When the time comes to sell your home, you have to take many important actions to hand the house over to a new owner. With the help of a great real estate agent and real estate attorney, you should have a pleasant and easy experience during the selling process. However, some people make large mistakes, like the ones listed below, when selling their homes.

1. They Don’t Hire Their Own Inspector

One mistake people make during the selling process is they do not hire their own inspectors. Buyers hire an inspector to look through a home to notify them of any issues such as ductwork damage, mold, or foundational issues. While sellers are not required to hire their own inspector, it is preferred and more cost-effective. In Cook County, IL, you should hire an inspector so you can know what to expect from the buyer’s inspector, or to fix the issues found in advance. Your inspector will look through your home to point out any issues the other inspector will find. Additionally, this may save you some legal troubles if your home is unsafe for the new owners.

2. They Don’t Get Their Home Evaluated by a Real Estate Agent

All over the country, real estate values fluctuate frequently. With that being said, it is very difficult to keep up with the values of homes in specific counties. You want to avoid the listing price being set lower than your home is worth. So, when you are selling your home in Cook County, IL, it is highly recommended you work with an experienced real estate agent. Real estate agents will evaluate the value of your home through the process of comparative market analysis.  This is the process in which an agent analyzes properties locally to compare what prices they sold for. They do this so you can list your property at top dollar and get as much money as you can during the sale. Letting potential buyers know your house is listed at the accurate market value can help them feel more comfortable purchasing your home as well. If you need help finding a trusted real estate agent in your area, your real estate attorney can put you in touch with one.

3. They Sign a Risky Purchase Agreement

A homeowner signs a contract with the help of a real estate lawyer.

At the end of real estate negotiations, the two parties are required to sign a closing agreement. This agreement states that the seller is consenting to sell their home to the buyer. Even if you are provided a contract, it is a good idea to hire a real estate attorney. A common mistake people make is signing an agreement that puts them at risk or a contract that is illegitimate, and having an attorney can prevent this from happening.

The contract could have loopholes or areas that put you at legal risk with your old home. An experienced attorney such as the ones at Schottler & Associates can help you look into the escrow and title company your real estate agent recommends before signing any legal paperwork.

Get Protected by a Real Estate Attorney When Selling Your Home

When you work with the right real estate attorney and agent, you can feel confident knowing you will not face any legal issues or make mistakes when selling your home. If you would like to be represented by an experienced real estate attorney in Cook County, IL, contact the office at Schottler & Associates.

Mark Schottler is a Chicagoland attorney with over 20 years of experience working both in probate and estate planning law and in real estate law. He puts his extensive knowledge on these subjects into easily consumable articles that will help and advise the public. Mark Schottler has a passion for probate and uses this to create relevant articles that are informative and entertaining. *While these posts may detail general legal issues, it is not legal advice. Use of this site does not create an attorney-client relationship.