Selling Your Home? Get Educated First…

When you decide to sell your home, you may not realize how overwhelming the process can be. There are many factors to consider. First National Title Company (FNTC) would like to share a few things you should know before selling.

1 One of the first questions you should ask yourself is whether to go it alone or hand the process over to a real estate professional. Many financial experts agree that, while it may seem like a way to save a lot of money, that’s not always the case.

2 An industry report shows those who sell their own homes typically receive 10-20 percent less than those who use real estate professionals. Working with an agent can eliminate the emotional factor, resulting in a practical listing price. And all of the marketing is done for you. But if you decide to sell your own home, FNTC provides market research of comparable properties in your neighborhood.

3 In addition to making your home marketable, you also want it to be attractive for open houses. Plus, standard real estate contracts give prospective buyers the right to an inspection. This contract provision may result in you and the buyer agreeing upon repairs for which you may be responsible.

4 There is a lot of paperwork involved in selling a home, so you’ll need the services of a title company that is experienced in dealing with For Sale By Owner (FSBO) transactions. Sellers should contact title companies early on to provide information and the title company will begin by conducting a title search, ensuring no liens or other issues could affect the transfer.

5 As an independent title agency, FNTC will make sure all parties get the proper paperwork on time. It is critical to close your sale properly and legally. FNTC’s title officers are skilled at spotting problems that could put your transaction at risk – before you lose a buyer, and FNTC also has attorneys on staff who can draft your legal contracts and related documents.

6 To consummate the transaction, FNTC also issues mortgagee’s and owner’s title insurance policies, to satisfy both the requirements of the buyer and the buyer’s lender.

Let us add you to the thousands of satisfied FSBO clients we’ve served across Arkansas. Call us with questions at any of our offices listed below, or contact us at www.firstnationaltitle.net.