Each homeowner will approach the home selling process differently. While many work with real estate agents, some choose to sell their homes without one. This can be an effective option for many sellers, but in order to stay protected throughout the process, you will need to be aware of extra steps you need to take, and you will also need to familiarize yourself with some aspects of real estate law. Keep the following guidelines in mind if you plan to sell your house without an agent. 

Do:

Make sure the home is priced reasonably. 

In traditional sales proceedings, a real estate agent can ensure that you list your home at an appropriate price. When selling on your own, you need to make an effort to understand the local market. Make sure that the price is high enough to earn on its value but low enough to compete. You might consider hiring a home appraiser to help you with this step. 

Hire a real estate attorney. 

Before you list your home, be sure to hire an attorney who specializes in real estate law. They can work with you to draft a comprehensive sales agreement, ensuring that each portion is in your best interest. Your lawyer should also be present when closing the sale, since they can ensure that the title change goes smoothly. Their knowledge of real estate law will prove invaluable throughout the process. 

Don’t:

Sign the papers without a professional opinion.

When you are eager to sell your house, it’s tempting to want to sign documents quickly and move the sale along. However, you might miss important details, especially if you aren’t familiar with real estate law. To ensure you’re making informed decisions, hire an expert in real estate law to look over each detail before you sign any documents. They can make recommendations for changes if something is not beneficial to you as a seller. 

Neglect cleaning and staging. 

Even though you don’t have an agent or broker to stage your home, it’s essential to prepare for every open house and showing. Clean the house thoroughly before showings and stage each room carefully. You might consider renting a storage unit to temporarily hold your possessions and make your home look less cluttered. If you need guidance on staging, research modern staging trends that sell. 

When selling your home without a real estate agent, the team at Bernardini Law P.C. can help you protect yourself throughout the process. Located in North Andover, MA, attorney Christine Bernardini and her team help residential and commercial clients buy and sell properties while staying legally compliant. From sales agreements to landlord disputes, these professionals will represent you and build a case around your best interests. Call (978) 794-5525 today to learn more about their real estate services or to schedule an appointment.