House Selling Tips

From Tip Sense

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Be an informed seller

It is very important to be informed about the various market trends of your area so that you dont end up getting stiffed! Therefore, you should always do some reasearch before putting your house up for sale.

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Hiring an Agent

Decide whether it is to your advantage to sell your house with an Agent or on your own. If you decide to go with an Agency, find an Agent in whom you can have confidence always compare backgrounds, experience, commissions and more. If selling on your own, you can enhance your chances for success with a marketing partner such as For Sale by Owner. Develop an effective advertising and marketing plan on your own or with your Agent. If you are selling on your own, For Sale by Owner has a complete menu of services that are available.

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Pricing

Familiarize yourself on how to price your house. Educate yourself. Selling a home is too imporant (and too competitive) to pull a price out of the air. Knowing how much your home can be worth is one of the first steps in beginning to market the property. Get familiar with financing options. Be at least as knowledgeable as your buyers.

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Changes

Know what you can and cannot change about your house. This allows you to concentrate on those items that bring the highest rewards and ignore those that cannot be modified.

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Preparing the House

Spend time on the house preparation phase--it will probably be the most productive time you can spend!

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House Inspection

Decide whether or not to do a pre-listing house inspection.

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Get rid of trash

Have a yard sale before you list. Sell, donate, or trash everything you don't need. Know how to best show your home.

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Warranties

Decide whether you want to offer a Home Warranty with your house.

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Checklist for showing your house

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Front yard

Neat, clear of debris and toys, etc.

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Front door

Clean and neat

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Walls

If dingy, repaint or rewallpaper

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Faucets

Ensure not dripping - a drip discolors the sink and suggests that plumbing repairs may be required

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Door knobs

Ensure not loose

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Doors

Ensure not sticking or squeaking

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Windows

Ensure not sticking

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Drawers

Ensure not sticking

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Bathrooms

They're a selling point, especially for women:

         - Everything shining 
         - Clean and repair bathtub and basin caulking

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Kitchen

         - Spotless 
         - Appliances: spotless

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Rooms

Remove clutter and excess furniture - to make rooms look larger Closets and storage areas:

         - Dispose of items you don't need - to make them look larger - this will also help you when you move 
         - Neatly store remaining items

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Exterior

Repaint if needed

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Negotiations

When it is time to negotiate, learn how to deal with offers and familiarize yourself with contracts.

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And lastly

Make moving plans early. Don't wait until the last minute!

Know what is involved at closing and settlement.

Smile and breathe a sigh of relief: It's over!

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Staging your home

All the rooms of your house are in good condition. The walls should not have any chipped paints, all the carpets, drapes, windows and ceilings are clean and all the lights (and electrical sockets) are functioning well.
Next look at your furniture. Although having a lot of furniture makes a home look more comfortable, it also makes it look smaller. #You want to make your buyers see a lot of space, and allow them to envision their own pieces inside the home. Determine which ones you should retain (i.e. sofas, AV cabinet, dining table and buffet), and which ones you should keep in a storage facility (i.e. small ottomans, occasional tables).
The same goes with the accessories. Keep the decoration to a minimum. If possible remove the very personal ones (trophies, wedding photos) and retain the very basic items (scented soap and coordinated towels in the showers, a few fruits for the kitchen, a coffee table book on the living room center table).
When you move outdoors, make sure that the exterior looks (and is) well kept. The gutters should be free from dried leaves, loose shingles and broken shutters should be replaced. Make sure that the paint is evenly applied and that there are no chips nor is the paint peeling in places.
Finally, look at the foliage and the exterior grounds. The plants or hedges should be trimmed. The patio, lanai, garden should be free from charcoal (from last weekend’s barbeque), rocks, toys, garbage and even dog poop (if you have a dog).

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