SmartHomeOwners

The real estate market can be fickle at times, but many homeowners still manage to sell their homes quickly and at a fair market price. How is this achieved?  There's no magic formula.  The key to selling your home is preparation.  Preparation enables you to take an objective view of your home and get it ready to woo buyers.  Here are five things you must do before you can sell your home.

1.  Interview Realtors

Hiring the right realtor is crucial to the home selling process.  Don't just go for the realtor that wants to price your home at the highest price possible.  Instead, hire a realtor that is truly interested in helping you sell your home at a reasonable price.  The realtor should help you step back and view your home sale from a buyer's perspective instead of only from a "commission" perspective!  Also, consider the realtor's mannerisms, techniques, personality, etc.  Think about how he will treat buyers and whether he will be pushy or genuinely willing to help your potential buyers.  A realtor will either improve or destroy your chances for a sale.

2.  Determine an Asking Price

Some will say "price high" because most buyers will make a lower offer.  Unfortunately, you might price your home too high, causing it to stay on the market for a very long time.  You don't want to scare away buyers.  You're better off pricing too low than too high.  A good rule of thumb is to order an appraisal to get a solid idea of what your home is worth on the market.  Use this figure along with your financial situation and the remaining mortgage amount to determine a fair market price.  Be sure to consider if repairs will be needed before you can sell it.  If you feel uneasy about the roof, wiring, foundation, etc., then get your own home inspection ahead of time to be on the safe side.

3.  De-Personalize Your Home

Make your home welcoming to the potential buyers by de-personalizing it. Buyers should be able to imagine themselves living in your home....not you living in your home.  Pack away any personal items, knick-knacks, family photos, etc.  Also, remove any small furniture or decor items that tend to clutter the room.  Each room should have only the bare necessities to reveal the room's purpose and nothing more.  You'll also want to make each room appear spacious and inviting.

4.  Spruce It Up

You'll want to remove or fix everything that can cause a negative feeling for the buyer.  Add a fresh coat of paint if needed.  Re-caulk tubs.  Air out closets or spaces that tend to have a musky smell (especially in an older home).  Light scented candles throughout the house if you know a potential buyer will be touring that day.  Replace any cracked tiles in ceramic flooring.  Replace any cracked windows.  Have your carpets professionally cleaned.  Organize closets and cabinets.  Clean the inside and outside of your home until it sparkles! 

5.  Check Your Lawn

No amount of inside cleaning and arranging will help if the buyer never makes it inside.  Consider how your yard, driveway and porch will appear to buyers.  Does your lawn welcome folks in or drive them away?  Mow your lawn often and plant inexpensive flowers near your porch if in warm weather.  Be sure your driveway is kept free of leaves and limbs.  Trim trees and shrubs, and hang flowers/plants on your front porch.  If you have a deck or patio, consider having it pressure washed and then arrange furniture and plants neatly.  Repair any broken areas on your chain fence or re-paint an older wooden fence. 

Think "little things" when dressing up your home for buyers.  How will a buyer perceive your home on the first impression?  It's really up to you and how you stage and market your home.  Take these five steps to realize home selling success!