Seller Tips

• Increase your home's curb appeal
  • Cut the grass
  • Plant flowers & shrubs
  • Trim trees
  • Remove weeds from flower beds
  • Rake leaves
  • Remove snow and ice from porch and sidewalks
  • Clean gutters
  • Paint exterior or install new siding
  • Add mulch to flower beds
  • Install large, brass house numbers
  • Remove or replace worn flags and banners
  • Install a new storm door
  • Paint or replace front door
  • Paint or replace mailbox
  • Keep trash cans and recycling bins out of view
• Pricing
  • Price should be established at fair market value, determined by an appraisal or from a free certified market analysis
  • Establish your asking price no more than 3% over fair market value
  • Be careful not to overprice your home
• Advertising
  • Establish a generous advertising budget
  • Invest in the most attractive yard sign in your neighborhood
  • List which roads are easily accessible from your property
  • List the amenities which are near your property (groceries, parks, schools, etc.)
  • Compile summaries of annual utility bills
  • Complete all data fields on property information form
  • Offer an open house occasionally
  • Distribute color flyers containing all relevant information about your property. Include photos.
• Prepare your home for showing
  • Remove extra furniture. It is better for a home to appear empty and spacious than crowded.
  • Place extra clothing in storage. Closet space is a great selling point.
  • Wash dishes
  • Put away all clean and dirty laundry
  • Replace burned out light bulbs
  • Paint interior neutral colors
  • Deodorize rooms
  • Place animal litter boxes outdoors
  • Burn candles
  • Play soft music
  • Bake cookies or bread
  • Place baskets of fruit or candy on tables and counters
  • Hang a wreath on the front door
  • Burn a fire in the fireplace
  • Clean all rooms
  • Have carpets professionally cleaned
  • Place all rodent and insect traps out of view
• Offers
  • Consider offering a home warranty to the buyer
  • Request a substantial deposit (earnest money) to hold an offer
  • Consider a counter offer to an offer which is lower than your asking price
  • Prepare a seller's disclosure form
  • Consider hiring a real estate lawyer to help with contracts
  • Budget for typical seller's expenses during closing
• Other
  • Be patient. The payoff for selling by owner is huge, but time on the market may be longer.
  • Always be honest with potential buyers
  • Determine if a potential buyer is pre-qualified for a loan, sufficient to purchase your property
  • Insist that open houses are by appointment only
  • Do not rush visitors between rooms during open houses