Selling a home can be exciting.  There is a lot that goes on during a real estate transaction.  Use this guide to better understand the process.  I highly recommend that you consult a real estate agent to help you navigate this process.

 1.  Assess the Market and Set a Competitive Price:

It is extremely important to understand the current real estate market conditions.  Knowing what the market is doing most likely will save you thousands of dollars.  Using a real estate agent is a sure way to know that you are getting the up-to-date information.

2.  Enhance Curb Appeal and Make Necessary Repairs:

Everyone has seen that house in the neighborhood and said, “they need to cut their grass and do something with that yard”.  You don’t want to be that neighbor.  The front of your home is usually your first showing in pictures to a potential buyer.  Doing simple things such as adding fresh mulch and cleaning up can add value to your curb appeal.

3.  Stage Your Home to Impress:

Staging a home is important.  You want a buyer to be able to picture themselves living in your home.  Taking down any personalized items and decluttering are great ways to get the inside of your home ready to view.

4.  Professional Photography and Virtual Tours:

Today’s cell phones have great cameras, but there is no substitute for a great photographer.  Getting the right angles and lighting is important.  Ask your REALTOR® if they offer a photography package.

5.  Craft a Compelling Listing Description:

Writing a description for a home is unique to every home.  It gives a virtual visualization as if you were touring the home.   It’s a great way to get a buyers attention and get them to your home for a viewing.

6.  Market Your Home Online and Offline:

Nowadays most homes sell using the internet, but there is no substitute for the network your REALTOR® has access to.  For instance, I had a home that was having trouble selling do to the close proximity to a football field.  After talking with a fellow real estate agent, he quickly realized that this home was perfect for a family that he was working with.  We closed on the sale in 35 days.

7.  Showings and Open Houses:

After your house hits the markets the fun begins.  People are going to want to see your home if it has been marketed properly.  It is important to keep the home in top shape, lockup or take with you any valuables, and take any pets with you if you can. 

8.  Negotiate Offers and Counteroffers:

When an offer comes in there are many aspects to it.  Of course, the price is important, but what about things such as due diligence period, earnest money, or finance contingencies?  These are all the things that you must understand when reviewing an offer.  If you don’t like something in the offer, you can always counter offer.  Real estate transactions are often negotiated through real estate agents to get what is best for their clients.

9.  Celebrate the Successful Sale:

Congratulations!  You have now sold your home.  Hopefully this guide has eased the stress and you are walking away from the closing table with a smile on your face.