Sellers Information

When you are prepared to sell your home, you must realize that doing it the right way will take planning on your part. There are many aspects of getting your home ready to show to prospective buyers. However, the first – and most important - item on your agenda is to find a real estate broker/agent who will solely represent your interests as the seller.

You need an agent who is knowledgeable about your area, one who will research homes that are similar to yours. He or she will be able to determine from the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) what price is the right price for you to set to sell your property. You, of course, want to obtain top dollar in the shortest period of time. However, you need your asking price to be comparable to other homes offering similar amenities.

It is important to sign up with an agent who is a member of MLS. In this way, he or she can list your home with this service so that it is visible to all other members. In addition, you should consider giving your agent permission to place a lock box on your door so that your house can be shown to prospective buyers without you having to remain at home. If an agent wishes to show your home and it is not available to be seen, he or she will most likely move on to the next house – which cuts down on the percentage of potential buyers viewing your property.

As soon as you decide to put your home on the market, you need to get your property in shape for inspection. Buyers like to imagine that they are buying a home with a lot more space than the place they are leaving so you should be sure to remove all the clutter. Throw away all the unnecessary papers piled on your dining room table and file the ones that you need to keep.

Clean out your closets because buyers will be looking in them. Take all the clothes that have not been worn in the past year and donate them to your favorite charity. Pack up all the books you will never read again and donate them to the local library. Remove all the clutter from the garage. If there are things you cannot bear to throw away, ask a relative or a neighbor if you can store them in their garage temporarily.

Trim the trees and shrubs in front of your house and throw away any dead plants. Consider adding a few inexpensive annuals in pots in strategic places so that your home looks inviting when real estate agents bring prospective buyers for a showing.

Windows and glass patio doors should be sparkling clean. Carpets should be shampooed, either by you or by a professional cleaning service. Make sure there are no discernible food odors, especially not cauliflower or broccoli. If the weather will allow, the best fragrance in the house is fresh air from open windows.

Your agent will be happy to advise you on the best way to set up your house to appeal to home buyers.