Selling Your Home....

Choosing the right Agent

Everyone would like to sell their house in a hurry.  When transferring, you want to get top dollar for the home you are selling and complete the sale as quickly as possible.  Selling your home requires more than a classified ad and a sign out in the front yard.  In today's market there's a real need for experience in handling all of the complicated process involved in selling.  Use these tips to interview real estate agents.

	Ask the agent to provide you with a list of satisfied clients.  If you have time, call a few to see what it is they liked about the services offered.
	Interview agents to determine who best understands your timetable and the urgency associated with your move.
	Ask for a Comparative Market Analysis.  Projected time on market and selling price will be estimated, based on recent similar sales and current competing properties.
	Ask for a Good Faith Estimate which includes seller cost obligations typical for your area.
	A good sales associate will explain all the forms and legal documents which you may be requested to sign.  Ask for a review of the sales contract and how the agent will help you determine that you are not paying any unnecessary costs requested by a buyer's agent.
	Use the services of a real estate agent who can offer a home warranty.  A warranted home often sells faster and at a higher price.
	Your agent should insist that all potential buyers be pre-approved for a mortgage and have written proof when submitting an offer.  This can be done through ERA Mortgage 888-325-5821.
	Effective advertising differs in form.  Ask the potential listing agent to show you statistics on what is the best media to attract buyers.  You may be surprised it is generally not the local newspaper!
	Work with an agent who will regularly stay in touch to report on the selling progress of your home and offer feedback from prospective buyers and other agents.  Your agent should review your competitive selling position every 30 days.
	Your agent needs to be internet savvy.  Will your home be listed on the "web"?  Will they be able to email you progress reports and other information?

Get your home ready for the sale

Buyers often look for reasons NOT to buy, so the first impression of your home will set the stage for the entire showing.  Consider the following checklist to optimize your house's marketability:

OUTDOOR MAINTENANCE

	Apply fertilizer and weed killer
	Pull weed from flower beds
	Add mulch or rock to beds or around trees
	Trim trees and shrubs, replace dead ones
	Plant flowers, particularly around the entry
	Consider planting a few small shrubs or trees
	Keep grass neatly trimmed and edged
	Keep sidewalks, porches, patios and decks swept clean
	In winter, keep walks and driveway shoveled and ice free
	Clean garage, throw away, sell or donate extra items
	Clean or paint siding, shutters and doors

INDOOR MAINTENANCE

	Wash or pain walls and woodwork to eliminate smudges
	Wash all windows to sparkling clean
	Clean window treatments
	Clean light fixtures and install high wattage bulbs to brighten rooms
	Shampoo carpets, polish hardwood or tile floors
	Remove extra boxes and clothes from closets to add space and make them appear roomier
	Clean all appliances and remove clutter from countertops
	Replace drip pans on range
	Scrub bathroom sinks, tubs, showers and bowls
	Replace damaged or missing caulk
	Repair leaky faucets and loose knobs
	Clean basement.  Neatly store extra items and tools.  Consider offsite storage.

PRIOR TO A SHOWING

	Clean yard and remove all toys, tools, hoses, etc...
	Wash and store all dishes
	Open all drapes/blinds for each showing
	Turn on all lights
	Put pets in a kennel or outside on a leash
	Eliminate unpleasant odors (pets, smoke, baby's room)
	Turn off radio and TV sets
	Do not accompany the prospects or the sales associate unless invited by your agent.  It is usually better to let the agent do the talking, since he/she is familiar with the buyer's preferences
	Work with your sales associate as a team to market your home

NOTICE:  This information is  provided as a convenience only and are not intended to be legal, financial or tax advice.  Please consult your attorney, accountant or tax attorney for the appropriate advice.

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