Today HGTV star Terry Haas (real estate expert on Designed to Sell) spoke at the Gaillard Auditorium in Charleston.  It was during the local Home Show.  She gave a great presentation, very fun and entertaining.... She spoke about finding an agent and staging the home to sell.  Throughout the presentation she was clear to mention we could/should say, "Terry says" when discussing this sooo......  Tips from Terry 

Terry Says....

• Always hire a real estate agent.  Sellers who 'list' their own house (unless they are an agent) will lose money.
• Interview at least 3 agents, none of them should be family or close friends
• Don't ask the agent to reduce their commission.  If they will, don't work with them.  You want agents who will work for you & do the best job possible.  Asking them to reduce their commission will not yield you this result.
• Have the agent provide a range of comps for your area, then price your home in the middle of them. 
• Have a professional stager do a walkthrough at a minimum.  Do what they say. 
• Most changes should be free, near free or minimally priced.  Don't spend a ton of money when selling.  Do only what is needed to make the home show its best. 
• Try not to sell vacant.  They take twice as long to sell. 
• Make sure your mailbox is not a John Deere tractor, flower, bass fish, etc.  It should match the rest of the neighborhood & the post should be freshly painted.
• ALWAYS repaint the front door & change hardware if not shiny and new looking.
• Make sure both cars can be parked in garage (if 2 car garage)
• Don't store your excess anything in the closets - buyers will be nosey and look there!
• Go green!  This is a great advertising tool....
• Check your agent's marketing & photos.  If you don't like them, provide your own photos or get a new agent.

So now when you are trying to convince your husband, client or agent you can tell them that Terry Said!

Seriously - if you get a chance to hear her speak in your area, go!  She was very entertaining!