Jin & David Wick
Jin & David Wick
Owner/Broker

How To Sell A House | Top Seller Questions

how to sell a house

Need to sell a house in Colorado? Selling a house successfully takes some careful planning to attract buyers and maximize your profit at the same time. If you’re new to the house selling process, it’s essential to work with a real estate professional to help you strike a balance between both of these goals.

In this post, our team at Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty - The Wick Group will answer some of the most frequently asked questions by house sellers. That way, you’ll be well-equipped to make informed decisions before starting your own house sale.

Key Takeaways

  • Working with a knowledgeable and experienced realtor is highly valuable when it comes to selling a house. You can find a trustworthy realtor using online and offline methods.
  • If you want to sell your house in Colorado for top dollar, the first step is to increase the home value by improving its curb appeal. 
  • It’s highly recommended to stage your house before putting it on the market. House staging makes the house look clean and attractive.
  • The listing price for your house needs to strike a strategic balance between getting you maximum value and attracting interested buyers in your market. 
  • The closing process typically involves a final walkthrough by the buyer, exchanging funds, and signing documents to officially transfer ownership.

How Do I Find a Real Estate Agent in Colorado ?

Working with a knowledgeable and experienced realtor is highly valuable when it comes to selling a house. You can find a trustworthy realtor using online and offline methods.

First, start by getting referrals from trusted sources like friends, family members, coworkers, and neighbors. This is a great way to find a high-quality realtor who you know is reliable.

From there, look up the agents online and see if you can find information on their: 

  • Track record and number of sales
  • Average sale price
  • Years of experience
  • Professional credentials
  • Awards and recognition 
  • Property specialities

In addition, check their reviews on sites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and their Google Business Profile. Be sure to interview several listing agents before choosing one to work with. When you sit down for interviews, ask about the realtor’s experience, commission rate, marketing strategy, and exact services they offer.

How Can I Improve My Curb Appeal?

If you want to sell your house in Colorado for top dollar, the first step is to improve its curb appeal. Investing time and money into making sure your house gives off a positive first impression is the best way to attract buyers to your house.

Improve your house’s curb appeal by:

  • Cleaning up the landscaping, trimming bushes and trees, cleaning up walkway edges, pulling weeds, and planting flowers.
  • Power washing the exterior, siding, walkways, and driveway and washing windows
  • Painting the front door, exterior walls, and interior walls.
  • Adding new light fixtures to the interior and exterior of the house.
  • Fixing necessary repairs around the property.
  • Staging key rooms around the house, especially the kitchen, living room, and master bedroom.
  • Replacing hardware inside and outside of the house, including house numbers.

You don’t have to invest all your money in expensive renovations or upgrades. Focusing on simple improvements is all it takes to help your house stand out on the market and give house buyers a positive first view of the property.

Jin and David Wick and their team at Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty - The Wick Group are the top realtor in Colorado for a reason. Contact us today at (719) 259-0316 to learn more about working with our team and how we can help you improve your house’s curb appeal.

Should I Stage My House Before Listing it?

Yes, it is highly recommended to stage your house before putting it on the market. House staging is important because it makes the house look clean, attractive, and easier for buyers to visualize themselves living there. 

As a result, staged houses tend to sell faster and for more money while an empty house is harder to sell. On average, staged houses sell for an extra $40,000 over their original list price.

It’s not necessary to stage the entire house to see the benefits of staging– all it takes is investing in high-traffic rooms. Staging is also beneficial because it creates better photos and virtual tours for your house’s online listing.

How Much Does it Cost to Sell a House?

Selling a house can be expensive, though the exact amount depends on the situation and exact terms of the sale agreement. 

One of the largest expenses is the closing costs. These include title insurance, escrow fees, transfer taxes, and HOA fees, if applicable. Closing costs typically make up anywhere from six to ten percent of the final sale price.

Commission fees for the listing agent and buyer’s agent make up the next biggest chunk of costs. As the house seller, you’ll be responsible for paying both realtors. The total amount is usually five to six percent of the final sale price– 2.5% to three percent per realtor.

house repairs, staging, renovations, pre-inspection, and upgrades should also be factored into selling expenses, as well as photography and marketing costs. In addition, don’t forget to think about the cost of moving to your new house.

What Should I Ask to Find the Best Realtor?

As you start interviewing realtors, you’ll need to ask several key questions to determine which agent is the right fit for your needs. Asking questions helps you gauge the realtor’s experience, communication style, and past sales performance.

Some interview questions you can ask are:

  • How long have you been in real estate and what is your experience in my local market? Do you represent both buyers and sellers, or just sellers? 
  • What is your track record for selling houses quickly? Do you usually sell houses for the list price or higher? 
  • What would your marketing strategy be for my house? 
  • What services do you provide to prepare my house for sale? Do you offer connections to house stagers, handymen, landscapers, or other professionals?
  • How often do you provide regular updates on the progress of the sale?
  • What is your commission rate and what other fees are involved? 
  • What differentiates you from other realtors and why should I choose you?
  • Can you provide references from past clients?

Jin and David Wick and their team at Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty - The Wick Group are the top realtor in Colorado  for a reason. Contact us today at (719) 259-0316 to learn more about working with our team and our unique seller guarantees.

How Do I Determine My Listing Price?

The listing price for your house needs to strike a strategic balance between getting you maximum value and attracting interested buyers in your market. 

Pricing too high can cause your house to spend too much time on the market, which eventually leads to less profit. But pricing too low, on the other hand, means you miss out on potential profits.

Your realtor will determine the listing price for your house through a comparative market analysis (CMA). This involves looking at the prices of recently sold and currently listed houses in your area. The realtor will also take into consideration factors such as:

  • Property improvements and upgrades. Major remodels and improvements will increase your house’s value and influence its listing price.
  • Housing market conditions. In hot markets, bidding wars tend to happen. This causes prices to end up higher than the original asking price. In buyer’s markets, prices tend to be lower.
  • Property condition. A house in excellent, move-in ready condition can command a higher price than one in need of major repairs.
  • Property location. Desirable locations and amenities like good schools boost a house’s sale potential.

Your realtor will also consider your own needs when it comes to the sale. For example, if you need to move out by a certain deadline or have a specific target amount that you want to earn from the sale. These goals can influence the pricing strategy for your house.

What Legal Documents Do I Need to Sell My House?

The main legal documents you’ll need to sell your property are:

  • Property Disclosure Form: This document is used to detail known material defects or issues with the property. It helps buyers make informed decisions and can protect sellers from legal issues.
  • Purchase Agreement: The purchase agreement is a legally binding contract between the buyer and seller that outlines all the terms and conditions of the sale.
  • Closing Statement: The closing statement provides a detailed breakdown of the financial aspects of the transaction, including the final closing costs for both the buyer and seller. 
  • Property Deed: The property deed is needed to transfer ownership of the house from the seller to the buyer. 
  • Bill of Sale: A bill of sale is used to transfer ownership of any items not covered by the deed, such as appliances, fixtures, or other personal property. 
  • Affidavit of Title: The affidavit of title is a sworn statement by the seller confirming their ownership of the property and stating that there are no undisclosed liens or legal issues that could affect the title.
  • Survey Plans: Official plans showing the boundaries and physical features of the property.
  • Property Tax Receipts: Documentation of property tax payments.
  • Local and State-Specific Documents: Depending on the jurisdiction, there may be additional legal documents required. It’s important to work closely with your realtor and legal professionals to ensure you have all the necessary documents and are following local laws and regulations.

Additional Documents

  • Title Certificate: Proof of property ownership and any existing liens.
  • Mortgage Statement: Details of the remaining mortgage balance and payment history.
  • Financial Disclosure Forms: Providing information about the property’s financial status.
  • Homeowners Insurance Records: Documentation of current insurance coverage.
  • Warranty Information: Information on any warranties for appliances or structural components that can be transferred to the new owner, often related to house systems or appliances.
  • Property Appraisal Report: An appraisal document determining the property’s value.
  • Renovation Contracts and Receipts: Records of any major renovations or improvements made to the property.
  • Utility Records: Records of utility payments and services.

How Do I Market My Listing to Find a Buyer?

Start by investing in high-quality photos taken by a professional photographer. From there, work with your realtor to write the listing for your house. This should include pricing details, a property description, and information about the surrounding area. 

Once the listing is ready, implement a diverse marketing strategy to reach the right audience. Use real estate websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin, alongside social media platforms to reach buyers online. Have your realtor establish a dedicated property page on their website and initiate an email marketing campaign to reach a larger audience. 

Online advertising through platforms like Facebook and Google Ads can also help reach specific demographics.

In addition, in-person strategies like hosting open houses, brochures, postcards, and newspaper ads can be effective, especially when distributed in the local community. It’s also a good idea to place professional signage on the property and in the surrounding area that includes your realtor’s contact information and property details. 

Lastly, tap into your personal network to spread the word about the property sale, as word-of-mouth referrals can be influential in attracting potential buyers.

Jin and David Wick and their team at Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty - The Wick Group are the top realtor in Colorado  for a reason. Contact us today at (719) 259-0316 to learn more about working with our team and our effective marketing strategies.

What Are Strategies for Negotiating and Closing?

Negotiating on a house sale is often expected, though there’s no requirement to do so. If you do agree to negotiate with an interested buyer, there are several strategies you can use to ensure you both walk away with an ideal outcome:

  • Prepare for give and take. You should expect buyers to make a lowball offer at the start of negotiations. However, they usually don’t expect you to take this offer seriously. Consider the offer fairly and then make a reasonable counteroffer.
  • Know your bottom line. Determine ahead of time the lowest offer you’re willing to accept. This will help you rule out buyers and secure the highest possible price for your house. Your realtor can help you come up with a bottom line that makes sense.
  • Highlight value-add upgrades. To justify your pricing, emphasize investments you’ve made that improved the house or make it stand out from others on the market. You can also highlight amenities or attractions in the local area.
  • Remain calm and objective. Negotiation can be emotional, but make logic and facts your focus.

What Happens When I Finalize a Sale and Move Out?

The closing process typically involves a final walkthrough by the buyer, exchanging funds, and signing documents to officially transfer ownership. 

Before you move out, you’ll need to make sure you leave the property in the condition you agreed to in the purchase agreement. It will also be your responsibility to notify the utility companies and service providers to disconnect their services. The buyer will typically establish new utility accounts in their own name.

The possession date is the day the buyer officially becomes the owner of the property. This date is often specified in the closing agreement. At this point, you’ll need to be fully moved out of the house.

On this day, you’ll meet with the buyer to sign the final documents and give them the keys to the house. Then, the buyer will transfer the rest of the funds and may decide to do a final walk-through of the house to verify it’s in the condition they agreed on.

Who is the Top Realtor in Colorado?

Jin and David Wick and their team at Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty - The Wick Group are the top realtors in Colorado for a reason. With over ten years of experience in real estate, we have what it takes to get your house sold faster and for more money than other realtors

Our clients love working with us because of our customer-first approach, which focuses on delivering a hassle-free house-selling experience. In addition, we offer several unique house seller guarantees, like our Guaranteed Sale Program.

If you want more information about the real estate services our team offers, give Jin and David Wick a call at (719) 259-0316. You can also visit our website for more information or simply fill out the form on this page.

More Questions house Sellers Ask

How do I sell my property without a realtor in Colorado?

To sell your property without a realtor, determine a competitive asking price, create a listing, and market it through a combination of online and offline channels. Keep in mind that there are specific regulations and laws governing for sale by owner (FSBO) transactions in Colorado. 

Ultimately, working with a professional realtor is the best way to ensure you comply with local laws. Realtors also have exclusive resources that make it easier and faster to research the market and come up with a competitive asking price.

How do I sell a house fast?

To sell a house fast, set a competitive asking price, enhance curb appeal, and stage the house attractively. Utilize high-quality photos for online listings and market aggressively on real estate websites and social media. Consider flexible viewing schedules that fit the schedules of interested buyers.

Is now a good time to sell a house in Colorado?

In recent months, Colorado was reported to be a neutral market, though it leaned toward favoring sellers. This means sellers have a higher chance of selling their houses fast and for more money if they choose to sell now. Learn more about how long it takes to sell a house in Colorado before listing your house so realistic expectations are met.

What is the slowest month to sell a house?

The fall and winter months are typically the slowest months to sell a house.

Are Colorado house prices dropping?

The Colorado real estate market saw shifting trends in the fall of 2023. By September, the statewide median home price had reached $575,000, indicating a cooling off from the hot sellers’ market of the previous couple years. However, prices were still up significantly from 2020 levels. The average sales price across Colorado came in at $762,585 in September, a 12.3% year-over-year increase. This price growth was more moderate than in early 2022, when year-over-year increases approaching 20% were common. 

One sign of a balancing market was that sellers were getting slightly less than asking price on average, with the percent of list price received dipping to 98.7% in September 2023. While prices remain high by historical standards, data shows the Colorado housing market moving toward equilibrium after the frenzy of 2021-2022. Key metrics to watch for the remainder of 2023 include months of inventory, sale-to-list price ratios and bidding war rates.

Is Colorado a buyer’s or seller’s market?

Colorado is considered a seller’s market.

The Colorado real estate market saw shifting dynamics in fall 2023 as compared to the previous year. In September, the average number of days homes spent on the market before sale was 46, a 24.3% increase from 2022. This signals homes are taking longer to sell than during the ultra-competitive market of last year. Closed sales in September 2023 were down 22.6% from September 2022’s level, indicating lower transaction volume. Pending sales also decreased 5.8% year-over-year, pointing to moderating demand. 

On the supply side, months supply of inventory rose nearly 12% to 2.8 months in September 2023. This marks a move toward a more balanced market compared to last year’s extremely tight conditions favoring sellers. While Colorado remains a seller’s market by this measure, the data shows the housing landscape continuing to shift toward equilibrium during the fall 2023 selling season. Key indicators to follow include inventory levels, sale-to-list ratios, and the evolution of bidding wars.

How do I get a cash buyer when I sell?

To get a cash buyer, make sure to mention you’re only interested in cash in your house’s listing. Then, you’ll need to set a price that specifically appeals to cash buyers. That’s because cash buyers usually expect to pay less in exchange for the speed and ease that come with a cash sale.

To Discuss Your Home Sale or Purchase, Call or Text Today and Start Packing!

(719) 259-0316