Selling My House
Will you live in your house while it’s for sale?
So you’ve decided that you are ready to sell your house and you are looking for a place to start.
Deciding to sell your home is a big decision and it’s not always an easy one. For example, deciding to relocate for career opportunity can sometimes be a more straight forward move because its, not actually about the house, it’s about something less tangible, like life goals, and pursuing your passion, or making more money. That career job relocation is just one moving scenario.
Another scenario may be deciding to move to a different area or neighborhood in the same city, county or region. These types of moves sometimes revolve around career opportunities as well. But they can also be tied to your desire to live in a specific neighborhood or a specific type of property. Here in Atlanta, Georgia education is an extremely valuable commodity and its very common for families to sell their current home in order to move and or buy in a new area based on school districts.
It goes without saying that there are literally tons of factors and questions that you should consider and answer as you move toward in the process of selling your house.
Ready to Move
But, sometimes it takes time to get to the point where you are ready to move forward. And, once you do decide to sell your house, it’s important to move forward with a plan.
Whether you have made your final decision and are ready to move, or you are still up in the air and evaluating all the factors that are involved with selling your home, this article will give you a few factors to consider as you create your action plan to sell your home.
Where will you live while your home is for sale? There is not a “right” answer to this question. Generally speaking, it is easier to market home that is not occupied. I’m going to discuss a few key factors you should consider when you are answering this question for yourself.
Home Presentation.
I think that most of us can agree that a home that is neat and clean will present better to potential buyers than a property that is “less than clean.”. Well, if you are living in your home while it is for sale, be aware that you will need to be vigilant with keeping things in order.
For many of us, keeping the house presentable under regular circumstances is a chore in itself. And if you are not living in the home while your home is for sale, you don’t have to constantly worry about trying to clean-up after yourself and keep the home super neat at all times. I guess this isn’t such a big deal if that’s the way that you normally keep house. But if you are anything like me, this will take some getting used to.
Access for Real Estate Buyer Showings
In order for most buyers to truly determine if they are interested in buying your home, they are going to want to see it first. And, they may want to see it more than once. It’s easier for agents and potential buyers to view your home if you aren’t living there. Most buyers are represented by real estate agents, and the agent is responsible for scheduling a time to bring their clients, who are potential buyers, to see your house. The buyer and the agent typically coordinate amongst themselves and schedule a time to meet at the home. Well, if you are living at the home, this could require a little more planning depending on how flexible your schedule is with regards to showings.
Privacy for Homeowners or Occupants
This is a not so obvious consideration, and it may not be a factor in every city or community. But I know that here in my local real estate market in Atlanta, Georgia, it’s NOT uncommon for “would-be homebuyers”and “non-buying nosey people” to stop and get out of their cars and walk-up to and around the exterior of homes that are for sale. I KNOW that it’s hard to believe, but believe me, it happens. I’m not saying it’s right, I’m just saying…You have to develop a thick skin for this type of thing, and not be overly upset by it because there is always the possibility that the person looking around the exterior of your property could be your buyer.
Cost
Now, I know I’ve made moving out of your home sound like a really good option. But let’s talk about the other side of the coin. If you decide to move out of your home once it’s time to place it on the market, you will obviously have to find another place to live until your home sells. If you have some REALLY CLOSE friends or family, then staying with them for while MAY be an option. But, you don’t want to wear out your welcome.
If you opt to spare your friends and family, then you may find yourself needing to rent a place, until your place sells. This is adding to the cost of selling. Now, in addition to the regular expenses of your home, you now add the rent for the temporary location, the utilities, renters insurance, parking (depending on where you live), etc.
If you elect to stay in your home while its for sale, you should also consider whether you will allow property showings without you being present.
CONCLSION
It’s Your Decision. Again, there isn’t a right or wrong answer to this question. Just be aware that you have options. If you have selected a real estate agent already, it would be helpful to get some insight from them as well. Weigh all the factors that are important to you and decide which option is best for you and your family based on YOUR situation.