Getting a home ready to go on the market takes some time, effort, and money. Selling a house “as is” can sound tempting. And in certain circumstances, the speed and ease of an as-is sale is a great option. But the downside to not lifting a finger or spending a dime is that you’ll likely have to settle for a rock-bottom sales price.
With today’s high rent prices, it makes sense to wonder if purchasing a home is a better option. However, it’s not always easy to save a big chunk of money to put down upfront — especially if you’re a first-time home buyer. The good thing is that there are lending programs designed for buyers with very little savings, and some even make buying a house without a down payment possible.
Conventional wisdom has always said that springtime is a great time to sell a house. Statistics from the National Association of Realtors confirm this. March sales activity typically increases by more than 30% from February and continues to go up into the summer months.
It’s no surprise that buying a house is the American Dream. It means not having to hear neighbors above you, being able to paint the walls whatever color you choose, and having a yard for entertaining. But buying a home is a big investment, and many wonder if it is a good investment.
Many people are tempted to try to sell their homes themselves, not realizing all the ways a realtor can help. Sure, selling a house by owner may save on commission costs, but a realtor lends a lot of expertise that makes those costs worth it. A great real estate agent knows how to price, market, and sell homes as fast as possible, and for more money. If you’re not “sold” on finding a realtor to help you, consider all of these things you’ll be missing.
Having a good credit score gives people an advantage when it comes to getting higher credit limits, lower interest rates, and qualifying for loans—particularly mortgage loans. It is not impossible to buy a house with bad credit, but it will be more challenging.
If you want to do everything possible to sell your house quickly— and for the most money — it’s worthwhile to consider having an open house. Potential buyers need to experience firsthand what homes have to offer in person. An open house offers a pressure-free atmosphere for doing just that. An experienced agent will promote your event and will be there to greet attendees and offer all the information they need.
It’s no secret that letting go of the family home is hard for aging parents. With so many memories of kids running up and down the steps and tossing footballs in the yard, many seniors remain in a house that has more room than they need—and more maintenance than they can handle. What’s more, moving in the golden years can be overwhelming. Decluttering and packing is a huge job, and securing a mortgage after retirement is intimidating on a fixed income.
There is a lot of advice online for people going from renting to buying their first home—or juggling buying and selling a house at the same time. But what about homeowners who are ready to say goodbye to homeownership?
While April and May are great months to put a home on the market, selling a house in spring is not the only option. The St. Louis area is still a seller’s market, which means buyers are out there all year long waiting for the right home to become available.
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