oneHire a real estate agent.

It may be temping to list your home on your own to to avoid paying a sales commission, but selling your home on your own is a full-time job itself.  A real estate professional represents the best opportunity to earn the maximum amount from your home's sale.  An agent will recommend the best listing price, market you home effectively and show your home to buyers.  An agent also recognizes what buyers are looking for in a new home.

twoGet your home inspected.

You are required to disclosr any problems with your property to prospective buyers.  Failure to do so may lead to further complications, even if you weren’t aware of the flaws ahead of time. Hire a professional inspector to identify and document any problems with your property. Also, make sure your home has a clean bill of health from termites.

threeMake repairs ahead of time.

A long list of necessary repairs is a major put-off for most buyers, who may decide to move on rather than deal with the headache of fixing up the home.  Do as many repairs yourself as possible, then hire a contractor to complete the rest.  If you decide not to make major repairs beforehand, hire a reputable professional to provide cost estimates that you can show to any interested buyers to put their minds at ease.

four Showcase your home.

Curb appeal and first impressions are valuable assets when selling your home. Clean unneccessary items from your yard and maintain the landscape to welcome visitors.  Keep the interior of your home clutter-free to maximize your home's livable space.

fivePrice it right.

The original asking price of your home has a huge impact on the ultimate sales price.  If you price it too high, buyers will look for better values and you home will remain on the market longer.  The longer your home is on the market, the less desireable it becomes to buyers-even if you eventually lower your asking price-becasue most buyers will avoid a home that others are avoiding.  Conversely, pricing your home too low may result in a quicker transaction but will yield you less money in the end.

 

Placing Your Home On The Market Isn't As Simple As Placing A FOR SALE Sign In Your Yard

  There are several steps to take prior to listing your home that will make the transaction smoother and quicker.

• Install a new mailbox

• Upgrade outdoor lighting

• Replace old doormats

• Plant annual flowers

• Buy new pillows for sofas

• Display lightly scented potpourri or candles

• Replace torn window screens

• Polish or replace your old address plaque

• Fix or replace leaky or outdated faucets

• Buy organizational systems to reduce clutter

• Re-caulk sinks and bathtubs

• Place centerpieces on large counters and tables

Once you have taken care of the prep work to get your home on the market, you'll need to present your home to potential buyers.  Even small cosmetic improvements will have a major impact on the sale of your home.  The right touches can get a buyer excited about your home., but a few poor decisions may lose their interest completely.

Clean. Clean. Clean.

A tidy home is a loved home. Wipe fingerprints and other smudges from

glass, mirrors and other shiny surfaces. Wax and polish your hardwood

and tile floors and vacuum your carpets often. Keep your oven, stove

and kitchen counters clean and free of clutter.

Clean up the yard.

Make sure the yard in mowed, edged neatly and free of trash.  Trim bushes, cut

overgrown tree limbs, plant seasonal flowers and spread mulch in flower

gardens.

 Let there be light.

Make sure to open blinds, clean windows and pull curtains back.  Natural light

allows buyers to see the house clearly.  Replace any missing light bulbs and

leave lights on for showings.

 Add a few little touches.

Replace worn or outdated doorknobs, cabinet handles and light

switches. Buy fresh new towels for the bathrooms, but don’t use them

(keep the towels you use out of sight in a cabinet). Place flowers in

windows that are walked by often. Display a seasonal decoration,

such as a wreath or wood ornament.

The whole point is to have the house in the best structural, physical and emotional condition as possible.  This will give a buyer the confindence in knowing they are buying a well cared for and solid home.