Selling from “a-far”
Posted by teamthompsonfl on March 23, 2008
I have a client who lived in another state and she is tinkering around with selling a home that she has inherited recently. She is weighing the advantages of keeping it through this tough market against the benefits of selling it now… quickly, so she doesn’t incur the tax liabilities, insurance costs, and general liabilities that comes with becoming an “accidental landlord.”
Whatever she decides is fine with me… As I say to most of my clients… “I’m not a high pressure sales-person.” I can only give her the tools to help decide what is right for her. If she so chooses to sell… I’m confident that I’ll be the one she turns to!
I realized that not many people understand the role of a great real estate agent! I have completed many transactions over the last 10 years where the buyer’s or seller’s are not in this state! This discussion involves SELLER’s… I’ll discuss BUYER’S/INVESTORS in another post! Here are a couple of tips to consider IF you have made the decision to sell and you live in another area – away from where the property your are selling is:
1- Find a Realtor who you trust! You can find a Realtor from many sources that are trustworthy… a financial planner that you have used for a long time, an insurance agent you’ve used and trust, a family memeber, a good friend, accountant, lawyer… All of these professionals (and family and friends) usually have contacts with a great Realtor that they do business with.
2- Use a Realtor that is capable of communicating with you over the internet and who is technologically advanced! By selecting a Realtor who is comfortable with the newest technologies… you will gain the added benefit of a Realtor who is MARKETING on the WEB… and ALL OVER IT TOO!
3- Relax… Let your Realtor handle all of it! Realtors are allowed to order repairs (*Up to a limited amount legally!), cleaning people, lawn people, etc. They do this every day… and can do it for you. It will take time… just like if you were living there… so ask your Realtor up front what time frame they expect it to sell in
4- Most of all… Make sure your Realtor knows that Communication is essential to you… Ask for weekly updates via email and a phone call every once in a while. *Great Realtors will understand and know how to set up a special site that you can log into and it will have updates of showings, feedback, market changes, etc. on a regular basis!
Basically, Find a Realtor you Trust, Who is technologically advanced, who you trust, and who will communicate with you regularly! This will ensure a smooth, less stressful transaction. You won’t even have to come down to sign if you don’t want to… You should be able to do a “mail away” closing. (*You’ll just need to sign your paperwork in the area you live in and have it notarized before sending it back! Sometimes, this will need to be done at a lawyer’s office or title company… Your Realtor or a Title Company can let you know what the laws are!)
That’s it… so don’t delay selling that house if you really want to sell it! (*Of course, here in Florida… most people just love any excuse to come down here… so they will want to make a trip anyway! lol)
Have a great weekend!
Chris Thompson
