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Seller's Tips

For seller tips, read through our answers to some frequently asked questions (FAQs).

Home Seller's FAQs

Considering selling? We’ll help you sell your property faster and for more money. Sound too good to be true? Check out our statistics.

We average selling a house every day. With $60 million in sales and $58 million in listings in 1999, our sales associates have proven that they are Rock SolidSM in real estate. And now, our sales associates have another tool for selling homes -- Prudential Value Range MarketingSM (PVRMSM).

  1. How long will it take to sell my home?
  2. Why do I need a REALTOR®?
  3. What qualities should I look for in an agent?
  4. How do you determine the market price of my home?
  5. How long should I list for?
  6. What is your commission percentage?
  7. What can I do to prepare my home for sale?
  8. If I’m the seller, why do I have to pay for title insurance and a survey?
  9. Are all agents always representing me if I’m the seller?
  10. Should I take out a home warranty policy?

Home Seller's Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. How long will it take to sell my home?
    Homes in the Rapid City market usually sell within 2 to 4 months, with most sales occurring in the spring and summer months. However, fluctuations in the interest rate and economy can make any month a good month to sell real estate.
  2. Why do I need a REALTOR®?
    Selling a home takes time, the proper resources, and real estate knowledge. Without these essentials, selling your own home can become an overwhelming task. All Prudential Kahler REALTORS® know how to price your property, competitively position it on the market, screen buyers, negotiate offers, and guide you through the closing process. Our sales associates can also help you avoid common pitfalls and negotiate an offer that is beneficial to you.
  3. What qualities should I look for in an agent?
    Make sure you feel comfortable communicating with your agent. Pick one who relates to you well and comes highly recommended from people you respect. Don’t be afraid to ask a prospective agent for references. You should also select someone who has a proven success record.
  4. How do you determine the market price of my home?
    The most reliable method of pricing your home is to look at the statistics. At Prudential Kahler REALTORS®, we determine the market price of a home by performing a comparative market analysis (CMA). During this process, a sales associate reviews homes that recently sold and are located in close proximity to the subject home. The sales associate also looks at homes that are currently listed or that were formerly listed but failed to sell. The features of these homes are then compared with those of the subject property to arrive at an approximate market price.
    When it comes to the list price, you have the final word. But remember, an over-priced property takes longer to sell, and often a stigma becomes attached to a property that is on the market an amount of time perceived to be longer than normal – people figure something must be wrong with the property.
    There is never a reason to under-price a property. And that’s a mistake a Prudential Kahler REALTOR® won’t let you make.
  5. How long should I list for?
    A standard residential listing with Prudential Kahler REALTORS® is 3 to 6 months, but the term of your listing can be negotiated with the listing REALTOR®.
  6. What is your commission percentage?
    A residential commission is typically 5 to 8%. Keep in mind that all agents will base the marketing plans for your home on the amount of money expected from the commission. While other companies may offer lower commissions, you may have the extra expense of your home being on the market for a longer period of time as well as added charges for marketing items (openhouses, newspaper advertising etc.) that are typically included in our standard package.
  7. What can I do to prepare my home for sale?
    First, make sure your home has good "curb appeal." Keep the lawn mowed, the shrubs trimmed, and the exterior of the house well maintained.
    Next, focus on the first impression prospective buyers will have when walking into your home. Here are a few suggestions:
    • Keep the curtains open and the lights on to make the rooms look bigger and brighter
    • Tidy up bedrooms and living rooms
    • Unclutter the closets to make them look larger
    • Pack up any extra items you won’t be using, or have a garage sale
    • Clean the kitchen and bathrooms to a sparkle
    • Fix any leaks or drips
    • Make any minor repairs
    • Spruce up with paint
    • Keep the temperature of the house comfortable for showings
    • Don’t plan to attend a showing of your property – it can make buyers feel uncomfortable
    • Scent your house with a wonderful aroma by baking cookies or heating vanilla extract
    • Play soothing music for showings
    • Keep your pets out of the home during the showing
    • Remove personal objects
  8. If I’m the seller, why do I have to pay for title insurance and a survey?
    The title insurance and survey actually protect the seller from complications with undisclosed or unknown title problems. The survey shows the property boundaries, ensuring that the buyer is aware of their approximate locations. Typically, in the Rapid City area the seller pays for title insurance and the survey. Some buyers will accept a copy of a previous survey rather than require a new one.
  9. Are all agents always representing me if I’m the seller?
    No. Although in the past it was common for most agents to be seller agents, with changes in agency law we are seeing more buyer agents and dual agents.
  10. Should I take out a home warranty policy?
    In general, home warranty policies are most cost-effective for older properties. At the time of listing, you will be offered a home-warranty policy for a fee.
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