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MAY 28, 2014 | 41

REAL ESTATE

MONTANA LIFESTYLES
The Sales Process

By RICK HAZELTINE

Selling a house can be a lot like remodeling – it takes
longer, costs more and is more emotionally draining

than you thought, but in the end was worth doing.
Knowing what to expect when your house goes up
for sale can be half the battle of getting through the
transaction. Most people are a bit excited when they
put their house on the market. Hopefully, they are
moving up to a better home or of to new challenges in
another city.
Unless you’re the rare homeowner who gets multi-

ple ofers above the asking price days after listing, the
sales process can be an emotionally challenging time.
Here’s a look at what you can expect once you sign a
listing agreement:
The irst thing your agent will likely do is place your
home in the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS). This
notiies all other agents in the area that your home is

for sale. It will also likely appear on the Internet at re-
altor.com.
Soon, a for-sale sign will appear in the yard and a
lockbox will be attached to your house, most likely the
front door. The lockbox allows local agents access to SHUTTERSTOCK
the house when you aren’t home.
It may seem unsettling but it’s important to allow try to step outside while they tour your house. Wheth- throughout the house, dishes in the sink or pet food
agents to show your home when you are away, especial- er you have additional open houses is between you and spilled on the loor. It doesn’t matter that they probably

ly in a slower market. If you don’t have a lockbox, many your agent. There are many good reasons to have one live the same way.
agents will put you at the bottom of their client’s list of for the public and another for agents.
Sellers usually hit the wall at about six weeks. The
homes to see because it’s a headache to track down your You should get the most traic the irst two to three initial excitement of listing has waned, you’ve tired of
agent, who must track you down to ind out when you’ll weeks your house is listed. Anyone looking for a house keeping the house looking like a model and are irritat-
be around, which may not it into the buyer’s schedule. similar to the one you’re selling will want to see your ed at yet another looky-loo coming through the front
Plus, unless you’re in a hot sellers’ market, there will be home. Don’t fret when the traic dies down. The aver- door. Unless you are in a very diicult market, if you
plenty of other houses to see.
age days on market (DOM) can be 60-90 days in a nor- have not had serious interest in six weeks, it’s time to
Your agent will want to have an open house as soon mal cycle, depending on the area of the country. In a
meet with your agent and discuss sales strategy.
as possible, which is why it’s not recommended to list slower market buyers can take their time and they usu- Markets can change quickly, so you need to con-
your house until everything is ready for a good show- ally do. If you have buyers come back a second or third sider price and any physical changes or improvements
ing. This means you’ll likely be swamped with last- time it usually means they are seriously considering that could enhance the home. This doesn’t mean you
minute touch-ups and clean-ups to get the house ready.
your home and you’ll want your agent to keep in con- have to remodel the kitchen, but maybe realizing the
The agent will likely have a brokers’ open house, tact with their agent. Any ofer, even one you consider garage should be cleaned out or the pink bedroom walls
which is during the week, so area agents, hopefully with low-ball, is a chance to begin negotiating, which often should be repainted can make the diference.
clients looking to buy, can see the property. Next, tradi- leads to a sale.
When you sign the listing agreement, you can gen-

tionally on a Sunday, will be the public open house. It is Keeping your house in tip-top shape, especially if erally expect a three-step process to begin: Getting
best if you are not present during open houses because you have kids and pets, is one of the more diicult parts ready, showing it of and responding to the market
buyers want the freedom to look in closets and make of selling your home. But remember, buyers will walk place. If you are prepared, especially for the last step,
comments. That’s diicult for most people to do if you into your house and try to picture living there. Most you will have a more realistic view of how to properly
are present. When potential buyers come for a viewing,
people don’t have the vision to look past toys scattered
sell a home. Submitted by NMAR PR Committee

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