1. Getting the Highest Price in the Shortest Time
2. Making a Good First Impression
3. Know Why You are Selling
4. Setting the Price
5. Plan of Action
6. Finding the Right Agent
7. Considering Offers
8. Insist on a Home Inspection
9. Dangers of Overpricing
10. Factors Which Do Not Influence Value
11. Curb Appeal
12. Presentation Appeal
13. Major Improvements

In order to get the highest price in the shortest time, you need to know how to market your home. The better you market your home, the more offers you will get. And the more offers you get, the more choices you have to get the price and terms you want.

The most important factor of marketing your home is pricing it right. Your price should be adjusted to reflect the market, and the property's worth. The key is to get many people checking out your property at a fair price instead of having no buyers because your price is set to high.
Another important factor is the condition of your home. Make sure that your home looks ready to be sold. Fix any defects (peeling or faded paint, cracks, stains, etc.) Condition alone can sometimes prompt fast buying decisions. Not only should you fix any defects, but consider upgrading your home by making major repairs and cosmetic improvements before selling. A nice looking home triggers the emotional response that can lead to a financial response.

Learn how to negotiate the best terms for all parties involved. Terms are another factor which may be adjusted to attract buyers. If you insist on getting your asking price, think of what you can offer to the buyers, for example, improvements you've made, or even offering seller financing at a lower than market interest rate on a portion of the sale price. Convince them why they should be paying the price you have set.

Lastly, get the buzz out about your home. List your house with a hot agent that ensures your house is listed on the MLS and on the internet. On your own, get the word out. It should be visible to passerby’s that your house if for sale, whether it be signs, local advertisements or you telling friends, family, and acquaintances.
 

 If you want buyers to be interested in your home, you need to show it in its best light. A good first impression can influence a buyer into making an offer; it influences a buyer emotionally and visually. In addition, what the buyer first sees is what they think of when they consider the asking price.

A bad first impression weighs in as deeply. Don't show your property until it's all fixed up. You do not want to give buyers the chance to use the negative first impression they have as means of negotiation.

Ask around for the opinions others have of your home. Real estate agents who see houses everyday can give solid advice on what needs to be done. Consider what architects or landscape designers have to say. What you need are objective opinions, and it's sometimes hard to separate the personal and emotional ties you have for the home from the property itself.

Typically, there are some general fix ups that need to be done both outside and on the inside. As a seller, you should consider the following:

*Landscaping - Has the front yard been maintained? Are areas of the house visible to the street in good condition?
*Cleaning or Redoing the driveway - Is your driveway cluttered with toys, tools, trash etc.?
*Painting - Does both the exterior and the interior look like they have been well taken care of?
*Carpeting - Does the carpet have stains? Or does the carpet look old and dirty?
 

If you know exactly why you are selling, then it is easier for you to set the right plan of action to get what it is that you want.

If you are a seller who needs to close a sale as quickly as possible, then you should know that getting the highest price possible is not one of your priorities. It does not mean that you won't or cannot get the highest price, but it means that the price is not the deciding factor. A buyer who can give you a quick closing time will appeal much more to you than a buyer who can offer you more money but the negotiation and closing time drag on.

It's always good to know how low you will go, in terms of selling price. This will help to eliminate some of the offers that you find simply offensive or ridiculous. Even though you should consider all offers seriously and take into consideration the terms of each offer, sometimes, if you know the bottom line and are strict about it, you can save yourself time.

Once you know what your limits and reasons are, discuss them with your agent so that they can help you set your goals realistically. If you decide to list your home on your own, make sure you do research on the current market, and you get the proper advice you need in terms of legal issues, etc. The key is to be realistic and to know what your goals are so that they can be met.
 

The price is the first thing buyers notice about your property. If you set your price too high, then the chance of alienating buyers is higher. You want your house to be taken seriously, and the asking price reflects how serious you are about selling your home.

Several factors will contribute to your final decision. First, you should compare your house to others that are in the market. If you use an agent, he/she will provide you with a CMA. The CMA will reflect the following:
*houses in your price range and area sold within the last half-year
*asking and selling prices of houses
*current inventory of houses on the market
*features of each house on the market

From the CMA, you will find out the difference between the asking price and selling price for all homes sold, the condition of the market, and other houses comparable to yours.

Also, try to find out what types of houses are selling and see if it applies to your area. Buyers follow trends, and these trends can help you set your price.

Always be realistic. And understand and set your price to reflect the current market situation.
 

1)Analyze why you are selling - If you understand your motives, you will be able to better negotiate and to get what it is that you want, whether it be a quick sale, high price, or somewhere in the middle.

2)Prepare you home for the buyer - Maximize the strengths of your property and fix up it's weaknesses. You want the buyer to walk away from your home with a lasting good impression.

3)Find a good real estate agent that understands your needs - Make sure that your agent is loyal to you, and can negotiate to help you achieve your goals. In addition, they should be assertive and honest with both you and the buyer.

4)Be prepared for negotiation - Learn and understand your buyer's situation; what are their motives? Can you demand a big deposit from them? Try to lock in the buyer so that the deal goes through.

5)Negotiate for the best price and the best terms - Learn how to counter offer to get more from every offer.

6)Make sure the contract is complete - Be honest with your disclosures; you do not want to lose the deal because you were lying or diminishing your home's defects. Insist the buyers get a professional inspection. This will protect both you and the buyer.
 

Not all agents work the same way. The most important attribute of an agent is that he/she is well connected to the real estate industry. He/she should know the market and provide information on past sales, current listings, his or her marketing plan, and at least 4 solid references. In addition, you also want to look for an agent that is honest, assertive, and one that best understands your needs.

Try to go with a local agent. They can better serve your needs; they are familiar with what the local market condition is, the local prices are, and what's hot or not in your community.
 

When reading an offer, keep in mind that you are out to get the best price AND the best terms for you. If you focus solely on the price, you may overlook terms that could be favorable to you as a buyer.

Some terms that may work in your favor:

*higher-than-market-interest in a second mortgage for your home
*the buyer will pay for most or all of the closing costs
*the buyer will take care of any repairs
*quick close - the buyer is pre-approved and ready to close in a time that best suits you
*all-cash deal

When reading through offers, remember to look at the whole package. Take the time that you need to assess what is being offered and if it meets your needs.
 

A professional home inspection protects both you and the buyer. It allows both you and the buyer the opportunity to learn about the property's defects.

A home inspection usually covers the following:

*Plumbing conditions - if there is leakage or clogging
*Roofing conditions - the extent of deterioration, if there is leakage
*Electrical conditions - if there are inadequate circuits or potential fire hazards
*Structural problems - if there are problems with the underlying foundation of your home

As a seller, the home inspection reports protect you because it establishes the actual condition of the property at the time of sale.
 

Miss The “Window Of Opportunity”
The excitement is highest during the first few weeks a home is on the market. In essence, there is a window of opportunity where all the Realtors and Buyers in the market are excited to see your "new" listing. If your home is overpriced during this critical window, it is difficult to generate that excitement again.

Perception of Being “Stale”
The perception once a home has been on the market for a period of time is that no one else wants it. It becomes "stale". Just like merchandise on a rack at a department store which has been looked over, buyers expect to pay less.

Takes Longer To Sell
It's a simple fact that homes priced above the going market take longer to sell. In fact, if you price your home too far above the market value, no amount of exposure and time will sell it.

Ultimately Sells for Less
Starting out high to test the market and then periodically reducing the price causes a property to become stale. By the time a home is finally reduced to the true market value it may be too aged to attract a full-price offer. Have you ever asked how long a property was on the market? If it had been quite some time, what conclusion did you draw?

House Never Sells
Of course, the greatest risk of overpricing a home is that after months of inconvenience and stress, it doesn't sell. As a rule, a buyer simply will not pay more for a home than its market value.
 

You May Need More Equity Than You Have.
An owner's need for money does not increase the value of a house. Your need to pay off credit cards, cover a home equity line or even pay for a college education will not influence what a buyer is willing to pay for a home such as yours within your neighborhood.

You May Have Invested In Repairs And Improvements.
Improvements should be made for enjoyment, not just for resale value. You cannot add an item to your home, use it, and then expect the buyer to pay full price for it. Repairs are a normal part of home ownership. Replacing a roof or putting in new carpet simply returns the home up to normal expectations.

Prices Of Homes Where You Are Moving.
Prices are greatly influenced by location and demand. The exact same home is going to sell for much higher in Beverly Hills than Provo. Just because you are moving to a higher priced area doesn't make your existing home worth more.

Refinance Appraisal
Appraisals, along with your good credit, are tools used by lenders to insure that there is enough security to give you a loan. Refinance appraisals often vary considerably from the price a buyer is actually willing to pay for a property when purchasing it.
 

PAINT
Paint the trim, or if necessary, the entire house. This is the number one tip for enhancing the exterior appeal of your home.

DE-CLUTTER
Remove toys, bikes, lawn furniture, disabled autos, or anything else that is visible from the street. Coil the hoses. Shut the garage door.

MOW AND EDGE
Mow the lawn twice per week during the summer months. Edge the walks and trim the hedges as needed.

GREEN IT UP
Water and fertilize the lawn. Repair broken sprinkler heads. Hand water dry spots. Weed the flower beds approaching the front door.

CUT BACK
Landscaping should enhance your home, not hide it. Cut back shrubs and bushes to the height of the bottom of the windows. Prune low hanging branches high enough to walk under.

MOVE THE TRASH CANS
If the trash cans are visible from the street, move them out of sight. Clean and deodorize the cans and the surrounding area.

FIX THE FENCE
Paint, repair or replace any broken or missing fence boards. Repair all gates.

THE DRIVEWAY
Spray the driveway clean. Remove grease spots from the garage and driveway with commercial cleaners. Park in the garage or across the street during showings.

THE FRONT DOOR
The front door gives a vital impression while the buyer is waiting to be let in. Clean and scrub the door, the door knob and the knocker. Replace the door if necessary. Sweep or spray off the front porch. Add blooming flowers and a nice mat.

THE DOOR BELL
Thoroughly clean the door bell. Use a toothpick, if necessary. Repair the bell if not working.
 

CLEAR THE KITCHEN AND BATHROOM COUNTERS
Store appliances, containers, bottles and any other infrequently used items under the counter and out of site. This will make the most important rooms in your house appear larger and more livable.

CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN
A clean house can bring thousands more and will always sell faster. Wash the windows, clean the carpets, mop the floors, scrub door frames and light switches, dust the floorboards, scour the bathrooms, change the shower curtain.

USE YOUR NOSE
Make sure your home has a pleasant aroma. Bake cookies or a frozen bread loaf or burn candles or potpourri. Boil cinnamon sticks. Put a dab of vanilla on a cold light bulb. Grind a lemon in your disposal. Take out all trash, especially the kitchen.

REMOVE YOUR PETS
Many people are afraid of or simply allergic to pets and will not feel comfortable in your home with a pet underfoot. Take them for a walk or to the neighbors during showings. Pay particular attention to pet odors—it will kill the sale.

SILENCE IS GOLDEN
Be polite but avoid getting into conversations with buyers. They need to become emotionally involved with your home and conversation distracts them. Turn off the TV and put the radio on a classical station.

LIGHT AND BRIGHT
A light and bright house is cheerful and inviting. Open all blinds and curtains, turn on every light including in the closets and basement. Change light bulbs to higher wattage bulbs and clean light fixtures.

SPLASH OF COLOR
A fresh flower arrangement will add color and fragrance to any room. Put fresh color-coordinated towels in the baths. Set your table with your nicest china.

DON'T SELL THE FURNITURE
Don't try to complicate the sale by offering to sell your furniture, rugs or boat to prospects. Don't call attention to things the buyer might of overlooked by apologizing for the appearance or condition of your home.

THE QUICK CLEAN
Vacuum, clear the dishes and wipe down the counter, make the beds, pick up the laundry, clear the front porch and front yard of toys, hoses, shoes, etc. This may be your only chance with this buyer, so roll up your sleeves and put some elbow grease into it.

MAKE SHOWING YOUR HOME EASY
Try to cooperate with agents on the time for appointments. Allow for a keybox on your home to insure all available buyers get to see your home. If someone shows up unannounced, ask for 10 minutes for a quick pick-up and dusting, then let them in. If you can, leave the home while the showing is taking place.
 

Be Cautious With Improvements – You may be thinking of performing some “value added”, and possibly costly, home improvements before you put your house on the market. Before you do, ask your agent to help you determine the best improvements for your home. Don't go overboard in remodeling. Thatis, don't invest so much money into improvements that you won't be able to get it out again. Be particularly wary if your home exceeds the value of the other houses in the neighborhood. Here is the scoop on some favorite home improvements:

• PAINT. This is the #1 payback in home improvements. Repainting your home will always pay, but to avoid this expense, try washing your home's exterior and touching up the front door, window frames and eaves.

• THE KITCHEN. A remodeled kitchen is always an attractive element to a buyer. In the kitchen, spend your money first on quality appliances, such as the dishwasher, stove and refrigerator. Then, if you still have room to spend, go to the sink, counter tops and cabinets. If you can't afford new cabinets, simply replacing the knobs can really make a difference.

• THE BATHROOM. Buyers like bathrooms with plenty of storage space and natural light. If you are adding space to your bathroom, it is smart to leave the sink, toilet and the shower or bathtub where they are. If you move them, you could have to pay to reroute the plumbing, which requires tearing up the floors and putting in new pipes. That's going to kill your pocketbook for sure and won't be paid back when you resell the house.

• BEDROOMS AND STORAGE. In two-bedroom houses, it pays to add another bedroom. However, after the third bedroom, additional bedrooms don't increase the home's value as much. Adding closets and built-in storage almost always pays. Everybody seems to have more stuff than they have places to put it.

• FIREPLACES. Fireplaces are at the top of the list of buyers all over the United States, excluding the warmer regions of the nation. You don't necessarily have to hire a brick mason to install one either, as many companies offer cheaper, pre-made models that will heat the home just as effectively. If you can afford to hire a mason, a built-in, brick fireplace would be a beautiful addition to your home.

• WOODEN DECKS. Decks are more popular now than concrete patios, but if you really want the deck addition to payoff, enclose it with ornamental trees, hedges or vine covered trellises for additional privacy.

• DECORATIVE WINDOWS, DOORS AND SKYLIGHTS. These can change the whole personality of the house making it more appealing to the buyers.

• LANDSCAPING. Buyers usually prefer low maintenance landscaping over extravagant yards that require constant weeding, watering and pruning.

• FURNITURE. Even though your home furnishings are not part of the home's price, they influence the prospective buyer's overall impression of the house. What's great about buying new and attractive furniture and decorations is that unlike a new stove or sink, you get to take the couches and the tables with you when you move.

• POOLS DON'T PAY. Unless you're one of the only houses in the neighborhood that doesn't have a pool, digging up your backyard will probably not pay for itself when you resell. So save your money and put the pool in your new house, if you'd like. Always be sure to obtain the necessary building permits and inspections for work you do. Buyers will ask for it and lenders will insist on it. It is always less expensive to get permits in advance
than to have your work torn up afterwards for a thorough inspection by the building inspector.