When you have decided to start looking for a home, the services of a qualified Real Estate Professional are of utmost importance. The ideal Real Estate Professional will have a good working knowledge of overall real estate market conditions and be prepared to deliver a high standard of service to customers. Most importantly, a good Real Estate Professional will save you time and money.

Pricing Your Home to Sell
This is a homeowners guide to selling a home for the most money in the shortest time.

The Benefits of Pricing it Right
Many sellers believe that if they price their home high initially, they can lower it later.

Often, when a home is priced too high, it experienced little activity. Gradually the price will come down to market value, but by that time it's been for sale too long and some buyers will be wary and reject the property.

On occasion, the price is dropped below the market value because the seller runs out of time and the property sells for less than it's worth

Preparing to Have the Home Inspected by a Professional

One step which is inevitable in the home selling process is a visit from a professional home inspector. The following are steps which should be taken to ensure your inspection is a success. It is a good idea to be aware ahead of time of any serious problems which may be present in your home so you will be prepared to deal with them.

Ensure that past home renovations have not damaged the structure of the home. Other structural damages to look for are whether pests have caused extensive damage, if settling of the home over time has caused damage to the foundation, and/or whether support beams and joists are strong and sturdy or cracked or otherwise damaged.

Ensure that the electrical and wiring systems are safe and acceptable. All homes should have a minimum of 100 amp service.

Ensure there are no leaks evident. Water can run and leak into odd and unexpected places, causing extensive damage over time. Plumbing fixtures, water-using appliances, drain pipes, water supply inlets and outlets and basements and roofs can all be causes and sources of water damage.

Ensure that safety issues are resolved in your home. Trim foliage which may impair a safe view of the area around the home, ensure that windows open easily and close and lock securely and that entrances/exits to the home are able to be securely locked. Hidden curbs, loose railings on stairs, unused wells which are not capped etc., should be corrected.

With respect to plumbing, ensure that all fixtures are in good working order and free from large cracks. Faucets should run easily and shut off completely, proper grouting and caulking should be present around bathtubs, toilets and other fixtures should be bolted down securely and drains should be clog free. The home's water heater should be in good working condition.

All heating and cooling systems may have to be checked to ensure they are relatively up to date, clean, in good working condition and have clean filters. Refrigerant should be checked in any air conditioning units and may require proper servicing.

Also, a general, unbiased overview of your home by a neighbor or friend may reveal matters which need to be dealt with that you may have overlooked.

Dress your House for Success

A checklist to help you sell your house for the highest value price in the least amount of time.

Dress Your House for Success.
Now that you have made the decision to sell your home, you'll want to look at it differently. It's now a house for sale and looking at it through "buyers' eyes" can help you package it to sell more quickly.

Where do I Start?

When you begin preparing your house for market, start outside and work your way in, keeping in mind the importance of first impressions.

It is estimated that more than half of all houses are sold before the buyers even get out of their cars! Stand across the street from your house and review it's curb appeal. What can you do to improve that very first impression?

When you're ready to begin work, use the checklist available from your sales representative and add your own "To Do" list in the blank space provided. The checklist follows six important steps to packaging your house. Even if you can't get to every detail, the checklist will help you keep in mind the basic steps. Remember, you need to think like a buyer now and have a critical eye!

Six Key Steps

Uncluttering makes every room look larger and feel neater. If a house is cluttered, buyers have trouble imagining themselves in it. By removing or storing things you don't need, you create a roomy, comfortable feeling that will be inviting to prospective buyers. Remember, when in doubt, throw it out, sell it or give it away.

Cleaning makes your house easy for buyers to explore and give the impression that it has been well cared for. Be sure every room smells as good as it looks, paying special attention to pet areas, nurseries and bathrooms. Some fresh paint and a one-time professional cleaning service can make your house look like new.

Repairing eliminates buyers' objections before they arise. If you think something is too much trouble to fix, chances are buyers will, too. Buyers tend to think repairs will cost more then they do.

Neutralizing helps buyers see their own things in you house and picture themselves living there. Neutral paint, decor and carpeting create a home for any lifestyle. Eliminating distracting colors and accessories lets buyers concentrate on positive impressions.

Dynamizing makes the exterior and every room of your house special. Since it is competing with many other houses on the market, you need to make it stand out and be memorable. Look in magazines and catalogs for ideas. From the front door to the basement, from fresh flowers to fresh smells, this is the finishing touch.

SHOWTIME is the final step before each time your house is shown. Identify jobs and assign them to make this step quick and easy. If you keep up daily, SHOWTIME will be easier for you and your family. Plan a fun activity - away from the house - during showings.

Getting to know your Market

A comparative market analysis is an indicator of what today's buyers are willing to pay for a home. It compares the market activity of homes similar to your's in your neighborhood. Those that have recently sold represent what buyers are willing to pay. The homes currently listed for sale represent the price sellers hope to obtain. Those listings that have expired were generally overpriced or poorly marketed.

Your Real Estate Professional will prepare a comparative market analysis for your home based on the most current market information. Together you and your Real Estate Professional will establish the proper list price for your home.

Advantages of Working with a Real Estate Professional

Learn the value of working with a Real Estate Professional to sell your home quickly for the best price.

A Real Estate Professional knows real estate values in your neighborhood and will help set an agreeable and competitive price on your home.

A Real Estate Professional will establish a marketing strategy for your home ensuring that your property is exposed to scores of potential buyers.

A Real Estate Professional is an expert in the home selling process and as such will advise you of your rights, options and obligations.

A Real Estate Professional is an experienced negotiator and will work for you to get you the best possible price.