6 Steps to Follow When Selling Your Home

Most agents know that the longer your home sits on the market, the less likely it is to sell without some seller incentives.  Either through a price reduction, seller concessions, or selling broker bonuses. And, that will be deducted from your proceeds at the closing table. 
So, use these 6 STEPS TO FOLLOW WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME:

1.  FIND A REALTOR. You wouldn't tackle a big electrical job alone. So, why try to sell your home without a real estate professional. An experienced realtors knows what strategies will sell your home quickly. They'll help you price your home correctly.  An agent will market your home through the area's MLS as well as on the internet.  All this will greatly improve your home's visibility.

2. PRICE CORRECTLY.  One of the biggest mistake a seller can make is to price their property too high for the current market conditions.  What's the best way to determine the right list price for your home? Check the recent (usually the last 6 months) selling prices of similar homes in your area.  Then, start with the average sold price and price accordingly. 

3. PREPARE YOUR HOME BEFORE YOU PUT ON MARKET.  There are lots of things a seller can do to make their home more appealing to buyers.  Your home should looks its best from the time the property hits the market. You only get one chance at a first impression. Are there any repairs to be done? Now is the time to do it.  Fresh paint, clean carpets, de-cluttering, lawn maintenance, and good curb appeal are all important factors in making your home more desirable to potential buyers.
4. MAINTAIN YOUR HOME IN SHOWCASE CONDITION AT ALL TIMES.  No one knows when a buyer's agent will want to show your property.  So be ready to show the property at a moment's notice.  And, don't forget the eliminate any unpleasant odors. Your home should be in move-in condition the entire time your home is listed. 

5. OFFER INCENTIVES.  These could include buyer's closing cost assistance or a buyer broker bonus.  Also consider offering a carpet allowance, or an appliance package. 

6. REVIEW/CONSIDER ALL OFFERS. In this housing climate, timing is everything.  If you receive an offer early on, don't disregard it.  You may wish months later that you had taken.  Even if the offer is low and insulting.  Take your emotions out of the negotiations, and send back a counter-offer.  You never know, it might be accepted. 

  SELLING A HOME IS A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN SELLER AND REALTOR!!