Selling Your Home

You've decided it's time to move on to a new nest and put your current abode up for sale. Here are a few steps you'll want to cover in order to maximize the visibility and profit of your home.

Find out your home's value by seeking a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) and a property appraisal. You can request a CMA from a real estate office in your area, usually for free. Appraisals will cost you, but in tandem with the CMA you will have an accurate picture of your home's value, allowing you to set a fair price point. A realistic price is vital ? set it too high and you'll likely have a hard time selling, price it too low and you leave money on the table. Avoid those scenarios by arming yourself with these two comprehensive reports.

If you're selling your property as a FSBO (For Sale By Owner), market it in places where potential homebuyers are looking, i.e. realty sites, newspaper classifieds, real estate publications. Some online realtors accept listings from owners selling their own property. Consider who your home would be most attractive to (Large families? Empty nesters? Single, young professionals?), and place your home on websites and in publications that cater to those crowds.

Prior to accepting viewings, "stage" your home to highlight its attractiveness. Make your property look as bright and spacious as possible. Get rid of clutter in the garage and basement, put in brighter light bulbs, wash the roof and throw a fresh coat of paint on the walls. Once the viewings begin, try to remove your emotional attachment. Some may not like the décor, or the size, or the way your beloved neighbor keeps her yard. Ultimately, you only need one person to fall in love with it.

If you decide to work with an agent, make sure you have a good rapport with them. You'll want an agent with plenty of experience selling homes, possessing a good understanding of marketing and a committed attitude. Keep the lines of communication open ? if viewings are slow to come along, ask how aggressively it's being marketed. If offers are few, inquire about what type of work might make it more attractive to prospective buyers.