​​​​​​Front​ Door Properties

​​David Simon, Realtor

Smith Mountain Lake

434-426-1520

Smith Mountain Lake Real Estate: Waterfront and Water Access Homes and Lots For Sale

Smith Mountain Lake Homes For Sale

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Steps to consider when preparing to sell your property

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• Begin several months before you intend to place the property on the market.  Understand that the key factors typically are asking price, condition of the property, and location​.
• Start to refresh your knowledge of the market by reviewing the past year of successful sales of similar properties as well as the current competition. Be sure to compare lot quality in addition to the homes.  Use the link below for the past 12 months of sales and links available under the "Search Properties" TAB of this site to research your current competition.  last 12 months sml sales
  
• Prepare your house for sale.  Make needed repairs, paint, clean and declutter, landscape for curb appeal.  You may want to consider getting a presale property inspection from a licensed inspector.  In our experience, this is money well spent as it identifies items that will only be flagged by your eventual buyer's inspector.  Taking care of some of these items now will decrease the chances of a buyer that begins to second guess his or her decision and thus, increase the chances of a smooth closing.  The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) is a great resource to identify a certified inspector.  Front Door typically uses national property inspectors (npi).  If the home is empty or if the furnishings are tired and you are not living in the home, consider staging services. For more information on specifics of how to get your home ready for sale, access our detailed list of how to prepare your home for sale.

• ​​Interview SELLER agents and select an agent that is committed to representing your interests, that specializes in Smith Mountain Lake properties, and will be highly responsive to your needs.  Review testimonials and/or prior client references. See a complete list of recommended agent qualities under the "About Front Door" TAB of this site.  Request that the agent provide you with a competitive market analysis of your property.  Have the agent review the Listing Agreement with you.  Listing Agreements ARE negotiable.
• Often a seller's largest mistake is overpricing the property.  Granted, some sellers are only interested in testing the market and selling at a premium, some have an urgent need to sell, and everything in between.  Consider YOUR objectives, your review of recent competing sales and the current competition, your agent's competitive market analysis, and the tax assessed value of the property. 
• Help your agent identify the top selling points of your property.  This will assist your agent in marketing the property via the MLS, other internet sites, brochures and print ads.  Today, most buyers begin their real estate search via the internet before ever contacting an agent so internet marketing is critical.  Ensure your agent uses highly visible signs on the lakefront as many buyers enjoy making "drive bys" on the water.
  
• Open Houses for properties at Smith Mountain Lake are rarely effective, because most visitors are busy enjoying the lake and serious buyers are already focused on their search with an agent that can show them any property on the market.  However it can be valuable for your agent to host a AGENT/BROKER tour.  E-fliers sent to all of the lake agents are also effective.
  
• Stay on top of the market and adjust with it.  Regular meetings with your agent are highly recommended.
  

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Fundamentals of Selling Property at Smith Mountain Lake