| As a real estate investor, I buy and resell houses | | | | to receive offers. |
| all the time. Here is my basic selling checklist. If | | | | 9) I know where to get help if I need it along the |
| you are considering selling your own house, you | | | | way. I can to talk to my title attorney and |
| should find this a big help. | | | | mortgage broker. I can refer to my bookcases |
| 1) I get the house looking and functioning its best | | | | of real estate educational material I've gathered |
| to attract buyers. | | | | over my years of investing. I can network with |
| 2) I determine a realistic asking price for the | | | | other successful investors. |
| house. Since my houses are always the "best on | | | | 10) I meet and talk with buyers. I provide |
| the block", I admit I push the price up as far as I | | | | marketing materials to help sell the house. I direct |
| think I can. | | | | potential buyers to my mortgage broker to get |
| 3) I decide if it makes sense for me to offer any | | | | qualified for a loan. |
| creative selling strategies (such as lease option or | | | | 11) Once I have a contract, I deliver it to my title |
| owner financing). | | | | company along with the earnest money deposit. I |
| 4) I decide what terms I want - sales price, | | | | keep in regular communication with the buyer, the |
| earnest money deposit amount, down payment | | | | lender, title company, appraiser, and inspectors to |
| amount, date of possession, splitting of closing | | | | keep the escrow process on track. If my buyer |
| costs, other property to be included, and | | | | doesn't have an agent, I guide them through the |
| contingencies. It's not just about price! | | | | escrow process, especially if this is their first |
| 5) I set up communications to protect my privacy | | | | house. |
| and save time, while still giving buyers the best | | | | 12) Just prior to closing, I schedule a walkthrough. |
| possible access to me and my house. | | | | I get a copy of the HUD-1 settlement papers and |
| 6) I develop and implement my marketing plan to | | | | review for accuracy the day before, so there are |
| attract qualified buyers and give them the best | | | | no last minute issues at closing. |
| possible impression of my house. | | | | 13) I go to closing, sign papers, turn over the |
| 7) I contact my team - title company and | | | | house keys to the new owner, and hopefully |
| mortgage broker - to help me sell my house. | | | | collect a nice big fat check! |
| 8) I have all the documents I need so I'm ready | | | | As you can see, it's not brain surgery. |