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SELLERS’ GUIDE TO GETTING STARTED

From the day your house goes on the market to the day it closes, your property needs to be in “Selling Shape.” It may take a little getting use-to, but you and your family will have to make the transition to thinking about your house as a property and not a home. This can be an inconvenience if you’re still living in your house, but the effort is well worth it.

FIRST: FIX IT. Anything in your house that is in disrepair and can be easily fixed should be addressed before the home goes up for sale. Pay particular attention to the front exterior and most important rooms in the house: master bedroom, kitchen and living room.

NEXT: CLEAN IT. From the inside out, a clean listing is a happy listing. Potential buyers will likely open closets and cabinets, so be sure to keep personal items in drawers that are clearly your personal furniture.

LAST: OPEN IT. Making your house appear as attractive as possible is largely about allowing potential buyers to imagine their lives in your property. Creating the appearance of openness and space is key.

GETTING YOUR HOME TO SELLING SHAPE

First impressions are everything to potential home buyers. Here are a few quick, easy and inexpensive things you can do to quickly shape up your home’s exterior.

TIDY UP. Rake the leaves, sweep your walkways, and clean your front steps.

DO SOME GARDENING. Weed and plant seasonal flowers to brighten your landscape.

FIX THE YARD. Mow the lawn and edge the sidewalks.

GET RID OF CLUTTER. Remove unnecessary items from the front of the house and store garbage cans and gardening supplies neatly in your garage.

FRESHEN UP. Clean the windows, paint the front door and replace worn doormats and screens.

MAKE SURE IT WORKS. Replace broken door bells, outdoor lighting and wobbly rails.

IT’S SHOWTIME! Take a quick look around before the start time for any open house or showing appointment.

TIPS TO IMPROVE CURB APPEAL

Having the right list price is the best way to get your home sold. You obviously want top dollar for your property, but keep in mind that homes that are overpriced often end up selling for less than market value.

An experienced real estate professional will help you valuate the current market conditions in your area and make sure that you don’t ask for too much or too little.

FACTORS THAT CAN INFLUENCE YOUR HOME’S VALUE:

• Market Conditions, including buyer demand and the state of the economy

• Comparable Properties, especially those under contract or recently sold

FACTORS THAT HAVE NO IMPACT ON THE CURRENT VALUE OF YOUR HOME:

• What you paid for it• Certain investments made in the property• What you want to net from the sale• What those outside the industry believe the

property is worth

SETTING YOUR LISTING PRICE

Your agent will be your guide and advocate during your real estate process and it’s crucial that you feel comfortable and connected.

RESEARCH. Before selecting an agent, check them out through Google, Yelp/other review sites, and speaking with past clients.

INTERVIEW. Agents should provide guidance on the real estate process, and will also address any questions you might have. Make sure you feel comfortable and have a rapport that allows for a successful business relationship.

MATCH THEIR EXPERIENCE TO YOUR GOALS. Are you a first-timer? Selling an investment home? Have a special type of home, such as horse property? Make sure that you are comfortable with their capabilities.

SET EXPECTATIONS. What type and frequency of communication do you prefer? What do you expect when it comes to showings? Outline your needs.

CHECK THEIR SUPPORT. Does the agent work on a team or have support? Office staff and in-house services make a big difference in the level of service an agent can provide.

CHOOSING YOUR REALTOR®