Selling a house can be overwhelming. Especially when you are faced with the daunting task of preparing it for the market. From clearing out clutter and making repairs to maintaining the property while it’s listed, the work and costs can quickly add up. However, there’s an alternative option that’s gaining popularity among homeowners: selling the house as-is to a local house buyer like NOLA Buys Houses. Let’s explore the work and costs involved in preparing a house for sale, as well as the benefits of selling it as-is.
1. Clearing Out Clutter and Personal Belongings
One of the first steps in preparing a house for sale is decluttering and removing personal belongings. This may involve sorting through years of accumulated items, donating or discarding unwanted possessions, and staging the home to showcase its best features. The time and effort required for this task can vary depending on the size of the house and the amount of clutter present.
2. Cleaning and Repairs
Once the clutter is cleared, the next step is to clean and make any necessary repairs to the property. This may include deep cleaning carpets, scrubbing bathrooms and kitchens, painting walls, fixing leaky faucets, repairing damaged flooring, and addressing any structural issues. The cost of these repairs can vary widely depending on the extent of the work needed and the condition of the house.
3. Curb Appeal and Landscaping
When you sell your house, it’s very important to make a good first impression. It’s essential to enhance curb appeal and landscaping to attract potential buyers. This may involve mowing the lawn, trimming bushes and trees, planting flowers, and repairing or repainting the exterior of the house. Most buyers know whether they have serious interest in buying a property the second they pull up in front of it. Investing in curb appeal can help make a positive impression on buyers and increase the likelihood of a quick sale.
4. Staging and Home Décor
Staging the home to appeal to potential buyers is another important aspect of preparing a house for sale. This usually involves rearranging furniture, adding decorative accents, and creating inviting spaces that showcase the home’s potential. Professional staging services can be costly but may yield higher sale prices and faster selling times.
5. Maintenance Costs While on the Market
While the house is listed for sale, ongoing maintenance costs can quickly accumulate. This may include utilities, property taxes, homeowner association fees, insurance premiums, lawn care and other general upkeep expenses. Additionally, if the house remains on the market for an extended period, sellers may face the financial burden of multiple mortgage payments, further adding to the overall cost.
6. Traditional Selling Costs
When selling a house through traditional channels, homeowners are typically faced with a range of expenses:
- Listing Fees: These fees cover the cost of listing the property on multiple listing services (MLS), real estate websites, and other marketing platforms to attract potential buyers.
- Agent Commissions: Sellers typically pay a commission to their real estate agent, which is usually a percentage of the final sale price. This commission generally ranges from 5% to 6% of the sale price. There was a giant lawsuit that was just settled which was unfavorable to realtors, but at the end of the day we don’t think much is going to change as far as the actual commissions paid. Realtor’s aren’t going to work for free, nor should they be expected to!
- Administrative Fees: These fees cover administrative costs associated with the sale, such as paperwork, document processing, and transaction coordination.
- Notary Charges: Sellers may also incur notary charges for legal documentation and contract signing.
- Closing Costs: Both buyers and sellers have standard and customary closing costs that they pay when selling/buying a house. These typically range between 1000 and 3000 dollars, depending which side of the transaction you are on.
Selling As-Is to a Local House Buyer
Alternatively, homeowners have the option of selling their house as-is to a local house buyer like NOLA Buys Houses. This means skipping the hassle and expense of preparing the property for sale and selling it in its current condition. Here are some benefits of choosing this option:
- Time and Convenience: Selling as-is allows homeowners to bypass the time-consuming and labor-intensive process of preparing their house for sale. With NOLA Buys Houses, sellers can receive a fair cash offer and close on their timeline, often in a matter of days.
- No Repairs or Cleaning Required: When selling as-is, homeowners don’t need to worry about making costly repairs or cleaning up the property. NOLA Buys Houses purchases houses in any condition, saving sellers time, money, and stress.
- Avoidance of Holding Costs: By selling as-is, homeowners can avoid the ongoing maintenance costs associated with keeping their house on the market. This can help minimize financial strain and maximize profits from the sale.
While preparing a house for sale involves significant work and costs, homeowners have the option of selling their property as-is to a local house buyer like NOLA Buys Houses. By choosing this alternative, sellers can enjoy a streamlined selling process, avoid the hassle of repairs and cleaning, and receive a fair cash offer for their home. If you’re considering selling your house in the New Orleans area, selling as-is may be the right choice for you. Call NOLA Buys Houses today at 504 264 1407 or send us a message to find out more about us and our process. We can give you a cash offer on your home in 24 hours and there is never any obligation to work with us. We are on call 24/7 and are here to help!