Leaders In Real Estate Solutions

1. Price Your Home Right
Your agent can research comparable sales and active listings in your area and advise you of the appropriate price range for your property.

2. Be Flexible On Financing Terms
Have your agent explain what financing options are available. Flexibility on financing terms may secure a better selling price.

3. Time It Right
Ask a real estate professional to determine whether the market cycle is poised to net you the most money.

4. Make Your Property Accessible To Buyers
Lockboxes are a great way to make your home most accessible to agents for showing. Appointment only showings are the most restrictive. If your lifestyle is not compatible with frequent showings, your agent will help you determine a solution to suit your needs. Remember, the easier a home is to show, the better the odds are of getting the deal you want.

5. Use The Latest Marketing Technology
Make sure your agent utilizes the latest technology, such as internet sites that cater to homebuyers. Others use 800 number interactive voice response systems. A good real estate agent has a multi-facted marketing plan to broadcast your listing to both buyers and real estate agents.

6. Stage Your Property Correctly
Put some items in storage, create more light, play music or otherwise improve the ambience. Your agent can offer helpful advice to create the right first impression.

7. Remember That Selling Property Is Not Seasonal
Although there are some better times during the year to sell your home than others, remember, homes sell throughout the year, even at Christmas!

8. Re-evaluate The Marketing Plan
Re-evaluate the marketing plan with your agent. Make needed adjustments based on the current market and buyers response to your listing.

9. Analyze Why You Are Not Getting Offers
Eighty percent of all buyer activity comes from signs and your MLS listing. So, if you are not getting offers and are flexible with showing your home, it may be time to re-evaluate your price, not necessarily your agent.

10. First Impressions Are Golden
Sales have gone south thanks to unkempt lawns, cluttered closets, unpainted front doors, hard-to-work locks, blown light bulbs, bad colors, stains, un-lit areas and foul smells. Spend time on the little things. Double up on your gardening. Keep things cleaner than usual. Take serious control of your pets during this time period as well.

11. Make The Right Kind Of Repairs
Before making improvements, prior to listing, consult a real estate professional. Some upgrades will not yield any real increase in value, while others may increase property value substantially. Ask for low-cost solutions to minor repairs that will yield the best profits.

12. Give The Sales Process Enough Time
Homes may take 3-6 months to sell in any market. Estimate how much time you have before you need to sell and then plan ahead to allow extra time. You don't want to be forced to accept a disappointing offer.

13. Screen Prospect Adequately
One of the best reasons for hiring a realtor is his or her ability to prequalify a prospect financially so that you don't luse valuable negotiation time.

14. Believe That You Can Make A Difference
The top agents in the industry report that their sellers are responsible for at least
1 out of 10 sales. You can network with your business and personal friends, hand out flyers, and keep your house in move-in condition.

15. Don't Test The Market
Never put your property on the market unless you really want to sell!