Are you a veteran who purchased a home with a VA loan and now you are ready to sell it? Selling a VA financed home can be different from selling a conventional home, but the process is not complicated if you know what to do. In this article, we will guide you through the steps you need to take to sell your VA financed home successfully.
Understand Your VA Loan
Before you sell your VA financed home, you need to understand your VA loan. The VA loan is a benefit that you earned through your service, and it is designed to help veterans buy homes with no down payment and no private mortgage insurance. However, when you sell your VA financed home, you need to pay off your VA loan balance.
If you have paid off your VA loan or have enough equity in your home to cover the loan balance, you can sell your VA financed home like any other home. However, if you owe more than your home is worth, you may need to consider a short sale or negotiate a repayment plan with your lender.
Get Your Home Ready for Sale
Once you understand your VA loan, it is time to get your home ready for sale. First, you need to make any necessary repairs and improvements to your home to make it more attractive to buyers. You should also clean and declutter your home and stage it to showcase its best features.
Next, you need to determine the market value of your home. You can do this by hiring a real estate agent or using online tools to get a rough estimate. However, keep in mind that the market value of your home may be different from its appraised value, which is used to determine the loan amount for a buyer.
Find a Real Estate Agent
After you have prepared your home for sale, it is time to find a real estate agent. Look for an agent who has experience selling VA financed homes and can help you navigate the process. Your agent can also help you price your home competitively and market it to potential buyers.
When choosing an agent, ask for referrals from other veterans or check with your local VA office for a list of recommended agents. You can also research agents online and read reviews from their past clients.
Market Your Home
Once you have found an agent, it is time to market your home. Your agent can help you create a marketing plan that includes listing your home on the MLS, hosting open houses, and advertising your home online and in print media.
You can also use social media to market your home to potential buyers. Share photos and details about your home on your social media platforms and ask your friends and family to share them with their networks.
Negotiate the Sale
When you receive an offer on your VA financed home, your agent will help you negotiate the terms of the sale. The offer will include a purchase price, a closing date, and any contingencies, such as a home inspection or appraisal.
If the offer is lower than your asking price, you can counteroffer or reject it. However, keep in mind that the appraisal may come in lower than the purchase price, which can affect the buyer’s financing.
Close the Sale
Once you have accepted an offer, it is time to close the sale. Your agent will help you prepare for the closing, which includes signing the necessary paperwork and transferring ownership of the home to the buyer.
As the seller, you will be responsible for paying any closing costs that are not covered by the buyer, such as real estate commissions and transfer taxes. Your agent can help you understand your closing costs and negotiate them with the buyer if necessary.
Conclusion
Selling a VA financed home can be a smooth process if you understand your VA loan, get your home ready for sale, find a real estate agent, market your home, negotiate the sale, and close the sale. By following these steps, you can sell your VA financed home and move on to your next adventure.