The Home Selling Process is actually quite simple, once you understand the major components of it. Understanding what is involved will help you make the right decision when selling your home.

You must make a good impression the first time; you may never get a second chance in the real estate market. When a prospective Buyer makes an appointment to view your home either with a real estate agent or on their own, you can be assured they are also looking at other homes that are in a similar price point.

Why is your home going to make a better impression than the competition?

1. Make sure you know your competition. Real estate agents in your community can give you a market analysis that will show you who you are competing against for a sale.

2. You must have your home in top shape. Remember the saying “you cannot see the forest through the trees”? Living in your home day after day may hinder your objectivity. Get a second opinion on whether you need a fresh coat of paint.

3. How are your floors and do the carpets need to be cleaned?

4. The kitchen is usually one of the most important rooms in your home; how are your appliances? A couple hundred dollar dishwasher could bring you thousands in a sale!

5. Think light! A bright home conveys a happy home, make sure when your home is previewed in the evening it is well lit. Maybe increasing the wattage in your light bulbs would help. Daytime showings should have your curtains open as well as your shades. This will also make the home appear larger.

6. Avoid clutter; your treasures could be another person’s junk. Keep counter tops, dressers, coffee tables and all other surface areas free of built up collections. Let the buyer imagine their own posessions sitting on your counter!

7. Bedrooms must have the beds made and excess furniture removed. Most people enjoy walking through the home without obstacles.

8. Bathrooms must be neat and clean, do we need to say more? What would your impression be if you were buying a home and the shower was moldy.

9. When a real estate agent is showing your home, take your pets along with you for a walk or visit a neighbor. Potential buyers may not be animal lovers and usually would be more comfortable viewing a property without the owners present. If you elect to sell yourself, this is an obstacle that is difficult to overcome. An AmState real estate agent can protect your home from being viewed unattended. Most of the time you do not know who is going through your home. Do not trust strangers alone on your property!

10. Encourage constructive criticism. This will only help you in fulfilling your goal….A SOLD SIGN in your yard!