Selling your home is not always pleasant, especially when you are relocating to another location. But that’s altogether a different story to tell. Right now, the prime concern is, “How do I sell my house when I am not even comfortable inviting people into my home?” That’s a challenge.
But you are not alone. Selling your home is not the same as it used to be during the pre-coronavirus era. Thankfully, technology is making it easier for sellers to showcase their homes to potential buyers or agents working with sellers.
Of course, you can’t replace the old-fashioned home tour with a video tour, just like one can’t replace Zoom happy hours with real family or friends’ hugs. But since everyone is adapting, it’s time to be a little flexible in approach here.
Meanwhile, real estate members are looking at the change positively since they can get on with their regular proceedings, which was otherwise impossible with restrictions. But, how to get started? Keep reading, and you’ll understand better.
Try Being a Photographer and Capture Your Home
If you love photography, this is an excellent time to put your hobby to the best use. And if not, try befriending photography tools this time. DIY your listing materials or work with your agent to send them out to your buyers. But before you do that, make sure your house is in good condition or presentable shape. For that, use the tips.
- Declutter and deep clean your home. Try removing items from countertops while saving on some intentional pieces. Your home can feel lived in but present it in a way that matches the potential buyers’ aspirations.
- Make sure to increase the visibility of floor space. For that, you can remove side tables, boxes, or toy baskets (if any).
- You can use throw pillows, plants, colorful flowers to add some vibrancy.
If you don’t know the basics of taking your own listing photos, you can work with your agent and get things going. But wait! There’s more. Here are some tips to up your photography game.
- Reduce camera shake by using a tripod that provides a stable platform.
- Avoid reflections in mirrors, windows, or shower doors.
- Turn on all the lights and open curtains to let the sunlight illuminate areas.
- You can also use props for unused spaces.
- Make sure to take multiple pictures from different angles to choose the ones that are the best fit.
Create a Video Walkthrough
Unlike photographs, videos are a bit challenging for a seller to master. A lot of technicalities go into capturing the fine shot. One needs to consider the camera angle and camera movement. For instance, Nevada home buyers said that with COVID-19, things had changed a bit. They suggest sellers to correctly hold a phone while moving during a video walkthrough.
That way, sellers can avoid those funhouse video effects. Other than that, here are a few more tips for creating a video walkthrough like a pro.
- Study YouTube videos for inspiration.
- Plan your route beforehand and give the buyer a possible tour experience.
- Set your phone to airplane mode to take perfect footage.
- Ask for help
Go for a Virtual Open House in Real-Time
If you don’t like other options or find them a lot challenging, you can host a virtual open house. For instance, you can use Facebook Watch Parties. It will allow many users to share a live video with friends or followers. You can enable a live questionnaire feature to answer all the questions as well. You can also use Zoom video calls to have a one-on-one conversation with a potential buyer.
Infact, there are some home buyers who are kind enough not to hamper the peace of the sellers in these challenging times and don’t ask for any open house at all. For instance, one of Nevada’s home buyers said that when we buy houses type companies in Nevada, we don’t ask for any formal inspections. So, the buyers don’t have to make changes at all.
Isn’t that amazing?
But what if you have to show potential buyers your house?
The chances are that before signing the contract, the interested buyers might want to see the house one last time. Well, since it’s your house, the control is in your hands over how you want to proceed.
But, if you are in a hurry, you can prepare your home for minimal touching. Here’s what you need to do.
- Leave your interior doors open and open all your closets and cabinets and turn on all the lights.
- As the virus is still growing, the CDC recommends preventing any exposure, so you must clean and disinfect your home before and after a showing. Always keep a sanitizer nearby and keep washing your hands often.
- Limit the number of people that will enter your home. The others can always FaceTime.
- It is recommended that everyone must sign a COVID-19 release and disclosure form.
- All the visitors must wear face masks as per Directive 024.
Once everyone goes through, when selling a house in Nevada, you must legally disclose any material defects (if any) with your property. For instance, if there is a leakage issue or a problem with the foundation, you must tell the buyer before they go ahead with the purchase.
Other than that, you must have the following forms and documents ready for selling a house in Nevada.
- 2 Forms of ID
- Copy of Purchase Agreement and Any Addendums
- Closing Statement
- Signed Deed
- Bill of Sale
- Affidavit of Title
Additionally, you might also need to submit these additional documents too.
- Loan Payoff Information
- HOA Forms and Guidelines
- Survey Results or Survey Affidavits
- Home Inspection Results
- Proof of Repairs or Renovations
- Home Warranty Information
- Copies of Relevant Wills, Trusts, or Power of Attorney Letters
- Name Affidavits, Non-Foreign Affidavit Under IRC 1445, etc.
- Closing Disclosure (for certain seller concessions)
- Correction Statement and Agreement
On the set date, if everything is in order, you’ll proceed with the final closing agreement. Ideally, the seller signs the closing documents followed by the buyer. When the deed is recorded legally, the key will be handed over to the buyer.
Just make sure to never miss out on the guidelines issued by CDC. After all, selling your home is one thing, but things might get a little dicey for you if you contract the virus in the process of selling your house. Isn’t it?