Seller Tips

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The following will help you go about selling your home with the assistance of a real estate agent:

1. Locate all necessary documents
a. Deed
b. Survey
c. Restrictive Covenants
d. Any information provided to you at the time of purchase.
e. Appraisal
f. Floor plan
g. Title insurance
h. Deed of Trust/Promissory Note/Current mortgage information.

2. Choose a realtor
a. Based on greatest knowledge of the area
b. Based on track record in the area
c. Choose the agent who provides you with the most and the best information

3. Prepare your home for sale
a. Ask your agent for suggested improvements.
b. Look at your house as a Buyer would.
c. Consider the cost and possible return of each improvement.
d. Make it "inspection clean" (complete all needed repairs, do cost-effective cosmetic enhancements to make it competitive in the market place).

4. Pricing your home
a. Look at other homes for sale in your area.
b. Be objective.
c. Talk to your Realtor.
d. Have your Realtor do a Home Market Analysis.

5. Keep your home ready to show at all times.
a. Keep it clean and neat.
b. Remove/store clutter inside and out.

6. Make room for the Realtor
a. Make it easy for your Realtor to show your home.
b. Give your Realtor "space" at all showings.
c. Make your home available for open houses and tours.

7. Negotiate on offer.
a. Look at other homes currently on the market.
b. Consider the relationship between time and money.
c. Consider all areas of compromise; price, terms, date of occupancy, cost of closing, contingencies, etc.
d. Accept or counter the offer in the time allotted, if possible.

8. Close the deal
a. Provide information to closing attorney as quickly as possible.
b. Stay in touch with your agent.
c. Don't pack until all contingencies are met!

9. Transfer utilities to purchaser
a. Water
b. Electricity
c. Gas
d. Telephone
e. Cable Television
f. Sewer
g. Trash Pickup