1. Get the data that people looking at your house are seeing.

Many website and government offices provide property valuation data.  When someone is looking to purchase a home they will research pricing from web sites.  Most popular is Zillow.com  They provide a "Z-Estimate" that an estimate of the value of your home.  Other "valuation" sites are Cyberhomes.com and Trulia.com. Read Data-Data-Data To understand how they compute the value of  your home.  This will help you understand the information available that can affect the price of your home. 

Important to note:  These website create a value for your home based on data.  The value they produce can be a good measure, but isn't neccesarily what your home will sell for.  Your home will often sell for more.

2. Clean, Fix, Clean, Fix; then Clean and Fix some more.

Top to bottom clean the house.  Fix the little things around the house.  The worst thing to show a prospective buyer is a dirty house.  Its doesnt have to be pristine, but when your house is on the market, a daily cleaning will help bring in offers.  For a room by room cleaning list, click here.  Clean out clutter. Plus, be cleaning out clutter you will start the packing process to move.

3. Order a home inspection before you put the house on the market.

Before you let a potential buyer in the house, hire a lisc home inspector to review your home.  They will give you a buyers perspective to your home. Plus, any issues you find can be addressed.  Better to fix the screen door before a buyer uses it as a bargaining tool. For a home inspection checklist, click here.

4. Get copies of your documents.

Get your mortgage, checking If you are having problems finding documentation.  Gathering important documentation can slow a sale, so better to start looking for the HOA information now.   Click here for a list of documments you may be asked for (and where to find them)

5. Mentally prepare your self.

The day you put your home on the market it becomes a product to sell.  People see your home and pick it apart. Homebuyers make negative comments about the floor or the cabinents.  Home buyers can promise to buy but never sign a contract.  Low ball offers can border on offensive.  Title Issues and Liens can come up.  It can wear you down if you are not prepared.  Take 2 and call Steve in the morning.

6. Advertise, Advertise, Advertise

If you do it yourself or hire a real estate agent. Advertise your home.  A clear marketing plan and competitive pricing will sell the home.  Click here to see Steve's Marketing Plan. 

Have a question?  Send your questions to Steve at email (steve@steveloper.com)