Selling??? Read on!

Selling your home is not a matter of sticking a sign up in your hard and waiting for the right buyer to come. This can and may work...IF you get lucky. But how can you receive what your property is truly worth? And how can your protect yourself during the process? Read on to see answers to many of the questions that today's seller may have.

Why are you selling your home? Be sure its something you sincerely want or need to do. Sellers who are not sure will be equally unsure when offers start to come in. Changing one's mind after a contract has been signed and accepted can cause, at the minimum, hard feelings, and at worst, can cost the seller money in legal disputes. Often times, a seller's motivation will be a primary factor in setting the price. Spend some time discerning your true motivation in selling.

It's a term you've probably heard Realtors bandy about. But it's an important one. In today's marketplace, buyers are savvy. There are very few naive, first-time home buyers about. Homes in certain developments can be priced by model type and floor plan. So, while two different models may have similar square footages, they may be priced very differently if one floor plan is more desireable or popular. As a seller, you don't want to price your property too high, or it won't be competitive--and the longer a home sits on the market, the less chance the seller has of getting close to his/her asking price. Conversely, you don't want to set the price too low. A compartive market analysis of recently sold and currently listed like homes will help you determine your asking price--a price that will minimize market time and maximize profit.

First impressions can and do sell houses. A buyer is motivated to make an offer if the house looks and feels right to him or her. If they pull up in front and see a neat and welcoming looking home, their attitude will be all the more positive when entering inside. However if the paint is peeling and the landscaping is a bit overgrown, buyers may be adding up the costs or making up their minds before even stepping inside!

Is the inside light and bright? Replace burnt out bulbs. Touch up those areas where the paint may be scraped or marked. Does the carpet need shampooing? Consider having that done prior to opening your home to show. If something isn't working, NOW is the time to have it fixed. Have you accumulated a lot of "things?" The less cluttered a home is, the roomier it looks. Thin out the furniture, and keep the counters and tables clear of papers. Are there some dated items in your home that may be inexpensive to replace or update? If so, go ahead and make that move. Buyers often think in large monetary terms, overestimating the costs of repairing or replacing. This thinking will often be reflected in a much lower offer than the seller desires. In order to get the most money for your home, it should sparkle when that buyer walks in the door!

Finding a buyer is the Realtor's job. She will immediately put the relevant information in the Multiple Listing Service, thereby making it available to over 1000 Realtors. When you list with one agent, you have just put every other agent to work for you! The Realtor does many other things to market your home. Mailing to neighbors, advertising, sitting open houses, keeping you apprised of the market, listing it on the Internet, informing their sphere of influence, and going out of the way to make sure other Realtors keep your home in mind are just a few of the Realtor's tasks in getting your home sold. Each agent has his or her own ideas of marketing. However, if you decide you want to try and sell yourself, realize you have to do all of the same things a Realtor does, without the huge advantage of the Multiple Listing Service AND the Realtor's knowledge of the market. Additionally, a Realtor will protect your legal rights and interests. These things should never be underestimated. Some folks want to save money by selling themselves and saving the commission fees. However, doing so without the knowledge and advice of a licensed professional may end up costing the seller more in the end.

You've received a call and someone would like to see your home. You have spent hours and dollars getting it ready to show. Before you allow that buyer in the door, turn on all the lights and open all the drapes. If the weather is beautiful, throw open the windows. Turn on some soft music, spray some air freshener or burn a nice smelling candle. If you have a pet, or pets, put them somewhere out of the way--I love animals, but not everyone does! Make it light, bright, lovely and welcoming. When the buyers come through, give them space! If you can exit the house and go on the patio or go for a walk, all the better. It is nice to be around to answer questions, but folks often feel as if they're "intruding" when the seller is present. Allow them to roam freely and spend as much time as they need in your home.

Sadly, we can no longer do business by a handshake. Offers MUST be in writing, in order to protect both buyer and seller. It must be signed and dated by all parties concerned. Remember too, an offer is comprised of more than a selling price. Is it a cash offer? A loan? Is the buyer approved? Is it a government loan? (FHA and VA loans can carry costs for sellers.) How much is the buyer putting down in earnest money? What is the closing date? Will that give you adequate time to pack and move? What is included in that price? Must you leave the curtains? Your favorite hanging lamp? The fountain out back? Will the buyer have a home inspection? Who pays for the mandatory termite inspection? Is the seller expected to do repairs? What about cosmetic fixes? Who pays the escrow and title fees? Do you know your rights if the buyer changes his/her mind and backs out? Are you entitled to the earnest money or other recompense? Have you, the seller, disclosed all necessary information (required by law) to the buyer regarding the property and the community? (i.e. age restriction, proximity to air bases, environmental issues, community fees and standards, etc). This is especially important as the onus is on the seller to disclose anything that would be a material matter to the buyer, and it should always, always be in writing! Sound like a lot? Your agent will handle these details for you!