| Selling your home on your own is a challenge in | | | | your home because half of all home buyers today |
| today's market. If you decide to go it on your | | | | start their home search on the Internet. |
| own, here are a few tips to keep in mind: | | | | Talk to everyone you know and tell them your |
| Preparing the House | | | | home is for sale Make up some brochure sand |
| Start by preparing your home for sale. Clean, get | | | | distribute them to local Realtors in the area who |
| rid of clutter, pack up items you don't use and | | | | may have a buyer interested in your home. If |
| maybe having a garage sale to get rid of the rest. | | | | they bring you a buyer, then offer to pay their |
| Appearance Does Matter | | | | commission. |
| The outside appearance of your home is as | | | | Negotiating the Contract |
| important as the inside. It's the first thing that | | | | If you are not going to use a Realtor, then hire a |
| buyer's see so you want to make a good | | | | real estate attorney to help you negotiate the |
| impression. Make sure your lawn is manicured. Fix | | | | contract. If you cannot afford an attorney, then |
| any broken gates, fences or windows. Plant trees, | | | | educate yourself on the local real estate laws, |
| trim shrubs and add some flowers. | | | | health and safety codes and disclosure laws in |
| The inside of your home should be warm and | | | | your area to avoid any legal problems down the |
| inviting. Freshen the home by repainting, cleaning | | | | road. |
| or installing new flooring or carpets and maybe | | | | Remember that both parties need to walk away |
| new appliances, if your budget allows. The home | | | | feeling like they each won something. Find out |
| should be spic and span inside. Removing clutter | | | | what is important to the buyer. Is it price, a |
| will give the home a more spacious feel. | | | | longer or shorter closing time, do they need help |
| Price Your Home Correctly | | | | with financing? This will help you with the |
| Price is the most important factor to consider | | | | negotiating process. |
| when selling a home especially in today's tough | | | | Ask the buyer to provide you with a pre-qualified |
| market where you are competing with distressed | | | | letter from their lender to make sure they qualify |
| properties. You will need to price the home at or | | | | to buy your home. If it is a cash offer, then ask |
| slightly below market to attract a qualified buyer. | | | | for proof of funds such as a copy of a bank |
| You must be motivated to sell. This is not a | | | | statement. You don't want to tie up your |
| market to test. Only serious sellers are able to | | | | property for 30 or 45 days with a buyer who is |
| compete for buyers. | | | | not qualified to close the deal. |
| Offer Incentives | | | | Closing the Transactions |
| Offer buyers incentives such as seller financing, | | | | You will need to choose a title or escrow holder |
| paying their closing costs, prepaying taxes and | | | | or attorney to close the transactions. Check |
| offering credits or making repairs. Remember, the | | | | around with friends, neighbors or local Realtors |
| competition is fierce out there. The more you | | | | and get a referral. Always choose a reputable |
| sweeten the deal, the better. | | | | company. The title company will provide you with |
| Advertising | | | | an estimate of your closings costs. Ask if they |
| Set aside a budget for advertising your home. Will | | | | have a document management Internet system |
| you use signage, newspaper ads, conduct an open | | | | so that you can have access to the transaction |
| house, and advertise the home on the Internet? | | | | 24/7 and share information with the buyer once |
| These are all good ways to expose your home. | | | | you have an accepted contract. It saves time and |
| There are several websites that owners can | | | | is a great communication tool to keep everyone |
| advertise their homes for sale other than the | | | | in the loop at all times so the closing process goes |
| MLS. You want to attract as many buyers as you | | | | smoother. |
| can. The Internet is a great place to advertise | | | | |