1.     First, do your homework.  

Find out the local market conditions for your neighborhood.  Depending on your area, there may be better/worse times to sell.  Once you’ve decided to sell, there are three different levels of service that you may want to consider:

  • Sell the home yourself (FSBO)
  • List your with a Discount / Flat fee broker
  • Utilize a full-service real estate agent/brokerage

If you are interested to sell the home yourself, know that you will be responsible for selling your property, together with full inspections, legal disclosures, appraisals and the like.  You should be very relaxed with real estate related documents, and also comfortable with the legal implications as a result of the transaction.

You can as well choose to use a discount or flat fee broker, who will help you to sell your property.  Depending on the broker you choose, you may be able to get some help with selling, open houses, title/escrow, disclosures, etc.  Make sure that you understand exactly what services you are willing to pay.  Make sure you understand what services are covered under each pricing plan.  Find out if your listing will be posted on the website, what signage will be available to you; find out if you are posting the home to the respective MLS (multiple listings service) in your area. Each broker is different, so make sure to get references from former clients. 

If you want to market your property to the largest pool of possible buyers, list your property with a full-service real estate broker/firm.  Now, before picking up the phonebook/checking that postcard you get in the mail; ensure to take some time to interview some agent/agency, not just one. 

Find out if they are a REALTOR® -- a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS, a trade organization of nearly 1 million members nationwide.  Members of NAR subscribe to a stringent code of ethics to guarantee the highest level of service and integrity.  You may as well want to see if they have any special REALTOR® titles, such as GRI and CRS, which require that real estate professionals take extra specialized real estate training.  In addition to qualifications, you should also check references of the agent.  Ensure to speak with previous clients to see if the agent is approachable and is available to keep you updated with progress.   You need to have direct contact with your agent, so you will need to be as comfortable as possible.  The agent that handles your listing should:

  • Detailed marketing plan for your house, including online and offline marketing
  • Prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) of properties in your area that have sold, as well as properties currently listed
  • Help you determine the best selling price for your house
  • Advice on suggested home improvements

At the time that your house is on the market, possible buyers will make arrangements to view your home, together with the planned open-houses that you or your agent may plan.    Try to assess the house as if you are seeing it for the very first time. Buyers need to imagine themselves living in the home, so take care to present the property in its best light.  Put yourself in the shoe of a potential buyer and see the property starting at the front, listing the most cost-effective improvements to make.

2) Clean up as much as possible. 

You may want to paint walls (neutral colors are best) or spruce up wallpaper.  Replace old flooring and worn carpets.  Check and repair damaged or unsightly caulking in the tubs and showers.  If possible, hire a cleaning service. Display your best linens, towels, and shower curtains. Makeup beds, and put fresh flower arrangements on the table.  Ensure that there are no unpleasant odors in the house.  An odor is the number one thing buyers notice, and always a complete turnoff.  

3) Make your house their new home. 

Put away or pack small appliances and other items that might be sitting on countertops or tables throughout the house. You want buyers to visualize the space in each room, so it is best to remove as many smaller items as possible.  Remove personal items, pictures, and items to present clear shelves, bookcases, and walls.  Move excess furniture to make rooms more spacious.

Change heavy curtains with sheer ones that allow more light in.  Clean and organize the closets. If you must, store boxes in an out of the way.  You may also want to rent a temporary storage unit, to allow you to de-clutter every part of the house.

4) Don’t forget the outside! 

The right landscaping can enhance the curb appeal of a home.  Eliminate weeds, patch bare spots, fertilize and water. Take a good look at the shrubbery. Bushes that have grown to cover windows should be pruned to let sun and light into the home.   Fill in open spots with small shrubs and colorful, fast growing annuals, such as petunias and impatiens. A few well-placed flower pots by the front door can be very attractive. Today's buyers want small maintenance. Your goal should be an attractively maintained yard that looks very easy to care for.

5) Allow your agent/representative to show your home. 

Buyers don’t want to upset current owners, so they may be more cautious to consider your home if you are present for open-house events.  Be flexible about showings. It’s often disruptive to have a house ready to show on the spur of the moment, but the more often someone can see your home, the sooner you’ll find a seller.