You've decided it's time to sell your Southwest Missouri home.

You've done some research and you've talked to family and friends. You've decided to call a REALTOR®, see what services they offer, what "price they charge" and what they think your home is worth. You've done a little homework.

But, you can't stop there. There is more work to be done - your assignment book is not complete.

As part of the listing process, there are three things you will need to do for me, your new listing agent from United Country VIP Realty:

1. Be clear in your motivation in selling.

• Are you relocating?
• Trading up or downsizing?
• Divorce?
• Pre-foreclosure?
• Just because rates are low?
• Because it's been two years and you have the itch?

If you are not motivated to sell, there is very little I can do to facilitate a sale for you. I am a REALTOR®; most days I am not a magician.

If you love your home and are only moving because your husbands step sister just moved into an all brick home and you now think you need the same - a REALTOR® is probably not want you really need.


2. Know what your financial situation is.

• How much money to you expect from this sale?
• Do you have a mortgage? If so, what is the current payoff.
• Do you have a second mortgage or home equity loan? If so, what are the balances.
• Any other liens on the property?
• Do you have a pre-payment penalty?
• Are you being forced to sell your property? Is foreclosure just around the corner?
• Are the taxes current?

3. Have your "little black book" ready.

• Find your latest tax bill. 
• Have copies of any and all covenants and restrictions.
• Copy of your deed, if available. How do you hold title on your property - in your name or perhaps in the name of a trust?
• Average utility bills
• Has the property been surveyed? If so, do you have a copy?
• Make a second set of keys. 
• Do you know where all the garage door openers are?
• If you have a mortgage, what is the name of the company, their phone number and your policy number.
• Any receipts for repairs, warranty information if applicable on appliances, roofs, etc.
• Any manuals for appliances, the pool, etc.
• Make a list of any personal property in the home that would not convey -your favorite curtains in the master bedroom, the washer/dryer. 
• Make a list of any other items in the home that could be seen by the buyer that would not stay - the hall bathroom mirror, the mail box your Uncle Cecil made for you. 

Once you complete steps one and two, you are ready for step three.

Doing your homework before our listing appointment will save you time and grief. When someone is sitting across from me, asking for that one piece of paper I received from the County Collector last year - that is when I'll have no earthly idea which file I put my tax bill in.

Doing your homework before our listing appointment will also allow you to more fully concentrate on the process, on the questions you wish to ask me and the answers you receive.

Real estate selling tip No. 1 - just in time for back to school!