10 Things You Must Know Before Selling Your Home  

So you've made the decision to sell your home.  It's a big move- and an important one so it's natural that you have a lot of questions. Lets take a few minutes to look over a handful of things you'll need to know.. 
 
1. Make Sure It's Time To Sell 
  
There are any number of things that can contribute to the decision to sell a home. Before you make the big decision, examine your motivations to determine if it’s really time to sell.  You will be much more satisfied if you make a sound decision now.  
 
2. Know The Cost Of  For Sale By Owner 
 
No real estate agents.   Just you and the prospective buyer, pure and simple.  But is it really as simple as it seems?  The cost of selling a home on your own may be higher than you think.  In addition to codes, contracts, and concerns that can take you by surprise, there are a number of legalities and loopholes that can trip you up along the way. If you have doubts talk to a real estate agent or an attorney who specializes in real estate law. 
 
3. Choose The Right Agent 
 
If you decide to use a real estate agent to help sell your home, you need to decide who’s best for you.  Look for an agent that has a marketing plan for your home that best suits your needs.  Choose an agent whose objectivity assures that they’ll really have your best interests in mind. 
 
4. Have Realistic Pricing  Expectations 
 
  
Homeowners put a considerable emotional investment in their homes.  It's understandable, but often manifests itself in overpricing when it come time to sell.  Conversely, other families feel that their home is worth less than it is, and underprice.  If you would like to know how much your home is worth, we can send you a current market analysis on your home.
 
5.  Invest In Smart Home Improvements 
 
There are a number of affordable things you can do to give your home a minor makeover without taking a major bite out of your pocketbook.  Ask a real estate agent or a contractor what improvements will be most effective and cost-efficient. 
 
6.  Avoid The Hard Sell 
 
This is especially important if you're selling on your own. Don't push.  Be pleasant, upbeat, and patient.  The hard sell can make it seem as if you're desperate, and you could  lose the sale by making the prospect suspicious.  Don't do it. 
  
7. Showcase Your Home 
 
Make sure your home looks its very best, and that means a cleaning from top to bottom. 
 
Make it look better than it ever has and make sure that it appears a light, airy, and roomy as possible.  Do everything you can to make your home seem like a great place to live. 
 
8. Don't Mistake Lookers For Buyers 
 
Shoppers are made up of browsers and buyers. But even if you're able to distinguish a buyer from  someone who's “just looking", you still have to separate qualified from unqualified buyers.  A good real estate agent has resources that can assure that only qualified buyers get to see your home. 
 
9.  Learn The Facts About Offers 
 
Legitimate offers Involve a number of details that need to be taken into serious consideration, such as price, deposit, down payment, terms, occupancy details, and other contingencies.  If you're working through an agent, they can help you sort through the mountains of red tape, but if you're selling on your own, you may want 
to work with an attorney. 
 
10.  Patience, Patience,  Patience 
 
You're home may sell in a week.  It may sell in a month.  But it's likely that no matter how great a catch your home is, it will take a reasonable amount of time to find the perfect buyer.  You can save yourself a lot of stress and grief by understanding this right up front, and preparing yourself and you family accordingly.