You can sell your home yourself. Here is how to do it.
STEPS TO SELLING YOUR OWN HOME
The best way to sell your home is to hire a professional but if you insist on doing it yourself here are some tips to help you along.
1.Research
Carefully research the local real estate market. Look for recent sales prices in your neighborhood for properties similar to yours. Then set a realistic price for your home based on that information.
2. Evaluate your property
Make a check list of all the items that need repair or replacement. Look at your home the way a buyer would. Paint, clean the windows, refresh the landscaping, replace anything worn or broken.
3. Fix It
More than ever buyers want properties in move in condition. Don’t wait, fix it before you begin marketing your home.
4. Advertise
Determine which internet sites, newspapers and real estate magazines will best advertise your property. Call them for rate and deadlines and set up a schedule.
5. Attract the right buyers
Prepare a professional attention getting ad that will attract the right buyers to your property. Place your ad in the newspapers. Upload your information and photos to the internet. Remember with photos, more is better.
6. Post a Yard Sign
Purchase an eye catching and weatherproof yard sign, install it in front of your property.
7. Conduct an Open House
Purchase special “open house” signs and position them on streets that lead from the main roads through the neighborhood and to your property. Put these signs up each time you hold an open house (and be sure to take them down after each open house). Be certain that they conform to any local sign ordinance.
8. List Key Features
Prepare a fact sheet outlining the specific features of your home and the benefits to prospective buyers.
9. Be Available
Be available at all times to walk through the property with prospective buyers, answer their questions and offer information about the community explaining why it’s great to live there. Be aware of safety considerations.
10. Return Calls Promptly
Respond to telephone and e-mail requests for information promptly. Learn how to separate the “lookers” from legitimate buyers. Ask for contact information (names, address, e-mail, telephone) and be sure to follow up with telephone calls. Request feedback as to how they found the condition of the home and their opinion on the price.
11. Keep it Professional
Be prepared to negotiate with the buyer as though you were an independent third party. Do not be upset about criticism of your home. Remain calm and refrain from any emotional outbursts.
12. Cover the Details
Negotiate with the buyer all final terms of the sale including price, deposits, financing, inspections, date of closing and other pertinent considerations. Be prepared to respond to deficiencies found during any inspections. Don’t forget that you will need to move. While marketing this property, locate and negotiate the purchase of your next home or work with a buyer's agent. Schedule both transactions so that they close simultaneously.
Good luck with your endeavor and if you get tired or fed up, call Sharon.
