So you've made the decision to sell your home. It's a big move -- and an important one -- so it's natural that you have a lot of questions. Let's take a few minutes to look over a handful of things you'll need to know...

1
A new job. A baby on the way. An unexpected turn in family finances. There are any number of things that can contribute to the decision to sell a home. In many cases -- such as those just mentioned -- the decision is really being made for you. But for every necessary move, there's a move based on a perceived need for a lifestyle change or a nebulous feeling of restlessness. Before you make the big decision, examine your motivations to determine if it's really time to sell. You'll be much more satisfied later if you make a sound decision now.

2
For Sale By Owner. No real estate agents. No middlemen. Just you and the prospective buyer, pure and simple. But is it really as simple as it seems? The cost of selling a home on your own may be higher than you think. In addition to codes, contracts, and concerns that can take you by surprise, there are a number of legalities, liabilities, and loopholes that can trip you up along the way. If you have doubts or questions about the legal aspects of selling, talk to a real estate agent or an attorney who specializes in real estate law.

3
If you decide to use a real estate agent to help sell your home, you need to decide who's best for you. The choice is often based on a sense of obligation to longtime friends or family members, and though these alliances have their fair share of happy endings, too often they result in miscommunication, hurt feelings, and unhappiness. Look for an agent that has a marketing plan for your home that best suits your personal needs. Find someone who has qualities you admire. Insist on an agent who has a track record you can trust. And choose an agent whose objectivity assures that they'll really have your best interests in mind.

4
Homeowners put a considerable emotional investment in their homes over the years. It's a natural, perfectly understandable tendency, but it often manifests itself in overpricing when it comes time to sell. Conversely, other families feel that their home is worth less than it actually is, and under price. The neighborhood you live in, your homes proximity to shopping centers and schools, the value of your home in relation to comparable homes in the area -- all of these factors and more figure into your home's actual worth. An experienced agent can help you determine your asking price, if you're selling on your own, it will be well worth your while to do your homework.

5
Your home's in a great neighborhood, and it's in good shape for its age...but a quick tour makes you wonder whether you can ask top dollar. The living room carpet's a little tired. The upstairs bathroom has exposed pipes from a recent repair. And the garage is beginning to look like a battle zone. Don't worry. There are a number of affordable things you can do to give your home a minor makeover without taking a major bite out of your pocketbook. Ask a real estate agent or contractor what improvements will be most effective and cost-efficient.

6
This is especially important if you're selling on your own. Don't push. Be pleasant, upbeat, and patient. A good rule of thumb is this: If you're saying something that would make you uncomfortable if you were shopping for a home, chances are you're making the prospective buyer uncomfortable as well. Even worse, the hard sell can make it seem as if you're desperate, and you could lose the sale by making the prospect suspicious. Don't do it.

7
In addition to smart home improvements (See #5), you'll need to make sure your home looks its very best, and that means a thorough cleaning from top to bottom. Make it look better than it ever has, and make sure that it appears as light, airy, and roomy as possible. Put boxes in storage, turn on lights and open windows before showings -- in short, do everything you can to make your home seem like a great place to live. If you haven't put your home on the market yet, start the showcasing work now. It'll pay off with your very first showing.

8
Home shoppers -- like any shoppers -- are made up of browsers and legitimate buyers. But even if you're able to distinguish a serous buyer from someone who's "just looking", you still have to separate qualified buyers from unqualified buyers...and that's a trickier matter. A good real estate agent has resources that can assure that only pre-qualified buyers get to see your home. Ask, and find out how you can save yourself valuable time and get your home sold fast!

9
Legitimate offers involve a number of details that need to be taken into serous consideration, such as price, deposit, down payment, terms, occupancy details, and other contingencies. If you're working through an agent, they can help you sort through the mountains of red tape, but if you're selling on your own, you may want to work with an attorney.

10
You've probably heard the agent's credo for prime property sales: location, location, location. But there's a credo that holds just as true for the home seller: patience, patience, patience. Your home may sell in a week. It may sell in a month. But it's likely that no matter how great a catch your home is, it will take a reasonable amount of time to find the perfect buyer. You can save yourself a lot of stress and grief by understanding this right up front, and preparing yourself and your family accordingly.

Tomi Johnson
Realty One Real Living
3994 E. Harbor Rd
Port Clinton, OH 43452
888-807-4110 toll free
419-341-0276 cell phone
419-734-7260 fax
tomi@vacationlandconnection.com