| Okay, so, the economy's down and you're feeling | | | | family will always remember how you all worked |
| down because of it. You had planned on putting | | | | together to get that home sold. |
| your home up for sale by now. You're | | | | Ask extended family and friends to help out, if |
| discouraged, though, because on your street alone | | | | you need it. Try to keep on task and complete |
| you see three other homes for sale. How can | | | | your repairs by your due dates. You'll be glad you |
| you compete, you wonder, with so many other | | | | did. |
| homes on the market? | | | | Prepare Pricing. All repairs are finally done and |
| Don't lose heart, you're about to learn how. | | | | everything's checked off your list? Then, there's |
| Stand Out. The challenge you have ahead of you | | | | one more thing you need to consider. Once you |
| is how to make your home stand out from the | | | | contact a realtor, you'll be provided an estimate |
| rest. The way you do that may not be in the | | | | as to how much your home is worth in the |
| way you think, though. | | | | market. Want to be an aggressive seller? List it |
| Before you contact a realtor to put your home | | | | for a percentage less than the market value of |
| up for sale, there are several things you're going | | | | your home. Use the percentages as follows: |
| to have to take care of. The first is to sit back | | | | * Up to $150,000 = 10% |
| and take a breather. Now, grab a tablet and a | | | | * $150k to $500k = 8% |
| pen. | | | | * $500k to $1m = 5% |
| Note Repairs/Fixes. You're going to need to walk | | | | * $1m and up = 2% |
| through your home from one end to the other. | | | | You have to keep in mind that new home listings |
| Your mission is to make note of every little thing | | | | get the largest viewing audience. If you don't price |
| that needs to be repaired or completed. You need | | | | it right going into the listing, you'll miss out on |
| to note absolutely everything. Only note projects | | | | major opportunities to sell your home to the right |
| you've started or items that are in obvious need | | | | audience. Your home will get less viewing after it's |
| of repair. Do not note anything that you would like | | | | been on the market after a few weeks. |
| to get done on the home, but never started. | | | | Even if you lower the price several weeks after |
| Organize your list according to room. After you've | | | | you've listed it, the home has lost some significant |
| walked through each room of your home, walk | | | | value and luster in the eyes of the buyer. You |
| outside and take more notes. What about your | | | | probably won't get what you're asking for. |
| yard? Are there any bare spots you need to fix, | | | | Some other considerations you might include are |
| plants that are dying or dead, stones or yard | | | | incentives for an agent to sell your home, or |
| bricks out of place? How about the exterior of | | | | incentives for a buyer to buy your home. Offer |
| your home? Any repairs needed there? Also, the | | | | to pay half of the closing costs. |
| color. Is it neutral, or did you paint it that bright | | | | List Home. Now that you've given it much thought |
| blue to match the color of your spouse's eyes? | | | | and decided on a competitive sale price, it's time |
| Make note of it all. | | | | to call your realtor. Interview several in your area |
| Do the Work. Next, you'll need to make a plan as | | | | before you decide on one. Call the actual realtor |
| to how you're going to get it all done. Assess how | | | | office and find out who the top sellers are. These |
| much time you think all of it will take, and make a | | | | people are the ones you want listing your home. |
| schedule as to what days and times you'll commit | | | | Find the right realtor, and have your home listed |
| to work on it. Set goals as to when you want to | | | | for sale. |
| have each room finished. Set a final goal for the | | | | You are now equipped and empowered to put |
| date you want to have the house ready for | | | | your home on the market and watch it sell itself. |
| market. | | | | If you follow through with all that's needed, you'll |
| Get your spouse and children involved in the | | | | be hugely successful in the sale of your home. |
| project. You can create some memories. Your | | | | |