One of the best places that families and retirees choose to move to in the Yellowhammer State is Baldwin County, Alabama.
Neighborhoods in the area boast affordable housing, a warm community with caring neighbors, a vibrant food scene, and amazing beaches overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.
If you are considering putting your home on the market without the help of a realtor, this article offers a comprehensive guide on how to sell house fast in Baldwin, AL.
Understanding the Baldwin County Real Estate Market
When selling a house in Alabama, particularly in Baldwin County, the first thing you need to do is familiarize yourself with the real estate market of the area.
In Baldwin County, AL, the average home value is $377,403 (as of April 2024).
Within the traditional residential area, the average sales price of homes is $412,175, while
in the resort area – all of Orange Beach, Fort Morgan, and neighborhoods in the Gulf Shores south of Canal Rd/180 – the average sales price is $764,465. Listings spent an average of 84 days on the on market.
| Area | Homes Sold | Average Sales Price | Average Days on Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Baldwin | 165 | $324,750 | 52 |
| North Baldwin | 13 | $295,033 | 63 |
| Eastern Shore | 177 | $486,666 | 49 |
| Coastal Homes | 97 | $838,670 | 86 |
| Coastal Condos | 107 | $651,645 | 81 |
Preparing Your Home for a Quick Sale
If you want to sell your house fast, you need to make it attractive to home buyers. One of the ways to motivate them to consider purchasing your property is to make the necessary home improvements.
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3 Essential Home Improvements for Selling Your House
When selling a property by owner, here are three things you need to do to make your home attractive to buyers:
Declutter and Depersonalize
Deep clean your home and remove personal belongings, such as photos, keepsakes, fridge magnets, etc.
Stage Your Home
Showcase your home’s best assets to make a great impression on potential buyers and sell your property quickly at the highest possible price. Important areas to focus on when staging your home include the living room, kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, and outdoor living spaces.
Improve Curb Appeal
Curb appeal is the way your home looks from the outside and how attractive it is to those who pass by. Some of the ways to improve your property’s curb appeal include repainting the door, cleaning the windows, refreshing your landscaping, and fixing the roof and gutters.
Choosing the Right Selling Strategy
There are four ways you can sell your home in Alabama:
Sell to a Cash Buyer
A cash buyer can make a cash offer instantly and help you sell your property fast in Alabama.
List With a Discount Real Estate Broker
Discount real estate brokers offer all the services that traditional realtors do but at discounted rates. They usually charge 1.5% to 3% commissions to list your property.
List With a Full-Service Realtor
A typical full-service real estate agent charges 5% to 6% of the closing cost, on average.
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List Your Home on the MLS for a Flat Fee
Alabama Flat Fee MLS companies can get you listed fast, typically within 24 to 48 hours on your local MLS.
The Role of Real Estate Auctions in Quick Sales
Real estate auctions offer a swift and decisive way to sell your home, making it an ideal option over traditional methods, where listings can linger for weeks or months.
An auction attracts a diverse pool of potential buyers and creates a competitive environment that drives up prices.
It is important to take note, however, that while auctions promise speed, there’s no guarantee of a successful sale. If the reserve is not met, the house remains unsold.
Leveraging Technology for Faster Home Sales
You can boost your property’s visibility by listing on For Sale By Owner listing sites like Zillow and Craigslist. This allows you to reach a wider range of buyers. You can also search online for sites that offer free listings on their platform.
Listing your home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) will be syndicated to over a hundred real estate websites, giving your property maximum exposure.
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Legal and Financial Considerations
Understanding Local Real Estate Laws
When selling your own home in Alabama, you will be required to prepare certain paperwork and documents. These include the purchase and sale agreement, disclosures about your property’s condition, and transfer of title to the new owner.
It is important that you consult with a real estate attorney who can handle these documents appropriately and ensure a smooth transaction.
Financial Planning for Quick Home Sales
The key to pricing your home competitively is to find similar properties in your area that have recently been sold. If you need assistance in determining your pricing, you can opt for a Broker’s Price Opinion or a CMA Report.
In a hot sellers’ market, you can price your home up to 10% more than the market. On the other hand, in a buyer’s market, you will be compelled to set your asking price slightly lower to beat the competition and sell your house fast.
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Potential Tax Implications in Baldwin County
A real estate transfer tax will be charged to the seller once a property’s ownership is transferred to the buyer. While buyers sometimes shoulder these taxes as part of their contract, in most cases the seller is responsible for transfer tax fees.
The state of Alabama has a set state rate for real estate transfer taxes. Sellers pay $0.050 for every $500 of value in their property.
Property taxes are another financial expense for sellers. In Baldwin County, the average effective property tax rate is about 0.36%. Actual property tax rates in the county are based on the assessed value of the home, with millage rates ranging from 11.5 to 9.5.
Marketing Your Home Effectively
Over 90% of buyers start their home search online nowadays, so it is vital to market your property through websites and social media platforms.
List on your local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) to reach a wider audience of potential buyers and utilize social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, to advertise your property.
Post high-quality photos, write a compelling description of the house, and include your contact information.
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Closing the Deal Efficiently
Navigating the Closing Process in Baldwin County
When selling your Alabama home, hiring a licensed real estate attorney who can draft all the closing documents can help ensure you avoid legal risks. Typically, real estate attorney fees range between $150 and $500 per hour.
Seller closing costs usually consist of HOA fees, escrow fees, home warranty fees, real estate attorney fees, and transfer tax. Traditionally, title companies or real estate attorneys act as closing agents in Alabama.
Note: This image may include elements generated by artificial intelligence (AI).
Conclusion
Selling your home in Baldwin County, AL, might seem daunting at first, but doing your research and having a real estate attorney by your side can make this a positive experience for you.
If you need further assistance with your plans to sell your home, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (251) 270-6400 or hollie@localpropertyinc.com to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to price your home for a quick sale?
Analyze recent sales transactions in your area, local market trends, and the general condition of your home to arrive at a preliminary home value estimate range for your property. Then, undercut by 5% to 10% and try to spark a bidding war.
What are common mistakes to avoid when selling a home quickly?
Some of the common mistakes to avoid are setting an unrealistic price, hiding major problems with your property, and selling to unqualified buyers.
How long does it typically take to sell a home in Baldwin County?
The median days on market is 61 Days (as of April 2024).
