Home Selling Tips
        Erica Willingham

1. Prepare yourself mentally. Know that your house is not an item on the market, and try not to be too sentimental. Be objective about the transaction.
2. When setting the sales price, take into consideration: your location, the condition of the house, and also if you have any extra amenities which will increase the value on the market. It is also important to refer to a Comparable Market Analysis to see what the other houses in the area have been listed and sold for.
3. If you have a lot of clutter in your house, it is a good idea to have that yard sale you’ve been putting off BEFORE you list your home. Less clutter helps the potential buyer to visualize the actual living space.
4. It is a very good idea to have a home inspection done BEFORE listing your home, so you can correct any potential negatives which may lose a sale. It also shows that you care about the home being in the best possible condition.
5. Prepare your house to be shown to potential buyers. You want your house to stand out from the others. Remove clutter, have as much light as possible throughout the house (open blinds, curtains, turn on lights). It is very important that everything is well scrubbed and spotless. If you have pets, secure them, if possible, so they are not in the way during the showing. Air out your home. It is a good idea to light a candle, especially one that smells like sugar cookies or birthday cake (studies have shown that “baking” smells make a home for sale more appealing)! Also, if you have a lot of “personal” items (pictures, etc) in sight, limit them to a few, so the potential buyer can more easily envision themselves living there.
6. Know ahead of time how you will handle the offers made. How low are you willing to go? Would a lower bid be better than no bids, or are you in a position to wait for one you find to be more acceptable? Your agent can help you determine this by discussing your situation with you before showing your home. If it is an offer you are willing to accept, do so quickly. Remember that the buyers have most likely looked at several homes, so you want to respond to their offer on yours while they are still excited about buying it.
7. If you are able to leave while your agent is showing your home, do so. Even if it means just waiting outside or running an errand, it will be less awkward if you aren’t “watching” them. The buyers will feel more comfortable to explore and ask questions, and you won’t feel like a part of the decor!
8. Plan your move early. Once your house is sold, you will need to turn over the keys in a timely manner and be moved out, so don’t wait until the last minute to get ready! This will help make your transition less stressful.
9. Ask your agent any questions you may have during the process. That is what your agent is there for! Your agent is a professional who knows the process and doesn't mind helping you to feel comfortable with selling your home.

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