Should I sell my house now - all questions answered

The housing market is shifting this season as buyer demand slows and the number of homes for sale grows. But that shift gives you some unique benefits. Discover key opportunities if you sell your house now.

Three benefits if you sell your home now

Selling a house is a huge change, but it can also be a tremendous opportunity for life improvements. There are three general benefits of selling a house:

Financial gain: Selling can result in profit.
Downsizing/Upgrading: opportunity to change property.
Relocation: allows for moving.

In today’s housing market, one can find three significant opportunities/benefits when deciding to sell a home.

Benefit #1: You Have More Options for Your Move

One of the biggest stories today is the growing supply of homes for sale. Housing inventory has been increasing since the start of the year, primarily because higher mortgage rates helped cool off the peak frenzy of buyer demand. But what you may not realize is that it actually could benefit you.

If you’re selling your house to make a move, you’ll have more options for your home search. That gives you an even better chance to find a home that checks your boxes. So, if you’ve put off selling because you were worried about being able to find somewhere to go, know your options have improved.

Benefit #2: The Number of Homes on the Market Is Still Low

Just remember, while data shows the number of homes for sale has increased this year, housing supply is still firmly in sellers’ market territory. To be in a balanced market with enough homes available to meet the pace of buyer demand, there would need to be a six months supply of homes. According to the latest report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), there was only a 3.3 months supply in July.

While you’ll have more options for your home search, inventory is still low, so your home will still be in demand if you price it right. That’s why the most recent data from NAR also shows the average home sold in July still saw multiple offers and sold in as little as 14 days.

Benefit #3: Your Equity Has Grown by Record Amounts

The home price appreciation the market saw over the past few years has likely given your equity (and your net worth) a considerable boost. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com, explains:

“Homeowners trying to decide if now is the time to list their home for sale are still in a good position in many markets across the country as a decade of rising home prices gives them a substantial equity cushion . . .”

If you’ve been holding off on selling because you’re worried about how rising prices will impact your next home search, rest assured your equity can help. It may be just what you need to cover a significant portion (if not all) of the down payment on your next home.

Should I get an appraisal before selling my house?

Getting an appraisal before selling your house can be a valuable step in the process, as it provides an objective and professional assessment of your home’s market value.

An appraisal can increase your chances of selling your home quickly and for a fair price and help you negotiate with potential buyers.

Additionally, suppose you are using the proceeds from the sale of your home for a mortgage or other loan. In that case, many lenders require an appraisal to determine the property’s value as collateral.

In short, an appraisal can provide important information that can help you make informed decisions and achieve your goals when selling your home.

Can a realtor help with the house appraisal?

A real estate agent can assist with the appraisal of a house in several ways:

Market knowledge: A realtor has extensive knowledge of the local real estate market and can provide valuable insights into current market conditions, including recent sales of comparable properties. This information can help determine an accurate market value for the home.
Pricing strategy: Based on their market knowledge, a realtor can guide a fair asking price for the home. They can help you price your home competitively, resulting in a faster sale and a higher price.
Marketing assistance: A realtor can also help market the home to potential buyers. This can include preparing property listings, arranging showings, and negotiating offers.
Professional network: Realtors often work with a network of professionals, including appraisers, home inspectors, and contractors, who can provide additional services to help with the appraisal process.

In summary, a realtor can provide valuable assistance in the appraisal process by offering market knowledge, pricing strategy, marketing assistance, and access to a professional network, which can all contribute to a successful sale.

Need help selling your house? Call Dylan now. He’ll answer in person and consult you along the way.

Should I sell or rent my house?

There are five reasons why it is better to sell than to rent a house:

Equity: When you sell a house, you can receive a lump sum of money that can be invested or used for other purposes. With renting, the monthly payments go toward paying the landlord, not building your equity.
Appreciation: As property values increase over time, owning a house can be a good investment. If you sell the house later, you can benefit from the appreciation.
Control: As a homeowner, you have more control over the property and can make changes or improvements as desired. As a tenant, you must comply with the landlord’s rules and restrictions.
Tax benefits: Owning a home can provide tax benefits, such as the ability to deduct mortgage interest and property tax payments. These benefits are not available to renters.
Sense of security: Owning a home can provide a sense of stability and security that may not be attainable through renting. It can also provide a better long-term living solution, as rental properties can be subject to rent increases and lease renewals.

Can I sell my house if I'm behind on payments?

Yes, you can sell your house if you are behind on payments. However, the process may be more complicated if you face foreclosure or default on your mortgage. In these cases, you may need to work with your lender or a real estate professional to find a solution that will allow you to sell the property and pay off the outstanding debt.

It is essential to take action quickly if you are behind on payments, as the longer you wait, the more difficult it may become to find a solution. Additionally, if a foreclosure is initiated, you may lose control over the sale of the property, and the proceeds from the sale may not be enough to pay off the outstanding debt.

It is always best to seek the advice of a financial professional or real estate agent (📞(619) 806-1519) before making any decisions about selling a property when you are behind on payments.

How can a realtor help in that case?

How can a realtor help if selling a house when late on payments

A real estate agent can help in several ways if you are behind on payments and want to sell your house:

Marketing and sales expertise: An experienced real estate agent can help you market your property effectively and negotiate the best possible price, which can be especially important if you need to sell quickly.
Knowledge of short sales: If you are facing a foreclosure, your real estate agent may be able to help you explore the possibility of a short sale. With the lender’s approval, a short sale is a way to sell your property for less than the amount you owe on the mortgage.
Network of professionals: A real estate agent can provide you with a network of professionals, including attorneys, financial advisors, and mortgage lenders, who can help you navigate the process of selling a property behind on payments.
Assistance with documentation: An agent can assist you with preparing and submitting the necessary documentation for a short sale or another foreclosure alternative.

It is important to note that not all real estate agents have experience working with homeowners who are behind on payments. Be sure to select an agent with a proven track record in these types of transactions and who is familiar with the local real estate market and the best property strategies.

Can I sell my house with an open insurance claim?

Yes, you can sell your house with an open insurance claim. However, an open insurance claim may impact the sale of your property and make it more difficult to find a buyer.

An open insurance claim on your property can indicate unresolved issues with the property, and some potential buyers may be hesitant to purchase a property with an ongoing claim. Additionally, the insurance claim may affect the property’s value, and the buyer may request that the claim be resolved before closing.

If you are selling your house with an open insurance claim, it is essential to be transparent with potential buyers about the claim and to provide any relevant documentation, such as the insurance policy or the claim form. You may also want to consider working with a real estate agent with experience handling property sales with open insurance claims.

It is always best to seek the advice of a real estate agent who can help when selling a house with an open insurance claim. An experienced real estate agent can provide valuable assistance (📞(619) 806-1519).

Can i sell my house with a tax lien?

Yes, you can sell a house with a tax lien, but the lien must be paid off at closing or otherwise satisfied before the sale can be completed.

The sale proceeds can be used to pay outstanding taxes, related fees, penalties, and interest. If the sale proceeds are insufficient to pay off the lien in full, the seller may have to negotiate a payment plan with the tax authority or use other means to satisfy the debt.

What is a tax lien

A tax lien is a claim made by the government on a property due to the owner’s unpaid taxes. This can include taxes on the property itself and any other taxes the owner may owe to the government, such as income taxes or sales taxes.

When a tax lien is placed on a property, the government has a legal right to take ownership of the property if the taxes are

Tax lien explained for ten-year-olds

A tax lien is when the government says that someone owes them money in the form of taxes and they have put a claim on that person’s property. The government can take and sell the property if the taxes aren’t paid. This is like a big sign that says the property belongs to the government until the taxes are paid.

How can a realtor help

A real estate agent or realtor can help in several ways when selling a house with a tax lien:

Information and guidance: A realtor can provide information on the process of selling a property with a tax lien and guide the seller through the steps involved.
Marketing the property: A realtor can help market the property to potential buyers, using their networks and marketing strategies to find interested parties.
Negotiating with the tax authority: A realtor may be able to negotiate with the tax authority on behalf of the seller to reach a mutually acceptable resolution to the lien, such as a payment plan or reduced amount owed.
Closing coordination: A realtor can coordinate with the tax authority, escrow company, and other parties involved to ensure that the tax lien is satisfied and the sale can proceed smoothly.

By working with a realtor, the seller can benefit from their expertise and experience in navigating the sale process for a property with a tax lien.

Bottom line - should you sell your house now

Dylan:

Yes, with proper guidance, you should sell your house now.

If you’re considering selling this season, let’s connect so you have the expert insights you need to make the best possible move today.