Sellers Resources
While no two properties or clients are exactly the same, some questions do come up often. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from sellers.
FAQS
What if I sell my home, but don’t find a new one to buy in time?
This is a valid concern, and an aggressive, fast-moving markets this can happen. However, with an expert real estate agent by your side, this concern can be dealt with. We have developed selling agreements that automatically terminate if you aren’t able to find a new home to live in. This gives you peace of mind during both your selling process and your search for a new home to live in. This is just one more way Landing takes care of every aspect of your residential real estate transactions.
When should I sell my home?
The simple answer is that you should reach out to us when you’re ready to sell your home.
The more complex answer is that how quickly you can expect to sell your home varies based on market conditions beyond your control. The available home supply, the demand, the weather and holidays, and many other factors affect how much sense it makes to list your home at any given time. However, as real estate experts, we can advise you on the market conditions that apply and help you to make an informed decision. So as soon as you feel ready to sell your home, you should contact the Landing team so we can advise you on the best course of action.
How should I prepare my home for sale?
While we will be happy to advise you on the best practices for your specific situation, a good principle to keep in mind is that you only get one chance at a first impression. Details like landscaping, paint, flooring, staging, and even decor matter a great deal to how appealing your home will be to potential buyers.
That’s not even considering possibilities like getting your house inspected by a neutral third party ahead of the sale. Your Landing real estate agent will be happy to advise you on what to do to get the most out of your home sale.
What is my house worth and why is it different from assessed value?
The real world, or “market,” value of your home is determined by many different factors. Getting an objective sense of market value is not easy. You need to consider sales or similar properties over the last several (typically 6) months. It’s not just a matter of a house that has sold in your town, though. To find an accurate real-world value requires considering the square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, kitchen quality, condition and quantity of windows, the condition and age of the roof, any physical features of the house lot, what neighborhood the house is in, the architectural style, and the types of floors your house has. Needless to say, putting an objective number on your house can be very challenging.
There are various online tools available that are helpful for getting a ballpark estimate of your house’s worth, but to really understand what you should be listing your house at, it’s essential to talk to an agent. We have direct experience with many properties local to your area and have the expertise to quickly and accurately research similar homes that have sold in your area.
Assessed value, on the other hand, is a simple formula used by tax assessors that are not tied directly to the market in any way. Instead, they are used to assess your owed property taxes. The exact correlation between assessed and market value for your property is unlikely and a matter of coincidence between tax formulas and reality.
What does "MLS" mean and why does it matter?
MLS stands for “Multiple Listing Service” and it is a service that hosts the full lists of properties being managed by real estate agents in the region. It’s run by the local Real Estate Board and can be accessed through your agent.
What are the most important factors in determining home worth?
The value of your home is determined by a lot of little things and a few big things. The little things are what you might expect, the landscaping, how the house is presented with decor, how well-lit the house is, all those little things that make the house feel more appealing and inviting. These small details can be changed pretty easily and can make a difference to the perceived value of your home.
The bigger factors are less subjective: Where is your home located? How many bedrooms and bathrooms does it have? How well-maintianed is the property? How old is the building? These larger factors determine what your house’s value is to the market in a big way.
Last, but not least, is the state of the market itself. If mortgage rates are low and demand is high for houses, your home will be worth much more than if mortgage rates are high and demand is low. Selling and buying at the right time is critical to getting the most out of your investment in a new home, or when selling your old home.
Have a specific question? Send us your inquiry using the form below.
Additional Resources
Landing’s Process
The approach we take to real estate at Landing is very simple and pretty unusual. It’s in line with our mission to provide our clients with the best possible service. We operate as the hub and central command for all the moving pieces of your entire real estate venture.
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We find the land, we get the project designed and planned to your specifications, we coordinate the contractors and pull the needed permits, we keep track of the project and keep you updated. Then, with a lot less work than you imagine, you’re in the beautiful new home you’ve always envisioned.
There’s a reason most real estate agencies don’t do this. Namely, it’s very hard. We take on a tremendous amount of work to coordinate all the moving parts so that you don’t have to. The really key difference when we take on this role is that we’re experts at exactly this. Collectively we’ve been coordinating and developing real estate projects for many decades. We know how to communicate effectively with contractors, and which contractors are best for your job. We know exactly what permits you need and how to get them. We know who needs to be contacted and when to get your home inspected, funded, plumbed, electrified, roofed, insured, decorated, cleaned, and ready to move in. This is the central focus of our collective professional lives. And though it’s difficult, we absolutely love it.
What’s Involved?
There are a lot of moving parts involved when you want to build a new home. Even before you can hire an architect or apply for a loan, you need to find land in a location that suits your various needs and wants.
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hat’s the first step, and it’s where your relationship with Landing Real Estate begins. We will help you find that perfect parcel, in easy distance of the amenities, natural features, and communities you love. We will do the research to make sure your land purchase is everything you need it to be.
Even after you have land in hand, you need to develop a complete plan for building what you want. This involved architectural planning, yes, but also design, communication with local authorities and town offices, permits, and investigation into environmental impacts on local waterways. This can be an incredibly frustrating and difficult undertaking on your own. This is where your relationship with Landing starts to really show its value.
As your liaison for all things residential real estate, we will commission and coordinate the various professionals and processes involved in making your dream home a reality. From finding the land to turning the key to your new home, we have the many relationships and long experience working in Maine needed to make these projects happen. Put your trust in us and you will find yourself not only living in your new home sooner, but without all the headaches that come with trying to be your own agent and dealing with every little detail personally, which can be a full time job in its own right.