10 Steps to a Successful Sale

• 10 Steps to a Successful Sale
• Short Sale Information
• Setting a Competitive Price
• Marketing Your Home
• Seller's Checklist
• Do's and Don'ts
• Showing Tips
• For Sale by Owner
• Preparing to Move

1. Prepare and Stage Your Home - The first impression of your home is very important. The idea is to have the buyer imagine stepping into your shoes and assume ownership of the home. Take the necessary steps to have your home in tip-top condition at all times.
2. Work with a REALTOR® - Interview several REALTORS® before selecting one professional. The interview is a good opportunity to consider such issues as training, experience, representation, and professionalism and is critical to the type of sale you may have, such as a short sale.
3. Price Your Home Right - Your REALTOR® will evaluate various market conditions and financial factors, research the area and other comparable properties to find a realistic price for your home. Do not make the mistake of overpricing your home to "allow for negotiating room". This tactic will only price you out of the market and the listing will sit on the market.
4. Consult Your Tax Professional - Check with your tax consultant on potential tax implications of selling your home, especially if you are in a short sale situation.
5. Hold Frequent Open Houses. Open houses are a good way to generate interest in your home and maximize the exposure.
6. Be flexible on showings - Different buyers have different schedules and you will receive some unusual time requests. Always have the home in its best condition and be prepared to show the home on short notice.
7. Have Information Ready - Buyers want to know what they are buying, so be prepared to provide information about the home such as the age of the roof and the major mechanicals. Have energy bills available for buyers to see, and if possible, provide a floor plan with all the room dimensions.
8. Consider All Offers. - Don't be insulted by low offers and take all offers seriously. Counter low offers and try to work it to your advantage. You never know how high a buyer is willing to go until you engage them in the offer/counter offer process.
9. Be Prepared To Compromise - Rather than approaching negotiations from an adversarial perspective, focus on your top priorities and don't let your emotions overrule your better judgment. Win-Win means that both sides win some and give some.
10. Respect the other side's priorities. Knowing what's important to the buyer can help you avoid pushing too hard and potentially losing the sale. For instance, a buyer with an urgent move-in date might be willing to pay a portion of your closing costs to offset the inconvenience of a quick move.