Five Steps to Selling a Home

Step 1: Creating a Marketing Plan
Create a marketing plan for your home that will help distinguish it in your local marketplace and attract buyers to your property. This may include advertising in the newspaper, posting your listing on the Internet, holding an open house and more. I will create a personalized selling program for you. My goal is to sell your home at the best price possible in the shortest amount of time.

Step 2: Setting the Price
A key part of the marketing plan is setting the list price. If a home is priced too low, it may cost you money. If a home is priced too high, potential buyers may be scared away. To determine the best asking price review the cost of recently sold homes, evaluate the competition and study marketplace trends. I am trained to use this information to help you reach the right asking price. It is also helpful to discuss other terms and conditions, such as timing and items that can be included with the sale of the home. Both of these can make your home more attractive to potential buyers.

Step 3: ShowTime
Now it's time to get your home ready for the spotlight. Well-maintained properties sell faster at a higher price. Think in terms of a home that is sparkling clean, uncluttered and spacious. Here are some ideas for getting the outside and inside of your home ready for sale.

Outside

First Impressions. Buyers will form an impression of your home before they enter it. Curb appeal will attract an otherwise uninterested potential buyer.

The house. Clean anything that looks unkempt or dirty. Repair or replace anything that looks loose, dingy, rusty, or broken. Clean exterior light fixtures and wash the windows. Repair hanging or rusty gutters. Paint needed trim and shutters.

Garage. The time has come. Dispose of unnecessary items and wash it down. You can do it now and benefit with a more attractive home on the market; or you can do it several months from now, in the process of moving when there is no advantage. Do it now!

The yard. In the winter keep sidewalks shoveled and free of ice. In the summer, weed flower beds, trim trees and shrubs. Pick up litter and remove unnecessary clutter. Keep grass cut and well maintained.

Outdoor furniture. Examine and spot paint your outdoor furniture. If it is rusty or not repairable, consider disposing of the pieces.

Front Entry. The entry is the first thing buyers see as they stand and wait for the door to open. If needed, give the door a fresh coat of paint. Shine door hardware and make sure the doorbell is working.

Inside

Clean! Clean! Have the carpet shampooed, wash walls, windows, blinds, drapes and lighting fixtures. Consider engaging a cleaning service, recognizing that it is a justified moving expense.

Kitchen and bathrooms. Clear off counter tops. Leave canisters and little else. These rooms should be gleaming. If unsightly, have the tub re-caulked. Remove mineral deposits and grime from shower walls. Clean the stove, microwave and refrigerator.

Repairs. Identify and repair dripping faucets, sticking or creaking doors, etc. When people see areas of disrepair they begin to wonder whether there may be other unseen problems.

Closets. Remove out of season clothing. Organize your clothing and shoes. Remove all clutter from cabinets and closets.

Furniture. The less furniture, the larger a room appears to be.

A light appearance. As a rule, do everything to lighten the appearance of the home. Raise blinds, open drapes and use light colors. Repaint any room beginning to look shabby.

Step 4: Safety
Take necessary steps to keep your home safe for your family and your belongings. Never allow anyone to see your home unless they are with an agent who has made an appointment through the listing company's office. All agents have business cards. Lock up, remove or hide collectibles and valuables that can be easily taken during an open house or showing. If you have pets, make sure they are controlled during showings. You can talk to me about additional tips that may help with safety.

Step 5: Making the Deal
A buyer has made an offer - now it is time to negotiate. I can help guide you through this process. I will help you arrive at an acceptable price, terms and conditions. Once you have accepted an offer, help keep the deal together by meeting deadlines and criteria, including home inspections, appropriate buyer visits, scheduled deposits and other steps. In fact, during this period there may be a renegotiation of the accepted offer price depending on the outcomes of these visits. As the closing nears, you may also need to perform repairs or do additional work to the house as agreed upon in your contract. In addition, you will need to have the house "broom clean" prior to the closing so that the buyer can complete a final walk through. When you finally arrive at the closing table, come prepared with the appropriate documents. I can assist you in determining what is needed. Once the money has exchanged hands and all the papers are signed it's time to hand over the keys and concentrate on your next big project - getting YOUR new home in order.

Selling questions? Call me at . I am here to help you.