Selling

Selling Your House Alone in Twin Falls? 5 Reasons to Reconsider

Who doesn’t love a satisfying DIY project? Many sellers can feel like they’ve watched enough HGTV or seen enough YouTube tutorials to be successful. However, if you think selling your house alone in Twin Falls is the best route for you, you may want to reconsider.

Keep reading for my top 5 reasons you should not sell your house alone in Twin Falls, Idaho.

Why Not To Sell Your House Alone In Twin Falls:

Marketing

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In addition to negotiating on your behalf, writing contracts, managing timelines, and efficiently marketing your property, your real estate agent knows what buyers are looking for and what is currently trending.

A good agent can help you prepare, photograph, promote, and describe your home based on current trends. Their marketing strategies can attract more potential buyers, increasing your chances of selling your home at a higher price.

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Download my guide to selling your home in Twin Falls, Idaho and the surrounding Magic Valley. Includes my signature selling system, FAQs, selling checklists, and more!

Only Agents Can List A Home On MLS

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When selling your house alone in Twin Falls you likely will have less exposure. Buyers are finding their houses online by themselves now more than ever. They utilize sites like Zillow, Realtor, Redfin, etc. Your real estate agent will input your home on the MLS, which will populate to 1,000s of websites worldwide, leading to more exposure than being listed privately. Buyers and their agents will find your home as long as it’s on the MLS.

Most Buyers Will Only Purchase With An Agent

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When buying a home, buyers typically don’t pay commissions. As a result, they may not have any vested interest in purchasing a home without an agent. However, if they hire an agent, they will have someone dedicated to protecting their best interests and helping them navigate the legal and logistical aspects of the transaction. On the other hand, if you decide not to hire an agent, you will not have anyone to represent you, even though you will still likely be responsible for paying the commission for the buyer’s agent if you want to complete the sale.

Many People Won't Bother Looking

Have you ever felt awkward when driving up to someone’s home to buy something that they advertised on Facebook Marketplace? Did you feel like you had to buy the item, even if it wasn’t quite what you expected? Most buyers don’t feel comfortable having the seller present during a showing. That’s why buyers typically rely on their agent to act as a gatekeeper to their search. They definitely wouldn’t want the seller to give them a home tour.

Nationally around 8% of sellers try to sell their homes themselves, and even fewer succeed in completing the sale. Because this isn’t common, buyers may be intimidated or offput. They might assume that something is wrong with the house, such as foreclosure or liquidation.

Represented Sellers Make More Money

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It’s important to understand that buyers’ perception is their reality. To get a better price for your home, you need to present it in the best possible way to make potential buyers feel comfortable and welcomed in the space.

When you work with a real estate agent, you are likely to reach the highest number of potential buyers, which can lead to competition and greater exposure for your property. This, in turn, can result in a higher sale price. Additionally, by working with an agent, you’ll have someone who is looking out for your best interests and who has experience navigating complex transactions. This can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure a smooth sales process.

If you are hesitant about working with an agent, don’t be. Be honest with them. I always take the time to understand how my sellers are feeling, what they are afraid of, and their goals for selling their homes.

If you have any questions about what I covered or if you’re considering a move, feel free to message me at any time. I’m always happy to help!

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Hi, I'm Sabrina!

I’m your local Twin Falls real estate agent and soon-to-be friend in real estate! Whether you’re selling or buying, I am here to help my clients achieve their real estate goals. Through strong client advocacy, skillful marketing techniques, exceptional communication, and proven systems, I strive to make my client’s experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.

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Twin Falls County Real Estate Market Update: April 2024

Are you a homeowner in Twin Falls County- or interested in becoming one? Here is the information you’ll need about what happened in the real estate market in April 2024. Competition and prices are on the increase, and days on the market are on the decrease. Don’t miss out on learning more about reducing the cost of your mortgage or getting a lower rate, make sure you read until the end!

What You Need to Know About the Twin Falls County Market:

Number of Residential Sales

April continued the trend of the downward number of sales in Twin Falls County this year. For April, there were a total of 92 single-family homes sold in Twin Falls County, down 12.38% from April last year, which had 105 homes sold. Year-to-date (YTD) sales are down 8.29% from 2023.

Interest rates continue to increase as inflation remains elevated. Because of the higher rates and high property values, a lot of the people in today’s market are people who have to move or first-timers. Despite the number of residential sales being down, property values are continuing to rise- I’ll get more into that later.

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Months of Inventory (MOI)

Twin Falls County is currently experiencing a seller’s market, with only 2.9 months’ worth of inventory available. The months of inventory refer to the amount of time it would take for all the homes on the market to be absorbed, assuming no new homes were listed. Although some seller compensations are being offered at certain price points in the area, many homes are still receiving multiple offers, particularly those that fall within the $200,000-$400,000 price range.

New Listings

In April, Twin Falls County had 139 new listings on the market, of which 58 have sold or gone pending. Homes that are well-maintained, located in a good area, and priced appropriately are selling quickly. If you’re planning on selling your home this spring or summer, it’s crucial to take the time to prepare your home properly and partner with someone who has a great marketing plan. In today’s market, this will often result in a quick sale.

If you are planning to purchase a property, it is crucial to plan for a successful experience. Before beginning your home shopping, take the time to compare lenders. With current interest rates, it is essential to review the different programs that lenders are offering and compare their fee structures. This will help you make an informed decision when selecting a lender and ensure that you get the best possible deal. I have seen lenders recently offering credits for their fees, rate relief programs, and more. I’m happy to provide you with these lenders’ information.

Also, if you can get your loan underwritten upfront, this will help your offer stand out when you’re ready. Of the 92 homes sold in April, 22 were cash deals. Having your loan underwritten upfront will help you be as competitive as possible.

Average Sales Price

The average sales price YTD in April was $396, 464. This number is up 7.54% from April 2023 when the average sales price in Twin Falls County was $360,341. Property values continue to increase month after month in the Magic Valley.

Days on Market

The average days on the market (DOM) in April was 56, while year-to-date was 77. However, if you look at the 92 homes sold in April, 49 of which were between $200,000-$400,000. The average days on the market for these homes was 40, while the median was just 11. The market is moving quick- especially for homes under $400,000.

As always, this market update is an general overview of things going on. Everybody has their own situation, and I am happy to take the time to learn more about your real estate goals and show you how I can help make them happen. You can set up a no-pressure phone call here.

Hi, I'm Sabrina!

I’m your local Twin Falls real estate agent and soon-to-be friend in real estate! Whether you’re selling or buying, I am here to help my clients achieve their real estate goals. Through strong client advocacy, skillful marketing techniques, exceptional communication, and proven systems, I strive to make my client’s experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.

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Twin Falls County Real Estate Market Update: February 2024

 I’m looking for homeowners in Twin Falls County or anyone planning to become one, here’s what went down in March 2024 in the Twin Falls County real estate market. 

Read on for helpful tips and real truths about how the current market could impact your real estate goals if you’re considering buying or selling this spring or summer.

What You Need to Know About the Twin Falls County Market:

Number of Residential Sales

The total number of residential sales in March reached 107, a massive 59% increase in listings sold month-over-month (MoM). I think it’s safe to say that the spring real estate market is officially heating up, and we can expect to see more of the same throughout April and May. This is the time of year when we will see the largest majority of home sales because of the favorable weather, school breaks, etc. 

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Months of Inventory

We’re still firmly situated within a seller’s market, and in Twin Falls County, the Months of Inventory (MOI) remain low, sitting at 3.19 months in March 2024.

The MOI serves as a reliable gauge of the current market dynamics and potential future trends. While a balanced market typically has about 4-6 months of inventory, we’ve consistently observed the balance tipped in favor of sellers over the past five years.

Homes that are appropriately priced, well-maintained, and strategically located continue to be in high demand. It’s not uncommon for them to attract multiple offers and secure acceptances within the first week of listing.

New Listings

Though the available inventory continues to remain low, we did see 144 new listings in Twin Falls County for March. This number is up almost 11% from last month when 130 new homes hit the market.

This number should continue to rise over the next few months as the school year comes to an end and the weather warms up. The good news for buyers is that you should have more choices available; the bad news is that homes hitting the market are being absorbed almost as quickly.

When you’re out there shopping, it’s more important than ever to have a solid idea of what you’re looking for so that when you find it, you are ready to make a move on it.

Sales Price

The median sales price for a home in Twin Falls County remained basically unchanged with a median sales price of $364,950 in March, whereas in February 2024, it was $365,000 for all single-family homes. 

Looking at the prices year over year, prices continue to increase rapidly, with the median price of a home up 7.34% from $340,000 at this time in 2023. On average, homes appreciate at a rate of 3% per year; however, over the last four years, we have seen incredible gains of well over 10% annually.

Breaking it down by category, pre-existing single-family homes sold on average for $346,500, new construction for $441,957, and single-family homes with acreage sold on average for $568,750.

Days On Market

As I’ve been mentioning, this time of year is when we witness a lot of market activity. The days on the market have significantly decreased from last month. In March 2024, the average days on the market were 74 compared to 104 in February, which is a 29% decrease in days on the market month over month.

In March, the median days on market for all single-family homes sold in the county was only 30. Despite the various factors that are making housing less affordable, people are still finding ways to make it work and have reasons for moving. The competition level remains high in our local real estate market.

If you want to be a strategic seller and have a lot of showings for your property right away, it’s important to price your home correctly. This will help you sell your property quickly so that you can move on to bigger and better things.

Conclusion

Alright, so I’m sure you know what some of my concluding thoughts are for this month’s update. If you’re a buyer planning to make a move this spring or summer, it is time to get educated and prepared to ensure you have the most successful experience possible. Competition is tight out there—especially for first-timers.

As I touched on a bit last month, the Fed keeps discussing rate cuts, but currently, it doesn’t seem likely that anything is going to happen as inflation continues to grow at a pace faster than they would like to see. My personal opinion is to buckle up and get used to rates around 6% and make a plan for something you can afford at that interest rate. If/when rates do come down, great! Most lenders are offering refinances with waived or reduced fees.

Waiting for these rate drops poses a couple of different problems. Firstly, prices keep rising, practically on a monthly basis and certainly on an annual scale. If you keep putting off purchasing, by the time rates come down, the amount you save in interest will likely be offset by the increased purchase price. Secondly, when rates do drop lower, competition will inevitably increase. I’m actually relieved that the rates haven’t dropped too much yet. Currently, it’s a bit disappointing because rates are at their highest in months, but a gradual decline is necessary to avoid an influx of activity like we saw before.

Sellers, this is a great time for you if you’re willing to be strategic. Proper pricing and a well-maintained home often lead to a quick sale at or above the asking price. Depending on the type of move you’re planning to make, now could be a great time.

Again, this is all general information, and each and every situation is completely unique. I am always here to have a discussion about your real estate goals, set up a time with me to talk here. Or, if you’d like an instant home valuation, you can grab one here. Thanks for reading, I’ll catch you next month!

Hi, I'm Sabrina!

I’m your local Twin Falls real estate agent and soon-to-be friend in real estate! Whether you’re selling or buying, I am here to help my clients achieve their real estate goals. Through strong client advocacy, skillful marketing techniques, exceptional communication, and proven systems, I strive to make my client’s experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.

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How to Sell My Home In Twin Falls, Idaho

When you’re considering selling your home you may be asking yourself, what do I need to do to help sell my home in Twin Falls, Idaho for top dollar? 

I’ve got you covered with my top five tips for getting your home in the best shape to put on the market. Read on to learn about my top tips that will help you get top dollar for your home and sell your home in the least amount of time with the least amount of stress.

What Should I Do To Help Sell My Home In Twin Falls?

Enhance The Curb Appeal: Make A Lasting First Impression

One of my top tips for getting your home ready to put on the market is to freshen up the outside and enhance your home’s curb appeal. This is a cost effective way to help make a lasting impression on home buyers by doing simple updates and cleaning.

To ensure your home looks its best, it’s important to maintain the lawn and landscaping by trimming, cleaning, and keeping it well-maintained. If it’s currently the right season, I suggest placing some planters with seasonal flowers near the front door. Also, don’t forget to power wash the exterior of your home, driveway, garage, and any other surfaces that could use a good cleaning.

In addition to the landscaping, you can consider enhancements like new house numbers, lighting, and doormat. A well-maintained exterior creates a positive first impression and attracts more potential buyers.

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Home Selling Repair Checklist

Download my exclusive home-selling checklist! This is a comprehensive list of all the items that you should check to ensure that your house is in its best shape to sell for top dollar. The checklist covers everything from minor repairs and touch-ups to easy upgrades.

Declutter And Depersonalize: Showcase Your Home's Potential

When you are preparing to sell your home, it is important to remove all of your personalized items and decorations, even though your home is a place of relaxation and personal expression. By doing so, potential buyers can better visualize their own items and envision themselves living in the space. This also makes it easier for them to fully appreciate the home’s features and imagine their personal touch on the space.

In addition to removing personal items, you will also want to remove excess furniture and organize closets and storage areas to highlight the available storage space.

Complete Minor Repairs: Fix Any Small Items Needing Repaired

If there have been home projects that you’ve been putting off, you’ll want to be sure to complete those before listing your home to help you get top dollar. Fix leaky faucets, replace burnt-out light bulbs, and patch up any small holes or cracks. These small details can significantly impact a buyer’s perception of your home’s overall upkeep.

You may also consider fresh paint, professional carpet cleaning, or professional home cleaning before listing your home. You only get one first impression with buyers, you want to make sure it’s your best.

Research And Set A Realistic Listing Price: Competitive And Attractive

When planning to sell your home, it’s a good idea to schedule a meeting with a local Realtor. This will help you get a more accurate idea of the value of your home. Although many home buyers and sellers rely on Zillow, it’s important to note that Idaho is a non-disclosure state. This means that in many cases, the Zestimate you see on Zillow may not be entirely accurate.

A Realtor will give you a range of values for your home based on recently sold homes in your neighborhood and area. It’s critical to gain insights into market trends and ensure your pricing strategy aligns with current market conditions. A well-calibrated asking price can attract more serious buyers and lead to a faster sale.

Conduct A Pre-Listing Inspection: Ensure A Smooth Transaction

It’s a good idea to get a professional home inspection done before you put your house up for sale. Doing this can help you identify any issues and solve potential problems before they affect the sale. Including the home inspection report for potential buyers can also boost their confidence in the property, making them more likely to purchase and leading to a quicker sale.

I hope this helped you answer the question of “What should I do to sell my home in Twin Falls, Idaho?”. If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to schedule a call with me, I’m always happy to help answer questions!

Hi, I'm Sabrina!

I’m your local Twin Falls real estate agent and soon-to-be friend in real estate! Whether you’re selling or buying, I am here to help my clients achieve their real estate goals. Through strong client advocacy, skillful marketing techniques, exceptional communication, and proven systems, I strive to make my client’s experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.

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