Selling a Columbia SC Home: Ten Must Do Items

When selling a Columbia SC home, there are (at least) ten “must do” things you have to cover.

1. Understand that home buyers are looking for a lifestyle as well as a home.  Accentuate the lifestyle that your home and neighborhood provide.

2. Understand the real estate market.  Check the average number of days homes are on the market before they are sold. When the number rises above 60, it is a buyer’s market. When housing inventory exceeds a 6 month supply, it is a buyer’s market.

3. Know your bottom line.  What do you need to net from your home sale?

4. Maximize exposure of your home. Make sure your home is listed on the MLS. Good signage, emotionally appealing advertising and submission to various online home related search engines puts your home out front. Make sure the agent you’re working with is going to give your Columbia SC home maximum exposure online.

5. Get feedback from showings. How are potential buyers viewing your home? Adjust your marketing strategy accordingly.

6. Stage your home. This does not need to be expensive. Cleaning, clearing clutter and painting are excellent tools. Staging may also include adding some furniture, or taking some away if your home appears cluttered.

7. Price your home realistically. A comprehensive Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) is critical to establish a range of good pricing. Asking a few thousand dollars less than closely comparable homes may mean your house sells while others linger on the market.

8. It is not mandatory, but having a home inspection by a certified professional can eliminate unpleasant surprises at a crucial moment in the sales process. A home inspection before marketing your home allows you the opportunity to deal with any problems that may be discovered before they become a deal breaker.

9. Consider all offers. A low offer is not an insult, but the beginning of the negotiation process. Keep the lines of communication open, and make counteroffers. Be creative.

10. Understand that a signed purchase agreement is not the end of the sale. Your agent must keep on top of deadlines such as a mortgage commitment, an appraisal and other essentials, to bring the sale to closing.

If you have any questions about any of these 10 rules for selling a Columbia SC home, leave us your comment or thought below by using the “Comments” box. We’d love to hear from you.