from these companies, you may have trouble finding cash buyers in the general pool of those looking for property.
Preparing the Home
Once you decide on a method, you will need to prepare the home. For example, if you are selling through a real estate agent, they will probably have advice on how to improve the property and increase its sales potential. This may include swapping out appliances, doing major repairs like improving the HVAC system or roof, or replacing fittings.
If you decide to sell to a cash buyer or even go the “for sale by owner” route, you may choose to go as-is. This is when you sell the house without any repair or renovation. It will usually result in a lower offer but saves time and funds.
Selling a Home Online
Now that you know the methods of selling a home online, you can decide which is best for you. For some, the traditional route of hiring an estate agent is more than enough. Though if you want a quick sale and are willing to take a lower offer, then cash sales are the best bet.
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