Selling a Home in Augusta

The appeal of living in Augusta attracts people from all corners of the nation. Whether you enjoy shopping around downtown Augusta, getting some fresh air while walking down the Savannah River, or touring the many historic monuments and buildings across the city, the area has something for everyone interested in buying a home here. But if you’re selling a home in Augusta, there are several important things to know first.

Before you start selling a home in Augusta, it’s important to ensure your home is ready to be listed. Preparing your home for sale is essential in attracting buyers and gaining interest.

Before listing your home, you’ll want to contact a knowledgeable realtor. We recommend interviewing with at least two or three agents before you decide to work with someone. After all, you could be spending several weeks or months with this person. Ask your realtor questions about their previous sales. What comparable homes are in the area that could fetch a similar price?

Before listing your home, you’ll want to make sure it is listed at a fair yet competitive price. By doing so, you’ll steer clear of overpricing or underpricing your home, both of which can deter otherwise interested buyers. During this time, you’ll work closely with your agent to find other houses in the area with a similar size, location, and floor plan. From there, you’ll start comparing the listing price and final sale price of those properties. It’s always a good idea to collect data from as many sources as possible so you’ll have a better understanding of the property values in your neighborhood.

Before listing your home on the market, you’ll want to make a few last-minute repairs to the house if need be. Repainting doors and walls, swapping out light fixtures, and repairing dents in the floorboard are a few such tasks you can complete. But if you’re willing to wait on listing your home for a few months, you may be able to start more in-depth home improvement projects. Many home improvement projects, such as kitchen and bathroom upgrades, can yield a high return on investment.

Every neighborhood in the country has its own trends and conditions that are affected by the weather and other outside forces. Talk to your realtor about the best times to sell a home in Augusta. Generally, buyers have more time to tour open houses in the early spring and summer and are eager to find a home they love before the new school year starts. At the same time, fall and winter may have a slower market, as buyers are busy with work and extracurricular obligations and holiday preparations.

Perhaps the most important step to take before putting your home on the market is staging and professional photography. We recommend hiring a professional stager and photographer who can showcase your home in its best light. A high-quality home stager will add dimension, vibrancy, and a sense of more space to your home’s interior.

Before your stager and photographer arrive, you should declutter and depersonalize your home’s spaces. This may include removing personal items, such as photographs, children’s drawings, important documents, and more.

Now that you’ve prepped your home for sale, let’s take a look at what you can expect selling your home.

After your home is ready to enter the market, your realtor will list your property on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). This will provide access to any interested buyers and their agents and jumpstart the selling process. When listing, you’ll want to ensure you have high-quality photos that highlight your home’s best features. Be sure to add a detailed description of the home and include any important design and luxury elements, such as granite countertops, walk-in closets, refinished hardwood floors, and updated central systems like the HVAC.

Decide on how you want to market your home online and in person. Your agent will likely share your listing on their social media platforms and their website.

When the time comes to welcome visitors, keep a low profile. Your agent will take the lead and answer any questions that buyers and their agents have. You’re free to attend the open house or virtual tour yourself, but you should stay back and let your realtor do the work.

In the world of luxury real estate, it’s common for buyers to make an all cash offer. A cash offer can be attractive when compared to an offer with traditional financing, as there is typically less red tape to navigate and the closing process is shorter. However, you should talk with your realtor to ensure you accept the best offer. Look at all available offers and their terms and agreements, such as contingencies and clauses. During negotiations, lean on the expertise of your realtor to guide you through the process.

Unless you’re working with an all-cash buyer, you’ll need to receive an official home appraisal before you hand over the title. An appraisal, which can cost anywhere from $300 to $1000, will Provide buyers with an accurate valuation of the home. In general, the buyer will pay this fee but it can be negotiated.

Now that you’re getting close to closing on a deal, it’s time to start thinking about the financial exchange. Your buyer will likely place their good faith deposit in an escrow account to stay there until the conditions of the sale are met. At the same time, the escrow account will hold your property taxes and homeowners insurance until you close on the home.

There are a few final closing costs you need to keep in mind when budgeting. These fees will be shared by the buyer and seller, including your realtor’s commission, HOA fees, escrow fees, and the cost of transferring the title.

Are you thinking of selling a home in Augusta? If you have any questions or comments to share, or you’d like to learn more about luxury real estate, get in touch with real estate expert Molly Brown Whitmer today.