Seller's Guide

TIPS FOR SELLING YOUR HOUSE IN RAPID CITY & THE BLACK HILLS

 Decide On a Price

To determine a price you need to know just how much your property is worth on the open market.   Homeowners have an emotional attachment to their home, and because of this they sometimes overestimate what their house is worth.  Despite the attachment, try to be practical and logical.  Have an idea of how your house compares with similar, recently sold homes in your area.  Evaluate price per square foot, age, condition, location, schools, and amenities.  It’s important to get the price right the first time. If you set your price too high buyers may not consider it.

 Prepare Your House for Sale

Curb appeal is important. If a buyer pulls up and they don’t like what they see on the outside, they won’t want to see the inside.  Keep your lawn and other landscaping neatly trimmed, weeded and watered.  Clean up oil spots in the driveway.  Make sure the garage door opens easily.  Check the exterior of your home for signs of wear and tear, such as peeling paint, foundation cracks or loose shingles, and fix what is needed.  Clean the outside, including windows.

 Home buyers are attracted to clean and attractive houses. Remove all clutter from every room, including closets. Organize your basement and attic.  Wipe down and paint walls and trim if necessary.  Clean all windows, light fixtures and ceiling fans. Bathrooms and kitchens should always be squeaky clean.  Replace any burned out light bulbs. Inspect and make any necessary repairs to the plumbing, heating, cooling and electric systems.

 The first impression of your house could make all the difference.  Make a list of what needs to be fixed, cleaned, changed, or removed.  Make all needed repairs unless you want your house to be regarded as a fixer-upper.  Anything that’s obviously broken gives potential buyers a reason to offer you a lower price.  For more tips see Helpful Articles for Sellers.

 Advertise and Market

Become an expert at advertising and marketing. Make your house stand out!  A well done fact sheet can be one of the strongest tools available in the marketing of your house.  Outline the key features of your home.  Put a sign in your yard.  Place some ads in the classifieds.

 Get Psyched Up To Let People In

Make the house accessible. That means it should always be ready to show. Potential buyers would prefer that the seller not be present during a showing, to avoid making them feel uncomfortable. Children and pets should also be absent during a showing.

Familiarize Yourself with Forms

Be aware of all legal requirements in your area.