Selling a home isn't just a financial decision—it's an emotional one, too. So if you're getting ready to list your New Orleans property, you'll want to make sure you have the answers to all of your most pressing questions. Here are a few FAQs that can help you get started on the right foot. If you don't see the answer you're looking for, feel free to call us for more information!
Q. When is the best time to sell my home?
A. Depending on market conditions and current home prices, it can always be the right time to sell your home. However, there are certain merits to selling during each time of year.
- Spring: This is one of the busiest seasons for real estate, and many experts consider it the best time to sell.
- Summer: As the weather heats up, many buyers are even more motivated to make a move, especially if they want to enroll their children in school.
- Fall: Beautiful fall colors can make your home look marvelous, and buyers are often eager to move in before the holidays.
- Winter: Lower inventory in the winter means less competition amongst sellers.
Q. Why should I work with an agent?
A. Many would-be sellers try to list their homes as "for sale by owner" (FSBO) in order to avoid paying agent commission. However, unless you're prepared to do all the hard work yourself, it pays to work with a qualified agent who can handle all the details of the transaction for you. Here are just a few of the perks an agent can offer to sellers:
- Agents can list your home on the MLS and market it to interested buyers.
- They'll help you stage and prepare your home for buyers.
- A good agent will know how to price your home correctly, so you'll attract buyers without losing out on any equity.
- They can help you negotiate and will explain any complicated paperwork.
Q. How much is my home worth?
A. While it may be tempting to use an automatic online estimator to see how much your home is worth, these sites often rely on outdated information, which can lead to an inaccurate price. That's why it's best to team up with a licensed NOLA real estate agent and ask for a comparative market analysis (CMA). A CMA will compare your home to other recently sold listings in your neighborhood, so you'll know just how much your house could sell for if you listed it today.
Want to get started now? Just give us some details about your property, and we'll send you a report of its true value in no time at all!
Q. What steps should I take to get my home ready for buyers?
A. Even if you think your home is move-in ready, there are a few steps you should take if you really want to draw in potential buyers. Start by tackling any lingering repairs, depersonalizing your space, and doing a deep clean. If you have any clutter, now is the time to throw it away, donate it, or put it into storage. Don't forget to spruce up your exterior a bit, too!
If you're looking for even more staging tips for your New Orleans home, check out our in-depth guide, or give us a ring!
Q. How long will it take to sell my home?
A. While it's impossible to predict just how long it'll take to sell any home, pricing it correctly and doing a little staging can drastically reduce the amount of time it spends on the market. Typically, homes in the New Orleans area stay listed for around 60 days, but this can fluctuate based on demand, location, features, condition, and so much more.
Want to get a head start on your home sale? Our step-by-step guide has you covered.
Q. What should I expect during the closing process?
A. Once you've accepted an offer, there are a few more things you and the buyer have to do:
- Opening an escrow account: A neutral third party (such as a bank) will open an escrow account to hold onto any money associated with the sale (like earnest money) until the closing.
- Have a home inspection and appraisal: The seller will likely pay for an inspector to come to your home and make note of any problems that need to be fixed. An appraiser may also perform a full evaluation of your home to determine its value.
- Title search: A title check insures that you are the sole legal owner of a property.
- Closing documents: You'll likely need to fill out quite a few documents come closing day, so be sure to bring your photo ID.
- Hand over the keys: Once everything is signed, sealed, and delivered, you'll get a large check for the value of your home (after your mortgage has been paid) and hand over the keys!
Q. What other costs will I pay as a seller?
A. Selling a home can often come with some extra fees, so you'll want to set aside 1 to 3% of your home's sale price to cover these expenses. Here are some examples:
- Agent commission for your agent and the buyer's agent
- Paying off your mortgage (if you have one)
- Attorney fees
- Transfer taxes & recording fees
- Additional repairs (if the buyer requested any)
Still Have Questions?
Don't worry—we have answers! Just reach out to the Nugent Freeland Family Team to learn the ins and outs of selling your New Orleans home. As your local experts, we have what it takes to get you top dollar in no time at all.
Want more information right away? Be sure to check out our other seller resources for additional tips.