Selling your house is a task you might only undertake a few times in your life. Unless you have a local Sacramento real estate agent willing to work for free or at a deeply discounted commission, selling your home can be both a headache and an expensive process.
If you’ve found your way to this page seeking advice on “How to sell your house by yourself in Sacramento, CA,” you likely fall into one of these categories:
- You have little to no equity in your home and can’t afford to pay a real estate agent’s commissions.
- You have equity but want to save money by selling your house independently before considering an agent.
- You’re facing foreclosure or a similar urgent situation and need to sell quickly without incurring hefty agent commissions.
- You can’t afford to wait for months to sell your house in the competitive Sacramento real estate market.
No matter where you fit in, there are ways to successfully sell your house on your own in the local Sacramento real estate market.
Since 2013, the housing sector has seen a remarkable recovery, making it a profitable time to sell your home if done right. This article will guide you on how to sell your Sacramento area house without a real estate agent.
Selling Your House by Yourself in Sacramento, CA – Let’s Get Started
Know the Sacramento Real Estate Market Well
The first and most crucial step is conducting thorough market research for your neighborhood in Sacramento, CA. You can achieve this by exploring various property value estimation websites (like Zillow, Eppraisal, or Chase’s home value estimator), consulting with real estate agents to gauge your home’s worth, or studying various market pricing techniques. This research is essential to determine the right price for your house and to avoid common selling mistakes.
If you prefer not to calculate your home’s value on your own, call us at (916) 476-2381 for an honest and fair valuation. We can help you decide whether you want to wait 3-6+ months for the perfect retail buyer or consider a quick sale option (we can close in as little as 7 days if you wish).
Assess the Market
Similar to conducting market research, this step focuses on evaluating your neighborhood and comparable properties. Check if there’s a surplus of houses for sale in your Sacramento neighborhood and the average listing price for those homes. Be aware of any foreclosures in the area, as they might affect your house’s price.
Assess Your House
Your house should be in top condition to fetch a good price. Identify unique features that set your property apart and emphasize them in your marketing. For example, in Sacramento, a house with driveway parking might be more appealing to buyers than one with garage parking.
Additionally, evaluate if your house needs repairs, a fresh coat of paint, or other improvements. The condition of the roof and landscaping can also influence your property’s attractiveness and sale price. Be prepared to address these aspects to maximize your home’s value.
After all these considerations, set an asking price for your Sacramento home that is both fair and attractive to potential buyers.
Use Photos or Videos
Sacramento buyers are drawn to visual content. Creating walk-through videos of your house can help you reach a broader audience. Videos are considered more transparent than photos, although using both is advisable since photos are more cost-effective. Be sure to capture every room and the exterior from various angles. Quality visuals can significantly speed up the sale.
List Your House on the Local Sacramento MLS and Market It
You can find no or low-fee real estate brokers who will charge a small fee to place your house on the local Sacramento MLS. This will expose your property to real estate agents, so be prepared to pay a 2-3% buyers broker fee if you seek their assistance in finding a buyer.
In addition to MLS listing, use other marketing channels such as local newspapers, road signs, and hosting open houses to attract potential buyers.
Selling Your Sacramento House Yourself – Is It Worth the Effort?
Selling your own house can be a significant undertaking. There are several factors to consider:
- Marketing Skills: If you lack marketing expertise or the time to market your house effectively, selling it yourself may not be the best option.
- House Preparation: Failing to prepare your house and marketing materials adequately may result in a lower selling price compared to what an experienced agent could achieve.
- Holding and Opportunity Costs: Every month your house remains unsold, you continue to incur expenses such as mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, and utilities. These costs can add up over time. Consider whether offering a discounted price for a quick sale might be more financially advantageous.
If the prospect of selling your Sacramento house by yourself feels overwhelming, or you’d rather avoid the hassle, you can sell quickly for a fair price without paying commissions or fees.
At Laurel Buys Houses, we purchase local Sacramento homes and handle all necessary repairs at our expense. Contact us today at (916) 476-2381 or fill out the simple form through the link below for a no-obligation cash offer on your property.
Thinking of Selling Your Sacramento House Yourself? – Get a Cash Offer from Us Before You Invest Time, Money, and Energy in DIY Selling.