As a seller, you simply can’t deny the fact that there’ll always be a lot of paperwork involved while selling your house. Whether you pick a real estate agent for a home sale or you do it yourself, there’s no running away from the verification and paperwork. Home selling is a big transaction and if you need to know what goes into a home selling process then read this blog till the end, ‘Selling house by Owner? Check The Paperwork You Need’.

Where To Find The Right Paperwork?

Starting off, different states have different laws and you’ll have to line up all the necessary documents according to your state. It is extremely vital to do your research and gather all the information before proceeding with showings. Now the question is how and where do you find the appropriate documents to sell your house by owner?

A real estate attorney can help you provide all the information and legal documents that you need while selling your house. Keep in mind hiring an attorney will require fees, so make decisions on your suitability. Additionally, there are also state and county government websites that help you find relevant information.

Documents Needed For A Home Sale

Given below is a list of documents that you’ll require before proceeding with the home sale with the process. (Note: the documents mentioned below may differ depending on the states you reside in)

• Property Survey

A survey document determines the boundaries of the specific land or property based on the legal documents filed on it in the past. The document also includes details about fences, driveways, etc. if any.

• Receipts And Warranties

The document helps in documenting information on any new appliances or improvements done to your house.

• Plans And Permits

This document ensures that you have made changes or upgrades in your house with due permissions, additionally, it’s proof for the potential buyer to cross-verify. 

• Certificates Of Occupancy

To get this document you’ll have to visit the municipality, get the permit pulled post which you’ll have to get an inspection done, do necessary repairs, and again get the house inspected again. The certificate signifies that your house is safe to reside in and is compliant with all the building codes. 

• Loan Documents

The document usually comprises your first mortgage, second mortgage (if any), and any home equity lines of credit (if any).

• Latest Utility Bills

The document showcases the monthly amount spent on the household such as electricity, gas, water, etc.

• Latest Property Tax Bill

The bill gives an idea to buyers of how much tax they’ll pay post purchasing the home.

• Title

This document shows that you own legal/equitable interest in the property.

• Homeowners Association Covenants and Agreements

This document signifies a detailed set of rules established by the body that governs the neighborhood. The rules usually contain information about pets, noise level maintenance, etc.  

• Floor Plan or Blueprints, If Available

Having a plan or a blueprint of your house makes the buyer understand in-depth about the property. Make sure you have two sets of all the documents, furthermore, make sure to add anything that pertains to the ownership of your house.

Selling House by Owner, Here’s How You Do It

If you’re stuck with limited funds, selling a house to an owner is the ideal way out. To know how it’s done follow the process below –

• Assess Your Property’s Value

Always assess the value of your property before listing it. There are certain setbacks while you list your house like over or underpricing. What do you do in a situation where you are aware of the drawbacks? First off, check the estimated value of your house from home value sites available on the internet.

By only paying a small amount for an FSBO home evaluation you’ll have a licensed professional who’ll do an in-depth evaluation of your home. In 5-7 business days the person will visit your house and you’ll have a detailed report in your hand.

• Get Your Home Sale Ready

It is an unsaid rule to keep your home in its best shape before putting it on the market. You might want to showcase your home’s full potential by rearranging furniture, decluttering waste, and giving your walls a fresh coat of paint. 

• Promote Your Home’s Sale

As old-school as it may sound, putting a sign in your yard saying ‘for sale’ makes a lot of difference in the sales. People in the neighborhood will take note of the sign and spread the word. Furthermore, list your house on famous FSBO (For Sale By Owner) listing sites and MLS (Multiple Listing Service) and take that extra step to generate more traffic to your house.

• Negotiate The Sale

A buyer will always offer a price that’s below the asking price or ask you to pay the closing costs, here’s when you have to negotiate. At this stage, you’ll need documentation, within days of accepting the buyer’s offer it is mandatory to have a copy of their mortgage approval. Post this the buyer will submit a written offer that is mutually acceptable. It is only now that you must draw up a contract that includes closing concessions, final price, closing date, location, and a list of contingencies.

The contingencies are put in the contract by keeping in mind the buyer’s security and allowing them to back out if things fall out of place.

• Close On the Sale

A closing may either take place at the real estate attorney’s office or the title company depending on the state laws. Make sure everyone is on the same page and the communication is free of any loopholes as the date of closing is the final stride to complete the sale.

• Disclosure Statement

What is a disclosure statement? It is a document required by most states that outlines defects of the property. It may include mold, flooding, lead paint, radon, structural problems, etc. A disclosure statement protects the seller from any post-sale claims made by the buyer of which they didn’t know initially. Fill out this Disclosure Form before selling the property.

Things That Must Be Included in a Real Estate Contract?

Here’s a list of things that you must touchdown while drafting a real estate contract –

• Property And Its Characteristics
• Identity Of the Parties Involved
• List Of Fixtures/Personal Property
• Purchase Price
• Earnest Money Amount and Financing Terms
• Target Closing Date
• Contingencies
• Proration
• Title
• Closing Cost
• Notice Or Default Legalese
• Miscellaneous Provisions

Conclusion

If you’re a first-time seller and trying to sell your house on your own, we hope the blog might help you in the process. Furthermore, if you wish to sell properties online you can contact Elite Properties, we buy houses New York and if you want to know more about the process of selling house by owner, contact us today at 718-977-5462.

A home selling process is not a one-time transaction, there are multiple steps that come into play while selling a home. You might have to deal with the state and municipality laws that may affect the ultimate sale process. Although, some steps are pretty standard. If you’re a seller and want to know what is the ultimate home sale process then read, Home selling process, when is a home actually sold?

Signing The Home Sale Purchase Agreement

The Home Sale Purchase agreement is the next step after making an offer. When a buyer makes an offer you can either accept it, reject it, or make a counteroffer. In cases, while accepting or rejecting an offer the deal has a definite outcome although, in a counteroffer, it’s back and forth.

A counteroffer can come from a single buyer or multiple buyers collectively, which is a lengthy negotiation process. When such an instance takes place your house goes from listed to available, and then pending sale. Once you accept the house sale offer, it’s time for you and the buyer to sign the agreement that includes the following terms –

• ID verification of both the home seller and home buyer
• The legally verified description of the property
• All Finances (purchase price, closing costs, buyer financials, down-payment)
• Home sale conditions that need attention
• Timeline for the home sale (offer expiration, contingencies, closing date)
  
  

Home Selling Process, When Is A Home Actually Sold?

Inspections Before Home Sale

A buyer will schedule a home inspection prior to the closing date. The motive of a home inspection is to secure the buyer’s future investment. An important point to note is that if your house has any defect which will cost you money your home may reopen negotiation terms.

For example, while inspecting, if the inspector discovers a crack in the foundation, it will need repairing before the sale which requires a lot of funds. These kinds of inspection discoveries are time and money-consuming, which leads to missing out on a great deal. As a seller make sure you carry out an inspection in advance to avoid any hassles.

Approval For Buyers Loan

In order to approve the buyer’s loan, it is essential that both the buyer and the seller boil down on the same selling price. Post-approval of the offer there is a home appraisal. The buyer will send all the documents to the lender after which the underwriting process commences. The underwriting process can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months. Keep in mind the home is still not considered sold even after the approval of the loan. 

The Contingency Sale

In simple terms, when a buyer has to close on their existing home prior to purchasing another property leads to a contingency sale. It is vital that the contingency is completed before closing and passing the ownership of your house. A buyer may satisfy a contingency by depositing the funds to close escrow or signing a release of contingencies. Although, depositing all the purchase price to close contingency will still not derive ownership of the house.

When Is The Home Considered Sold?

Technically, a home isn’t sold until the seller no longer owns the property or has ownership of the house. Once you sign the contract and receive the price of the property only then the house sale is complete.

Conclusion

We understand that a home selling process can be physically and mentally draining. Although, if you are planning to sell properties online you can get in touch with Elite Properties NY. Elite Properties is a cash-buying company that offers hard cash in exchange for distressed houses NY. Call us today at 718-977-5462 and we’ll help you in a smooth home sale.

Staging is a way to market your property for better profits.

What is Virtual Staging?

Like traditional staging, it is an innovative marketing technique that showcases multiple features of your house. It is a method to entice prospects and convert them into buyers. If you are planning to sell your house, then you must try to impress potential buyers with virtual staging.

A virtual staging as the name says is done virtually with the help of computer software that shows various uses of spaces/rooms. It includes demonstrating the potential placement of the decor, furniture, accessories, appliances, etc., in high definition.

Ideal Spaces For Virtual Staging

To begin with, virtual staging is best suited to vacant properties. If your home is occupied with furniture and other stuff you might want to opt for traditional staging. Although vacant homes, homes with obsolete furniture, and houses that have tenants are ideal spaces for staging. 

What Is Better, Virtual Staging Vs. Traditional Staging?

When it comes to staging, this staging is a lot cheaper than a traditional one. A traditional staging will cost you several hundred dollars a month although, it is completely dependent on the stager you hire. Additionally, the prices may vary depending on the type and quantity of furniture you rent and the number of rooms that require staging. On the other hand, this staging may cost you anywhere from 39-199 dollars per room. Again, this is all reliant on the contractor, the number of rooms, the location, and the spaces that require staging.

Pros And Cons Of Virtual Staging

If done right, it can be a great way to sell your house fast. You will need a professional stager and will have to work with a reputable company with a wide and fine portfolio of completed projects.

Pros of virtual staging –

• Highlight the best features of your room/house
• Cost-efficient
• Best way to entice buyers and sell properties online
• Customizable to stage the number of rooms

Cons of virtual staging –

• Can be a little expensive while remove furniture or other items from pictures
• Can be difficult if the room is occupied unless you have vacant room pictures handy
• The furniture and decor are not real and only exist in a virtual space

Pros And Cons Of Traditional Staging

­A traditional staging doesn’t always require a professional stager. Although, hiring a professional provides an eye for detail and creates a space that entices buyers. Besides, there are some pros and cons of traditional staging.

Pros of traditional staging –

• Provides a real-life perspective while walkthroughs to buyers
• Can make spaces appear larger and enable buyers to gauge the size of the space
• Does not require a professional stager

Cons of traditional staging –

• Can be on the expensive side
• Extra upfront costs for furniture and decor
• Can be an extra pile of work as the market can be uncertain in terms of selling your house

Virtual Staging Mistakes To Avoid

Hiring a virtual staging company that is not up to the mark can be a potential mistake. The virtually staged pictures must look so realistic that buyers fail to recognize it’s computer-generated. 

Other mistakes most people make are –

• Buyers tend to imagine things as they are shown virtually. It is vital to provide buyers with vacant and staged room images that offer a better perspective to their imagination.
• The second mistake is staging the house for the worse instead of making it look appealing. Remember overdoing the furniture and decor will only make the room look chaotic and not pleasing.
• Lastly, using virtual staging when it’s not needed. If your property looks fine just by shifting furniture and changing the rugs then it is advisable to avoid this type of staging.

Is It Possible To Sell Your House With Virtual Staging?

Virtual staging can be a big asset while you sell your house. Although, there are some points you might want to touch down before hiring a staging company. Avoid over or underdoing, creating a balanced look will do wonders. Virtual staging can help you sell your house fast, but if you want to avoid the hassles of hiring a stager you can sell your house as-is to Elite Properties NY. Call us today at 718-977-5462 and learn about how to sell your house for cash.

A home inspection can be a stressful process for homeowners who are planning to close a deal. It may be time-consuming but it is an essential step to assure buyers to purchase a genuine property. A home inspector may bring many unseen problems to your plate that will require a huge amount. If you want to avoid spending a hefty amount you must fix these home inspection problems before it’s late.

Foundation Difficulties

While inspection, a home inspector will look for the condition of the foundation. If the foundation has erroneous grading, slopes, or gaps, it can be a problem for the seller. If there are pieces of evidence of cracked concrete floors, they might need repair. Damp crawlspaces may create greater issues like water seeping towards the foundation causing it to fall out of the alignment. This can result in the falling of the structure, which can be a point of hesitation for potential buyers. 

This is a major inspection issue and will require special attention. Although, it will come up with additional upfront costs. 

Water Issues

Nobody wants a house with molds and a leaking ceiling. This calls for another nightmare that’s water and mold issues. Leaking ceilings or water stains can be a derelict plumbing issue. Besides, bills generated for broken water lines can be an additional cost. Sometimes, you may have to deal with the local municipality for water issues, which come up with upfront costs. Water or plumbing issues can be costly and an inevitable reason to spend your money on it.

Mold Problems

On the other hand, mold isn’t always a significant problem although, if avoided it can become a nightmare. Although, having mold-infected walls have been directly associated with health hazards. Black molds may lead to asthma or any other serious health issue, which can be a bad dream. A small crack can cause mold to grow hence, it is better to address it as soon as noticed.  

Pest Damage

In pest inspection, the biggest issue can be termite damage. Pests like bugs, small rodents, etc. can damage your property, but termites can be much worse. Termites can eat the house completely especially when there are wood framings. If there are any rodents or squirrels they can chew on electrical wiring which can be hazardous. Additionally, rodent droppings and urine can be unhygienic. You must check on and inform pest controllers or critter control contractors to solve the issue and avoid further damage.

Faulty Electrical Wiring

In many cases, house fires are usually caused by defective electrical wiring. If this issue comes up during inspection, there is a high chance you’ll have to spend quite a lot on rewiring. Home inspectors do not have permission to open the walls and ceilings, which is why the issue may go unnoticed. Inspectors will usually check the electrical panels to investigate anything related to electricity issues.

You will have to check for existing issues like taped, spliced, or exposed wires and get them fixed. Make sure you call for an electrician and get over the electrical obstacles.

Asbestos Inspection and Septic Issues

Nowadays, home inspectors are offering a radon testing service as an add-on service. An asbestos or radon test signifies the indoor air pollution problem. A positive test states your home has been exposed to a lot of asbestos or radon index. In such a case, you’ll have to act fast and sign up for remediation. It is advisable to hire a professional for asbestos removal and remediating indoor air pollution, as doing it yourself can be dangerous.

Not to forget about the septic issues, having a septic tank that smells awful can draw potential buyers away. This may be a basic improvement but leaves a long-lasting impact on buyers. If you have flooded or blocked septic drains you might have to look into it. Call the nearest service provider who does it all and fix the issues before an inspection.

Bottom Line

The issues mentioned above surely will cost you a thousand dollars before closing. Selling your house usually is a chaotic scenario and you might want to close a deal fast. Sell your house as it is to us at Elite Properties and avoid the hassles of paperwork. Furthermore, you can sell your distressed home and avoid spending tons of money on improvements. Call us today at 718-977-5462 and sell properties online with us.

Selling House quickly is always tough no matter how you do it, it will be a mentally and physically draining process. To achieve profit try selling your house in spring or summer when people can opt for walkthroughs. Although, if this is not your plan you might want to read about these obstacles before selling your home in winter. 

Accurate Pricing Can Be Difficult 

Setting a realistic price is a task for homeowners as they have a sentimental value attached to them. In winter, people celebrate holidays at home that add to their emotions and make them set high prices for their property. This can be a bad thing for sellers as it will only keep potential buyers at bay. A wrong or unrealistic price will turn buyers away making your property sit for a long time in the market. It is an unsaid rule when a house sits for a long period people become cautious and avoid buying such houses.   

In this digital world, everything is achieved with just a click, similarly to listings as well. People can easily add a filter and eliminate older listings from the website, which won’t help you sell properties online.  Setting a wrong or unrealistic price come with setbacks, doing a proper in-depth analysis will help in enticing more buyers.

Missing On Deadlines 

There are many facets while selling your house in the winter and one of them is deadlines. Most of the sellers who list their homes in winter are first-timers. When Federal Regulations and State and Local Laws are in the picture in a home sale it lengthens the process. The number of documents involved in a home selling process can be daunting which pushes deadlines further. Another possibility that pushes deadlines is inspections. There are multiple inspections involved like pest inspections, radon tests, etc. 

Agents Come With Added Costs   

There are multiple fees involved when you hire a real estate agent to evaluate the prices of your house while selling house quickly. Furthermore, there are commissions and other added fees when an agent is in the scenario. Most homeowners agree to sign a contract with all the fees involved only to avoid the hassles of paperwork. Although, in most cases, the agents become the biggest obstacle instead of selling their houses in winter.     

Walkthroughs Can Be Stressful 

Constant disturbances can hamper your personal life. We know welcoming people into your house every weekend can be stressful, and you always need to keep your house perfect and tidy. It can pile up even more during the holiday season as families come together for celebrations. Besides, people living in the north have it more difficult due to the snow-capped exteriors. It is almost impossible to carry out a walkthrough in such a tough climate.   

Prepping Your House For Buyers

Spending extra money on your house for improvements while selling house quickly is the last thing you would ever want to do. When you sell your house fast for cash in NY it becomes important to stage your home. In winter you might have to work harder to make your house appear more enticing and appealing to potential buyers. A well-staged house would sell faster than a house with no staging or improvements at all. Make sure you do a proper analysis before hiring a person to do improvements at your place. 

What’s The Solution To Sell Property in Winter?

The obstacles stated above can cause a delay in the traditional listing, which may take up to months to close a deal. You can always consider selling your house to real estate investors like Elite Properties NYC.

Why sell your house to Elite Properties?

• Selling your property to us will help in faster closings
• It avoids the hassles of hiring a real estate agent and paperwork
• You avoid paying them upfront costs
• Sell your house in just 3 days

When you have an easy option to sell remodeled houses then why go anywhere else? You can sell the property for cash in NY to Elite Properties, we buy houses any condition. Sell your distressed house to us and get cash in return, call us at 718-865-3523 today to know more.

Do you wish to sell properties online but don’t know whom to approach? Well, we are here to suggest and help you pick the right person. Many homeowners contact real estate brokers to sell their homes so that they can make more money. You can also contact Real Estate Investors to sell your house. But, it is advisable to consider both before choosing one to determine which one suits you the most.

You might think what is the difference between both of them anyway? The difference is negligible as they both generate revenue from the same field. Scroll down to know the difference between a real estate agent and a real estate investor.

License Plays an Important Role

To make valid transactions it is important for a real estate agent to have a license. An agent requires a license of his/her particular state of service. An agent should have a license to act as a representative for other people to buy or sell homes. On the other hand, an investor does not require a license to run the business.  

Commission Has Different Aspects

The commission involves agents and investors, while the methods of extraction are different.

What is Real Estate Agent?

Real estate agents earn a commission on every sale carried out by them. The amount can be anywhere from 1-5% of the total share inclusive of the other costs. Agents rely on the sale price of a property to determine how much commission they receive. The higher the price, the higher the commission.

Maintaining The Integrity of the Brand Has Diverse Ways

Real estate agents make sure to market their brand name to attract clients. Networking using websites and business cards can help Agents to expand their network. Real estate investors on the other hand do not spend a lot on marketing. They use signboards with ‘we buy ugly house’ or ‘we buy house for cash’ written on them. These signs are placed in cities or nearby yards, which can be easily spotted from a distance. Retaining the integrity of the brand may have different modes, but the motto stays the same.

Involvement of the Brokers

Real estate agents have to work under brokers. Agents work for brokers after completing their training and receiving a state-issued license. A real estate investor does not have the need to work under a licensed broker isn’t mandatory.

How Elite Properties Is Better Than Any Other Agent

Agents:  Real estate agents sell home with the help of MLS also known as Multiple Listing Service

Elite Properties (Investor): We buy houses individually without any listings

Agents:  You’ll have to pay closing as well as additional costs to cover a sale.

Elite Properties (Investor): We cover everything inclusive of closing costs and legal fees to make your home sale process easy

Agents: A traditional home sale through an agent will take approximately 30-60 days to close a deal

Elite Properties (Investor): We close a deal in as less as 7 days

Conclusion

Picking the right person to sell your house is vital. One has to research their options before proceeding with a home sale. Elite Properties is a cash buying company, we sell your house in 3 days in any condition and at any location. Furthermore, we will also pay your legal fees and closing costs. Call us at 718-977-5462 or visit our website https://www.elitepropertiesny.com/ to know more about the home selling process.

We know there are many reasons to enhance the curb appeal of your house and increase its resale value. Many homeowners, although, are not aware of the reasons which may reduce the house’s worth. Selling your house needs a lot of attention either with the upkeep or the functional aspects of the structure. A buyer on the other hand will check the aesthetical appearance as well as the condition of the house.

Factors like bad location, old construction, and crime rates can potentially lower the value of a house. It is a well-known fact that a good house will never sit in the inventory for a long time. If you are a seller and want to sell properties online, you must check the ‘5 Reasons That May Reduce The Value Of A House.’

Following are the points which may reduce your home’s worth –                                  

1. A Shabby Exterior Facade

If you want to sell a home fast for cash, a good-looking exterior is a must. Potential buyers pay attention to the exterior surfaces as nobody wants the extra maintenance cost while buying a house. As wisely put,

‘The first impression is the last impression it applies in home sales as well.”

According to a survey, potential home buyers only take 10 seconds to like a property, just by looking at its exteriors. Conclusively, it is always good to maintain the home’s exterior beauty to sustain its value in the market. Adding a fresh coat of paint, mowing, and cleaning the lawn may make a huge visible difference.

2. Inefficient Energy Ratings

Since 2018 energy performance certificates were introduced in the market to comprehend the energy efficiency of a house. Energy efficiency is correspondent to the pricing of a home, the higher the ratings higher the property prices will be. It is illegal to sell or put your house on rent if your energy-efficiency rating is below ‘E’ on the unit. Many buyers end up purchasing the property and paying huge electricity bills reason being the poor energy ratings. A good energy rating can shoot your home’s worth by approximately 14%, which is a great profit margin for home sellers.

3. Poor Locality

A locality is a compilation of good schools, hospitals, and departmental stores, no crime rates, and easy access to multiple places. To sell your house fast for cash in NY it becomes essential to have basic amenities accessible. A study shows how proximity to certain places can decrease your home’s worth by a specific amount of percentage (sources).

• Bad school – 22%
• Strip clubs – 14.7%
• Homeless shelters 12.7%
• Cemetery – 12.3%
• Funeral homes – 6.5%
• Power plants – 5.3%
• Shooting ranges – 3.7%

If your home is around these places you’ll have to work more on the aesthetics so that no one walks past your house. Additionally, foreclosures in the neighborhood make a bad impact on the home sale. While selling your house, appraisers look at the comparable selling price in the neighborhood. The equivalent price played an important role in estimating your property’s worth and foreclosed houses may turn down the appeal.

4. The Escalating Mortgage Rates

The formula of home selling predominantly depends on the mortgage rate in the market. A high mortgage rate means fewer buyers whereas; a low mortgage rate means more buyers. Potential buyers usually start their hunt when mortgage rates are low as the monthly repayment fits into their budget.

Home affordability decreases for buyers when the rates are high as they pay extra over the life of a loan. As a seller, increased mortgage rates don’t help you to sell your house fast. Your home isn’t valuable for buyers because they pay extra on the home as well as the mortgage repayment.

5. Additional Points To Consider

We’ve spoken about a house’s aesthetics or curb appeal, which plays a huge role in home selling. There are certain things that lower your house’s worth like installing a pool, doing excessive DIYs, cluttered rooms, poor HVAC systems, etc. 

There are specific things to keep in mind before listing your home on the market –

• Take care of the plumbing and upkeep
• Remove the shabby wallpapers
• De-clutter your house; get rid of the extra things in your home
• Keep the decor to a minimum
• Remove the carpets which cover the whole floor
• Mow and clean the lawn, whether it’s a front or a backyard
• Get rid of invasive plant species or climbers
• Keep your pets at pay (while walkthroughs)

We comprehend a house is not just a structure it also has many memories attached to it. Suicides or violent deaths in a home can be a big reason for people to back out from buying it. It is advised to disclose little details to build transparency with potential buyers to avoid hassles later.

The Takeaway on the Value of a House

Selling a house is a daunting task and there are multiple things that may add to and reduce the value of your house. If you want to sell remodeled houses or you want to sell your house as-is, get in touch with Elite Properties. We buy houses for cash which allows you to employ the yields of the sale as per your preferences. Additionally, we buy houses in any condition that eludes the hassles of maintenance and legal processes.

If you have other queries related to the topic or you want to know more about the home selling process call us today at 718-977-5462.