A Short Guide to Selling Your Home

Before the listing appointment, both the home seller and the listing broker are busy. While the home seller collects a list of documents requested by the broker, the listing broker studies recent neighborhood sales of homes comparable to yours, and also comparable homes currently for sale. All data is cross-referenced in our Real Estate computer system - to maximize your return on investment.

At the listing appointment, the listing broker will want to inspect the house and yard to become familiar with it's special features. You have probably enjoyed living in your home and have been pleased with its many unique features. Your listing broker will want to tell prospective buyers about the special features of your home and neighborhood. Be ready to specify about schools, day-care, nearby metro, and other desirable community features.

After conferring with the listing broker on market conditions, comparable nearby sales and listings, and available financing, the home seller will set the listing or "asking" price for the house. A common definition of market value is: "What a ready, willing and able buyer will pay, at a price a seller will accept. Our job is to Maximize your leverage on your home without overpricing it. There's a rule of thumb that says: "A house priced more than 5% over market value discourages offers" - Buyers who can afford the price can get "more house" for their money elsewhere. Buyers who cannot afford the price simply won't look.

It's a good idea to do a sample "Net Sheet". Based on the sales price, the listing broker will go through a worksheet that estimates the "Net cash" from the sale. Simply, this exercise subtracts anticipated charges paid by the seller from the sales price. A copy of the "net sheet" is left with the seller.

Get your financial ducks in a row. No sale can be completed without financing. That is why it is generally to the home seller's advantage to appeal to the greatest number of home buyers by accepting the greatest range of financing plans. We can help explain the differences between the newest loan programs available.

In anticipation of a buyer's offer, the home seller must be ready to supply the listing broker with a specific list of the personal property that is included in the real estate property for sale. Examples of items to "convey" may include: draperies, drapery rods, remaining heating oil, firewood, washer, dryer, refrigerator, stove, microwave, disposal, swimming pool chemicals, awnings, storm doors and windows, screens, venetian blinds, shutters, window air condtioners, etc.