While no two listings or sales are exactly alike, by reviewing the guide below you can begin to get an idea of what will be involved with preparing your home for the market and hopefully a quick sale. Consider printing this list out as a sort of road map for your upcoming adventure. Don't worry though, it's not as stressful as it seems and if you'd like, I can be there to help you every step of the way.

• Its important that you start this process with an accurate account of your finances. Meeting with an accountant or tax advisor maybe a good idea. If you're in need of referals for these professionals, I can help.
  
  
• Develop a home-selling plan. Here is where you begin to layout your game plan. What would be your schedule? What are your specific goals and who are you going to bring in to help you execute this outline? It’s important to set clear goals and decide at the outset how involved you want to be in the selling process.
  
  
• Make sure that this is the right time for you to sell. Evaluate market conditions and your reasons. Make sure selling really is your best option. If you need help with this, a trusted Real Estate agent can give you guidance on the market, a possible selling price, and educate you on other possible options such as renting or renovations.
  
  
• If its decided that selling is the best option choose a listing agent that you feel comfortable with to sell your home. You will be interacting with them a great deal over the coming weeks!
  
  
• Do necessary repairs. Walk through your home as a prospective buyer would and check the flooring, plumbing fixtures, lighting fixtures, heating and ventilation systems, doors and windows, interior paint, exterior paint, outdoor drainage systems, outdoor watering systems, and if your able to, the roof. While not everything will need to be "like new", significant items found during the buyers home inspection could reopen negotiations over the sells price! A bit of prevention can help prevent quite a headache and often put money in your pocket!
   
• Make minor improvements. These small improvements, often referred to as "staging" have been proven to increase sale prices! They could include... 
  
  • Sprucing up the entryway to make it more inviting.
  • Plant flowers in the front yard to increase drive-by appeal.
  • Removing personal photos and storing belongings that clutter up rooms.
  
  
• Price your home. Setting a realistic price is the biggest factor in the successful sale of your home. While many sellers feel that they can always "lower the price later" if it doesn't sell immediately, this strategy can often net an even lower price then if the home was properly priced from the start of the homes marketing. This effect that I call "stale sale" syndrum is a result of a home being on the market for too long. Buyers have easy access to information regarding the length of time your home has been on the market. Homes that have sat on the market for lengthy periods often are mentally associated as being inferior products. You want your home to sell in a timely fashion, not make buyers speculate on why it is sitting on the market. To ensure a competitive price for your home take the following steps.
  
  1. Check sales prices of comparable homes. Both actives and recent sales!
  2. Consider getting a home appraisal.
  3. Know whether it’s a buyer’s or a seller’s market.
  4. And finally, settle on a price.
  
  
• Market your home. Now the real adventure begins... Have your Agent advertise with "for sale" signs, print ads, and most importantly, online listings. Decide your contingencies and other terms of the contract. Cordinate to be away during your Agent's showings, open homes and walk-throughs.
  
  
• Receive and negotiate an offer. This is another area where having a professional will help you come out ahead. By having a solid knowledge of the market and how trends are effecting your neighborhood your Agent will be able to advise you on any specific contract terms and any possible counters you may want to offer. While markets can be in decline, apperciating or even balanced, the party that often emerges as the most pleased and happy with the outcome is the one armed with the most knowledge. The cliche holds true in Real Estate as well, knowledge is power.
  
  
• Close the sale. After working through any remaining considerations & contingencies laid out in the sales contract, you simply need to get through all the paperwork, exchange the checks and hand over the keys! While this part can be a bit confusing, an educated Agent can help you through the process and if necessary connect you with the appropriate industry professionals (lawyers, accounts, etc) that you may need to seal the deal.
  
  
• Last but certainly not least. Celebrate & Relax! You just sold your home!

Again, while much of this may seem daunting, it doesn't have to be! By partnering with a professional Agent that you have a good rapport with you gain an advisor, negotiator and facilitator that will be with you throughout the process!