If you own a luxury home in the natural wonderland of
Glen Arbor and are planning to sell it soon, there are several steps to take to arrive at a successful sale. Glen Arbor is nestled between Sleeping Bear Bay on Lake Michigan and Glen Lake, which makes it extremely popular as a vacation destination as well as with the approximately 900 people who are year-round residents.
Waterfront property is particularly attractive to people looking to get in on the incredible Glen Arbor lifestyle, whether it’s for a primary residence or to serve as a vacation home. The homes along Sleeping Bear Bay open up on a wide sandy beach, and the homes along Glen Lake offer access to boating, swimming, and fishing.
As wonderful as waterfront homes are, there are many things to know about selling them. A successful sale can result in a tidy profit, but making mistakes during the process can result in setbacks that can cost you both time and money. By being well-prepared and following these home-selling tips, you’ll be able to navigate the process with few, if any, obstacles.
Partner with an experienced agent
To start the process off on the right foot, it’s important to hire a real estate agent who is experienced in selling waterfront properties like Robin Vilter. The best agents will be well-versed in selling these
luxury properties, such as pricing, making disclosures, offering great advice for preparing your home for sale, and using smart marketing techniques. Ultimately, an experienced agent knows how to get top dollar for your
Glen Arbor, MI real estate while working toward a quick sale. Not all real estate agents have experience selling waterfront properties, so be sure to do your research and have prospective agents explain their track record of success in handling transactions for waterfront homes. Hiring the wrong agent can set you back from the start of the process.
Price it right
It’s important to determine a fair market value of a home, whether it’s a waterfront home, a home with a water view but no direct access, or a home in this vibrant community that is near the water. Waterfront homes are almost always worth more money than homes that are not directly on the water. The current median price of Glen Arbor homes is about $700,000. Not surprisingly, homes on the waterfront or with a nice water view can stretch into the seven figures.
A knowledgeable agent knows how to properly price a home based on recent sales of comparable homes as well as their experience in the market. The key is to avoid setting it too high, which could cause it to sit on the market too long and lead buyers to think there could be a problem with it, or set it too low and leave potentially thousands of dollars on the table. One of the best ways for your agent to set a competitive price is to run a
comparative market analysis (CMA), which will compare your home with similar houses that have sold in recent months and are currently on the market.
Market the unique lifestyle
For any home for sale in Glen Arbor, a smart real estate agent will market the incredible lifestyle that comes with living near the beaches, bays, dunes, and lakes in the area, as well as the quaint downtown. For a waterfront home, the key is to sell the image of living right on the water, whether it’s Lake Michigan or Glen Lake. Highlight the incredible views from the home itself as well as from the nearby beach or boat dock, plus all the perks, such as direct access to the water and the many recreational opportunities available.
When putting together an online listing, include plenty of professionally taken photos that highlight each room and all the features of the home, as well as water views from each room. Include plenty of shots of the exterior and its features, as well as a drone shot or two that shows the home’s proximity to the water. If buyers are intrigued by what they see online, they’ll be sure to schedule a private showing. A sharp real estate agent who has been working in the market for several years will also know how to find buyers who have the financial means and desire to buy waterfront properties.
Understand waterfront property rights
Another important factor in selling Glen Arbor, MI real estate is to understand the rights that will convey to the new owner, including water access, the location of your property lines, and what changes can be made to the property, such as adding a boat dock or seawall. All federal, state, and local laws must be followed.
Disclosures
Since waterfront homes are more susceptible to the effects of storms, you should disclose any history of damage from flooding or high wind. You should also inform prospective buyers how much they should expect to pay for flood insurance.
Get an inspection
When selling waterfront property, it’s smart to
have the home inspected before listing it to identify any potential problems that could arise and derail a sale, costing you valuable time. An inspection can also cover exterior features such as a dock and retaining wall. Any problems should be fixed before listing the home.
Stage the waterfront
Just as you will declutter, clean, and stage the interior of your home, you should do the same to the exterior. This will add value and give buyers that “wow” factor they’re looking for while shopping for a dream home. Stain the dock and deck, buy new outdoor furniture, and clean up along the waterline. Trim any trees or bushes that block any part of the view, which is your strongest selling point.
Work with the best
These are the major home-selling tips when listing your Glen Arbor home. Find out more when you partner with
Robin Vilter for the best client services in the luxury market.
