| The list of things that can go wrong when you | | | | times but especially during high-traffic times as |
| trying to sell your home is certainly a long one. | | | | holidays and weekends. |
| There are some things beyond your control such | | | | Get rid of the clutter. Sell, donate or store off-site |
| as when a buyer withdraws their bid or the | | | | any and all furniture, toys, clothes, etc. that |
| prospect ends up not qualifying for financing. | | | | makes you home's rooms, closets, cabinets and |
| However, there are some things that you can | | | | living spaces look cramped and crowded. |
| control or at least that you have some influence | | | | Make sure you sell you old house before |
| over while you are preparing to sell and are | | | | committing to the purchase of a new home. It will |
| actively marketing you home for sell. Here are | | | | be tempting to make an offer and put down a |
| some areas where you can avoid some pitfalls by | | | | deposit if you happen to find that limit time only, |
| just using some logic and being proactive before | | | | 'dream' home while your house is still on the |
| and during the sales process. | | | | market. The last thing you or your bank account |
| If you decide not to use an agent to sell your | | | | needs is to have to pay for two mortgages! |
| house in an attempt to save the expense of | | | | Even if you decide to sell your home on your |
| paying their commission, you need to have a | | | | own, you should remain open to pay commission |
| formal sales 'plan' that indicates how long you plan | | | | to any agent that brings you a buyer. It is far |
| to market you home, how you market, where | | | | better to negotiate and pay around 3% |
| you market and other activities such as open | | | | commission on moving your home quickly than to |
| house events. | | | | pay 0% because your house never sold. |
| Make sure you use all available online and real | | | | Take the time to spruce up your home for curb |
| estate industry tools such as the Multiple Listing | | | | appeal. Make sure the landscape is properly |
| Service (MLS) | | | | maintained at all times...you never know when the |
| If you decide to sell your home yourself, you will | | | | right buyer is going to drive by or call to visit. |
| still want to seek counsel and pay-for-fee | | | | If you go with a real estate agent, select one |
| services for areas to which you are not equipped | | | | that has a great track record of selling homes in |
| to handle yourself. | | | | or very near you own neighborhood. Also, you |
| Avoid any long term listing contracts | | | | want to select an agent that has a personality |
| Make sure any sales flyers you provide in front | | | | with which you can work with...after all, this could |
| of your house are in ready and ample supply at all | | | | be a relationship that lasts for several months. |