#1 Commit to the Sale What is motivating you to consider selling your home? There are a lot of buyers looking for homes. They read newspaper articles, research the Real Estate Market online, watch television reports, receive advice from their parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, lender, friends, financial advisor, doctor, dentist, lawyer... and the list goes on. If you decide you want to sell your home, you must commit to preparing your home, and yourself, to enter the Real Estate Market.
#2 Prepare Your Plan Timing is a key ingredient to a successful transition from your current home to your next home. Life changes, whether you are a growing family in need of more room, or a senior looking to downsize, or dozens of situations in between, an experienced REALTOR can help.
#3 Consult an Experienced REALTOR How many transactions has your agent been involved within the past year? This Market is challenging in itself, sellers don't need to educate an inexperienced agent at the seller's expense.
#4 Interview 2 or 3 Experienced REALTORS Get a Free Comparable Market Analysis from at least 2 REALTORS, if the difference in the Recommended List Price is more than 5%, contact a 3rd REALTOR. Ask for recommendations to Stage your home for the sale. Prepare your home to show.
#5 PRICE IS KING!! Don't be swayed by an agent looking to "buy" the listing by overpricing your home, they know if your motivation to sell is strong, they can beat you down on the price later. PAY ATTENTION TO THE MARKET ANALYSIS done by the Experienced REALTORS. An overpriced listing will take longer to sell, and you will end up chasing the market downwards.
#6 Declutter, Clean, De-Personalize Stage your home to maximize its saleability. If you are not sure what to do, consult your REALTOR or consider hiring a Staging Professional.
#7 Ready? Is Your REALTOR Ready? What is your Marketing Plan? Don't be mislead by too much glossy promotional material in the Marketing Plan. Nearly 80% of buyers begin their search for a home on the Internet. Is your agent connected?
#8 Cooperate with Showings Selling a home is nearly as stressful as buying a home. Make your home available for showings on short notice. Maybe it's an inconvenience, but accommodate the buyers as much as possible.
#9 You Have an Offer!! Put away the emotion, save it for the move. Look at the overall picture and the benefits of the offer. Keep in mind MARKET VALUE. Your REALTOR will fully explain the details of the offer and should prepare an Estimated Seller's Closing Statement. Make an informed decision.
#10 REAL ESTATE IS LOCAL! (LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION) THE RACINE, WISCONSIN REAL ESTATE MARKET IS ALIVE AND WELL. IT WAS BETTER IN 2004-2006, BUT IT IS STILL VERY ACTIVE. IF YOU DECIDE TO SELL, MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS.
