FAQ's for Selling Your Home

FAQs

1. What determines the selling price of a house?

The selling price is determined by supply and demand, the home’s condition, location, upgrades, current market trends, and the negotiation between the buyer and seller.

2. How accurate are Zillow Zestimates?

Zillow Zestimates can be a starting point, but they may not always be accurate as they rely on algorithms and public data without considering the home’s current condition or market nuances. It's best to use them as one of many tools when pricing a home.

3. How do I prepare my house to sell?

Preparing your house to sell involves decluttering, deep cleaning, making necessary repairs, painting with neutral colors, updating fixtures, and possibly staging the home to showcase its potential.

4. How do I get my house ready for showings?

Ensure your house is clean, tidy, and free of personal items. Address any odors, set a comfortable temperature, and create a welcoming atmosphere with natural light or pleasant lighting. Consider adding some fresh flowers or baked goods for a homey feel.

5. How do I get my house ready to sell in 30 days?

Start immediately by decluttering, making quick repairs, and getting a pre-sale home inspection to identify any issues. Plan for a deep clean, update any dated fixtures, and arrange for professional staging if needed.

6. What do I need to know about putting my house on the market?

Understand the local market trends, set the right price, and have a plan for showings. Gather all necessary documents, such as warranties and utility bills, and be prepared for negotiations.

7. How much should you spend to get your house ready to sell?

Generally, aim to spend no more than 1-3% of your home's value on prepping for sale. This includes repairs, updates, and cosmetic changes. Your real estate agent can help prioritize the updates that will offer the best return on investment.

8. Should you clean a house before selling?

Absolutely. A clean house is more appealing and suggests to buyers that the property has been well-maintained. Consider hiring professional cleaners for the best results.

9. What is the busiest day of the week for house showings?

Saturday is traditionally the busiest day for house showings since most buyers have the day off and can schedule viewings without conflicting with their work hours.

10. Why is my home getting no showings?

A lack of showings can be due to various factors such as pricing, poor marketing, limited access for showings, or issues with the home’s condition or location. Review your strategy with your real estate agent.

11. How long do most house showings take?

Showings typically last about 15-30 minutes, depending on the size of the home and the interest level of the potential buyer.

12. What months do houses sell best?

Traditionally, spring and early summer are the best times to sell a house, as families want to move during the summer break from school.

13. How long do most houses take to sell?

The timeline varies greatly by market conditions and location, but on average, a home can sell within 65 to 93 days from listing to closing.

14. What are the hardest months to sell a house?

Late fall and winter can be more challenging for sales due to the holidays, colder weather, and fewer buyers in the market.

15. What is the most common reason a property fails to sell?

Overpricing is the most common reason, but poor marketing, lack of staging, or the home's condition can also contribute.

16. How many showings do most houses get?

There's no set number, but a well-priced and well-presented home in a good market should receive regular showings weekly.

17. Can someone see if you look at their house on Zillow?

No, individual views are not shared with the homeowner. Zillow provides general statistics but not specific viewer details.