Every Columbus home seller dreams of a stress-free sale where they just list their house, find a qualified buyer, take the money, and hand over the keys. The reality is that selling a house involves a lot of moving parts — some you can control, and some you can’t.
As a result of the unprecedented growth in the housing market since the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been price increases, bidding wars, and extremely low inventory levels in Columbus. So, you’ll need to be prepared as a seller and control the factors that could hurt you.
How to Sell Your Columbus Property for the First Time
Here are several steps to take to sell your home for the first time:
#1: Hire a Columbus real estate agent or go with a cash home buyer
When you’re selling a house, you’ve got to decide how you’re going to sell it. It’s easiest to hire a real estate agent to take care of all the paperwork and negotiations. Since they know the Columbus market, they can find the best value for your home. Just be particular on the agent you’ll choose. Find out how long agents have been in the industry, how many sales they’ve done, and what designations they have. Look at how and where they market their listings, and if they use professional pictures.
However, selling to a cash buyer in Columbus is also a great solution if you’re in a hurry to sell your home. Search “sell my house fast in Columbus,” and you’ll find several cash buying companies who will close in a matter of days or weeks — or, they’ll let you choose the schedule. They don’t require renovations or repairs in your home, so you can sell your Columbus house as-is.
#2: Make a timeline for selling your Columbus house
From start to finish, selling a house can take anywhere from two to four months, depending on local market conditions and how much inventory is available. When you decide to sell your house, start researching real estate agents and cash buyers right away.
#3: Get a home inspection in Columbus before selling
There’s no need to get a pre-sale home inspection, but it’s a good idea. It’ll cost a few hundred bucks, but a detailed inspection report can help you find any structural or mechanical problems before you list your house. Even if you’re selling quickly to a cash buyer, an inspection will alert you to issues that buyers will likely flag when they do their own inspections later.
#4: Don’t waste money on unnecessary upgrades
Invest in changes that have a high return on investment if you’re going to spend money on them. Installing granite countertops makes no sense, for example, if you’re only going to break even or lose money. Plus, you may not need to make these improvements to sell your Columbus home for top dollar, particularly if inventory levels are low in your area.
Updates to the kitchen and bathroom provide the best return on investment. If your cabinetry is old, you might be able to just replace the doors and hardware for an updated look.
#5: Set a realistic price
In Columbus competitive markets, buyers don’t want to pay more than what the comparables show. That’s why it is crucial to get the price right. Overestimating a home’s value can backfire, while underestimating it could leave you with a loss.
Comps in your neighborhood can help you price your home properly. They are data sheets about recently sold properties in your area. They give you an idea of what homes around you are selling for.
Selling Your Columbus House Fast is Easy With Us
In today’s competitive market, you need a local team that’s committed to helping you every step of the way. At Offer Express, we do more than buy houses in Columbus, Ohio. we help you find the best solution for your situation.
Whether you’re selling because of a sudden move, foreclosure, or inheritance, we’ll find the best home selling solution for you. Tell us about your house and answer a few questions, and we’ll send you a cash offer and other options within 72 hours. Whether you take our cash or decide to negotiate, you’re in control.
Interested in selling your home? Call us today at (614) 820-5777 to get in touch with one of our agents.