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for sale by owner

3 Tips for Homeowners Selling Their Houses FSBO-Style

When the time has come to sell your home, you will need to prepare a checklist and address any deferred maintenance to ensure an expeditious sale . If you choose not to retain the services of a Real Estate Brokerage, there are certain tips you should know that will help you sell your house faster and at a higher price. Here are some points to keep in mind when using the For Sale By Owner method.

1. Set a Realistic Price

Don’t make the mistake of falling into the trap of overpricing your house. Certain upgrades may not automatically add extra value, such as swimming pools and enhancements considered over improvements. Set a realistic price point by reviewing what similar homes have sold for. Check out homes of the same size and age by utilizing websites like Realtor.com and Zillow. Keep in mind that you will need to adjust the price if your home is dated.

2. Hosting Open Houses

Hosting an open house is an ideal way to procure an unrepresented buyer, potentially saving thousands of dollars in commissions. While Sundays remain the most popular day to host an open house, Saturdays and weekday twilight open houses are becoming quite common in todays’ market-place. Saturday opens from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm and Sunday 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm are quite popular as the time frame offers latitude for those who need to schedule around brunches, family gatherings, sporting events and religious commitments. Twilight tours are often held between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm Tuesday through Thursday to attract potential Buyers on their way home from work or as they head out for the evening. Provide the potential Buyer with your contact information (phone and email) so they can reach you with any additional questions, to request a second viewing or to negotiate an offer.

3. First Impressions are Lasting Impressions

It is imperative the home has been cleaned from top to bottom as cleanliness is reflective of the quality of maintenance. A good house cleaning is much more extensive than dusting, mopping, polishing and steam cleaning the carpets. The kitchen and bathrooms should be sanitized, closets should never be more than half full, kitchen cabinets and pantries should be immaculate and well arranged. Curb appeal is crucial and may require the need to power wash the deck, driveway, patio and exterior as well as cleaning all windows and manicuring the landscaping. First impressions are lasting impressions, and attention to detail plays an important part in attaining the highest and best price when selling your home.

Selling your home on your own without the assistance of a full service Real Estate Brokerage will require both commitment and due diligence for which you may be rewarded by saving thousands of dollars in commissions. Please contact our team to learn how the For Sale By Owner Flat Fee MLS Listing Options at Ohio Broker Direct will enhance your marketing exposure and result in a more expeditious sale, yielding a higher price with better terms that suit your specific needs.

Ohio Broker Direct & its Brokers or Associates assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in this blog, we advise all participants in buying or selling real estate to enlist the services of a Real Estate Attorney.

Picture of Joan Elflein

Joan Elflein

Joan Elflein is the Principal Broker and founder of Ohio Broker Direct. Joan has been a dynamic presence in the real estate industry since 1983, overseeing transactions totaling over a billion dollars. In the early 2000s, she founded Ohio Broker Direct, a flat fee brokerage firm that champions ethical practices and client empowerment. With a philosophy centered around providing personalized, cost-effective services, Joan and her team have saved Ohio sellers millions in commissions by offering innovative For Sale By Owner services alongside tailored Flat Fee MLS listings. Her firm's commitment to transparency and support has earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and made a significant impact on Ohio real estate through both booming and challenging market conditions. With four decades of real estate experience, Joan continues to offer professional service and personal care, ensuring that every interaction with Ohio Broker Direct meets the highest standards of excellence and integrity.

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The Current Real Estate Market And Ohio Broker Direct: An NPR Interview

This post delves into the transformative shifts occurring in the real estate industry, highlighted through an enlightening NPR interview with our very own Joan Elflein, founding broker of Ohio Broker Direct. Joan discusses the impact of technological advancements, changes in brokerage models, and the evolving scrutiny of commission structures. Gain valuable insights into the complexities of real estate commissions, the evolving role of buyer agents, and future trends in real estate transactions. Explore the full transcript to better understand these pivotal changes and their implications for buyers, sellers, and industry professionals.