Selling a house is rarely simple, but when you’re not living nearby, it can feel downright overwhelming. Absentee owners face unique hurdles—like handling property maintenance from a distance, coordinating with tenants who might be thousands of miles away, and trying to figure out local real estate trends without being on the ground.
But it doesn’t have to be stressful. By following a few best practices, you can sell your house in Lawton smoothly and get on with the rest of your life. Below, we’ll go over seven tips every absentee owner should consider. Stick around, because if you’d rather skip the typical listing headaches altogether, we’ll also touch on how DHS Realty Group can make the process super easy.
1. Identify the Right Time to Sell
They say timing is everything in real estate—and that’s especially true when you’re not around to keep tabs on the local market. Generally, you’ll see more buyers out and about during the warmer months, leading many folks to suggest spring or summer as prime selling seasons. But the best moment to sell can also depend on things like interest rates, local economic growth, or even a hot new employer moving into the neighborhood.
- Practical Step: Since you’re not on-site, reach out to a trusted local real estate expert or do some online sleuthing for market reports specific to Lawton. Check price trends, average days on market, and how quickly homes are selling in your zip code.
- Timing vs. Personal Needs: If you’re facing a relocation deadline or financial pressure, you might not have the luxury of waiting for that perfect season. Balancing local market data with your personal timeline is key.
2. Find a Reliable Property Manager
Owning a house in Lawton while you live elsewhere often means juggling tenant issues, rent collection, and property upkeep from a distance. If you’re not physically there to pop in for quick fixes or keep an eye on things, a property manager can be your saving grace.
- What They Handle: A good manager will address routine maintenance, handle emergency repairs, liaise with tenants, and keep an eye on your property’s overall condition—especially crucial if you plan to sell soon.
- Avoiding the Wrong Fit: Get recommendations, read reviews, and look for a manager with a solid track record in your local market. You don’t want to be micromanaging someone who’s supposed to reduce your workload.
3. Price Your Property Correctly
Setting the right price can feel like a guessing game, but it’s pivotal if you want to attract buyers without letting your listing stagnate. Price too high, and your home might sit on the market for months. Price too low, and you leave money on the table.
- How to Nail It: A local real estate agent or a professional home buyer can give you insight into current market conditions—like recent comps and buyer demand in your specific area.
- Virtual Valuations: If you can’t make it to Lawton, lean on data-driven tools. Many websites show neighborhood sales and average prices, but be sure to confirm the info with someone on the ground who knows the real deal.
4. Consider Selling Directly to a Home Buying Company
Sometimes, you just want a straightforward, fast sale. As an absentee owner, you might not have the bandwidth to coordinate showings, fix up the property, or wait for a buyer’s mortgage approval. Selling your property directly to a company like DHS Realty Group eliminates much of that stress.
- Why It Helps: You don’t have to schedule repairs, find a listing agent, or even host open houses. Direct buyers take your house as-is, handle the paperwork, and often close in days or weeks—much faster than a typical listing might.
- Who Chooses This: Owners stuck with vacant homes, property damage, or troublesome tenants often opt for a direct sale to bypass complicated negotiations or listing fees. If that sounds like you, it’s worth exploring.
(Want to see how other homeowners deal with property nightmares? Check out our challenges homeowners face blog post, which shows why a quick, direct sale can be a lifesaver.)
5. Make Necessary Repairs and Upgrades (But Don’t Overdo It)
If you still plan to list on the open market, remember that small fixes can go a long way in making your home stand out. A leaky faucet, cracked tiles, or scuffed paint can scare off buyers, but a few basic improvements could help them see the property’s true potential.
- Bang for Your Buck: Start with the biggest eyesores—flickering light bulbs, peeling paint, broken doorknobs, or a wonky HVAC. You don’t necessarily need to install a dream kitchen. Target areas that add the most perceived value.
- Remote Management: As an absentee owner, you might need to hire contractors or a property manager to oversee these tasks. Always get multiple quotes and keep an ear out for local recommendations.
(Need guidance on selling a place that’s a bit rough around the edges? Our distressed property post breaks down how to handle major repairs without losing your shirt.)
6. Stage Your Property for Potential Buyers
Staging isn’t always mandatory, but it helps buyers imagine living in your space—especially if the home is empty or outdated. You don’t have to blow your budget: a few homey touches like fresh linens, carefully placed furniture, and some greenery can make a big difference.
- Hire a Pro (Or DIY): If you’re on the other side of the country, a professional stager can handle everything. Or, if your property manager is up for the task, they might stage a few rooms with rented furniture. Even small steps—like removing personal items or adding a splash of neutral paint—can help.
- Virtual Staging: In some cases, digital staging can be used if you’re listing online. Photoshopping furniture into your listing pictures might be enough for potential buyers to see the potential—though physical staging often has a bigger impact when people visit in person.
7. Work With a Local Real Estate Expert
Even if you plan to sell directly to a buying company or manage the listing yourself, it’s wise to tap into local expertise at some point. Real estate pros understand market shifts, know how to price effectively, and can guide you on legal or logistical matters unique to Lawton.
- Negotiations & Legal: An agent or local attorney can help you navigate closing documents, disclosures, and property regulations. If your home is tenant-occupied or requires special zoning considerations, having a local ally is invaluable.
- Peace of Mind: A knowledgeable local expert lets you sleep at night, knowing someone’s got eyes and ears on your property’s situation—and not just letting it languish on the market with no direction.
What If You Want a Stress-Free Sale Right Now?
As an absentee owner, your number-one priority might be simplicity. Let’s be honest: dealing with a house from afar—especially if it needs repairs or has tricky tenants—can sap your energy and wallet. If that’s your situation, a quick, no-hassle sale to DHS Realty Group could be exactly what you need. Here’s how that plays out:
- Fair Cash Offer
After learning about your property, we’ll make you a straightforward offer—no back-and-forth haggling or contingencies to worry about. - No Repairs
We buy as-is, meaning you can avoid investing more money into a place you’re not even living in. - Flexible Timeline
You decide when to close. Need it done in a week? We’ll work with that. Need a few months to get other affairs in order? That’s fine, too. - Skip Commissions & Fees
By selling directly, you’re cutting out the agent middleman and not worrying about covering closing costs. - Less Stress
If you’re juggling kids, a demanding job, or just want to move on, leaving the property to a professional buyer can remove a major burden.
Sound intriguing? Give us a call at 940-249-5752. We’ll chat about your property’s condition, your timeline, and answer any lingering questions you might have. No pushy tactics—just honest, helpful guidance.
Final Thoughts on Selling as an Absentee Owner
Owning a property in Lawton when you’re living somewhere else can be challenging, especially when it’s time to sell. But with the right approach—like pinpointing the right selling season, partnering with trustworthy local experts, pricing realistically, and maybe even opting for a direct sale—you can minimize the usual hassles.
Remember: The goal is to get your property sold quickly, at a fair price, without adding drama to your life. Whether that means going the traditional route with a local real estate agent or selling directly to DHS Realty Group, make sure you choose a path that aligns with your comfort level and financial needs.
You might be thousands of miles away, but you can still orchestrate a smooth, profitable sale from afar. Gather good intel, trust your team on the ground, and don’t be afraid to lean on professionals (like property managers or home-buying companies) to carry the load. In the end, you’ll be glad you did. Good luck—and let us know if we can help!