| There are many reasons why you may want to | | | | possible, into every local paper, free classifieds |
| sell your own house. The main reason is normally | | | | and any other local publication you can think of. |
| the money that you'll save by not using a Real | | | | Ask shop keepers to display your ad in their |
| Estate Agent. The counter-argument is the | | | | window, put it on busy roads particularly at |
| amount of extra time you need to put in, but so | | | | junctions or intersections. Don't forget about the |
| long as you follow a plan you can save time and | | | | Internet either, there are plenty of free or low |
| of course the money. Here are seven tips to help | | | | cost classifieds websites, where you can select |
| you sell your own house: | | | | your area. And don't forget word of mouth - tell |
| 1. Get the right valuation for your property | | | | people about it and ask them whether they know |
| How much is your property worth? This | | | | of anyone who may be interested. |
| information is available online if you search for it. | | | | 5. Use bank or mortgage broker FSBO services |
| Search in Google using terms such as 'real estate | | | | Banks and mortgage brokers can help you with |
| prices' and adding your location or zip/post code, | | | | the process of supplying interested parties with |
| you should see websites with up-to-date | | | | the information they need, by providing a hotline |
| information on how much similar houses sold for in | | | | service. This service will play a recording to |
| your area. You could also pay a Real Estate | | | | anyone who calls the number advertised, including |
| Appraiser to value your house, but this will add to | | | | the details of the house and other vital sales info |
| your costs and they will probably value it lower | | | | and will record their details. This will work for you |
| than its real value. | | | | 24 hours a day and save you answering the calls |
| 2. Make the property look good to live in | | | | personally. The service can include a website |
| From the first time a potential buyer catches | | | | which fulfills the same purpose and you receive |
| sight of your house, to when they leave, the | | | | emails with potential buyers' details. |
| house should be well presented. Starting with the | | | | 6. Another useful Mortgage Broker service |
| outside, you should make sure any garden, drive | | | | You can do yourself, your buyers and your |
| way, windows, doors and walls look clean and | | | | mortgage broker a favor, by recommending to |
| neat. The inside should be inviting, warm and at | | | | your buyer to use that mortgage broker. You'll be |
| least appear spacious; experiment with furniture | | | | helping your buyer if they don't have experience |
| layouts and mirrors if necessary and get rid of | | | | of buying, the mortgage broker has a list of |
| any clutter. | | | | people looking to buy a house, and you are |
| 3. Get your house inspected | | | | supplying them with more clients and names. The |
| Be pro-active and have your house inspected | | | | broker can also give you financing options to use |
| before marketing it. Any conscientious buyer can | | | | when marketing the house to buyers, to make |
| ask for an inspection themselves, so they know | | | | the purchase even more tempting. |
| the house is a sound buy. If you ask for an | | | | 7. Closing the deal |
| inspection first and carry out all of the inspectors' | | | | When looking to close a deal on your property, |
| recommendations, you will also have that peace | | | | always involve your lawyer/ solicitor and |
| of mind. | | | | communicate with your buyer as much as |
| 4. Get the attention of buyers | | | | necessary to agree an offer and seal the deal. |
| Marketing your house and getting the right | | | | Follow the seven tips above and selling your own |
| attention from the right people is a job you'll have | | | | house will be far easier than you think and save |
| to do yourself, but you'll have more control over | | | | you a large agent commission fee. |
| how it's done. Put your property, with a picture if | | | | |