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If you are serious about selling your home and want to do everything possible to make it a successful venture, the following suggestions are worth the time and effort. Many homes go on the market and sit there un-noticed for months and even years without any outside interest from potential buyers. It's up to you to take the first steps necessary to spark that interest.

Determine Value

Do some investigating around your neighborhood and see what other properties are selling or have been sold for. Check out the Classifieds in the local newspaper to get an idea of property value. An experienced agent can supply you with comparable sales that will help you determine what kind of price to place on your home. Another method would be to pay for a professional local appraisal.

Pre-Inspection

An objective, unbiased report on the condition of the structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems will help you avoid unnecessary surprises and may help justify your selling price. Home Inspectors should be performed by licensed engineers or by a professional who specializes in Home Inspection services.

Print a home inspection guide from:
www.freddiemac.com/homebuyers/index.html.

Related Selling Tips

Seller's Guide

Listing Your House

Pricing Your House

Selling for the Best Price

What to do in a Buyers Market

Selling Small Houses

Selling a Vacant House

Open House Etiquette

Enhancing Value of Your Home

Home Repairs

Homes can be listed "As Is", but too often this results in a poorer return on the original investment and, more often than not, makes selling a property difficult. Although these repairs may be small and inexpensive, most potential Buyers do not want to have to deal with making repairs from day one. That broken window, missing brick or leaky faucet may just be enough to cause a potential Buyer to look elsewhere. So, if home repairs are needed, even if you feel they aren't a big deal, take the time and effort necessary to eliminate the problems.

Research Neighborhoods

Community profiles can provide valuable information on your neighborhood that you can share with potential buyers. Letting them know that a doctor, lawyer of someone of interest lives next door or just down the street is always helpful. How far are the schools, shopping centers, stores, parks? Everyone likes the assurance of moving into a safe and friendly neighborhood.

Find an Agent

Its now time to find a real estate agent and get serious about selling your house or property. You need to find an agent that is trustworthy and willing to carefully listen to your requests. Look for an agent who is capable of finding qualified buyers, producing a marketing plan, coordinating advertising, and skilled at real estate negotiations.

Moving

Planning the actual moving requires time to arrange for a mover, sorting what is going to the new home and what is going to be sold, discarded, or donated. This should be coordinated with the settlement date agreed upon during the sale of your property. Proper packing is important to prevent damage to your valuables during the moving process. Label all boxes for easy identification later. Take into account your physical limitations to avoid injury from excessive lifting.