Sell Your Home Quickly, for the Best Price

Your home may likely be your largest, most valuable asset. You decision to sell it is a big step. These tips will help you know what you must do to prepare for the sale. As you begin the home-selling process seek for ways to protect yourself, save money, reduce stress, and stay in control of your situation.

1. Understand Why You Are Selling Your Home
   Determine what is motivating your home sale because it will affect the marketing plan and schedule as well as decisions down the line in the negotiation. A quick sale will usually not net quite as much money while a high yielding sale will provide higher profit but take more time.

2. Don't Reveal Your Hand
   Don't show all your cards when you are negotiating. If you reveal your motives you may lose at some step of the deal making process. Remain objective and show only the cards you need.

3. Do Your Research Before You Establish a Price
   It is key that your agent do the correct analysis on your property to establish the right price. Your listing price is likely the highest someone will pay you for your home. You have adjusted for costs and understand what you net amount will be. If you have done the homework correctly you will know what you can negotiate based on true market value.

4. Visit Homes for Sale
   Ask your agent to take you to some of the comparable homes in the area. Get a good feel for what is selling and for what price.

5. Consider an Appraisal
   If you are confident you can get a good appraisal from someone before the sale you may consider it. It will cost you money and it may not be reusable for the buyer's loan but you will have a good idea of what your house will appraise for and you can adjust your price accordingly.

6. Using Tax Assessments
   A number of factors go into determining your property taxes. The assessed value is not necessarily a representation of current market value.

7. Choosing a Agent
   Not all agents are the same. Good ones often come highly referred and have considerable experience in the field. Interview them and ensure their marketing plan is tailored to getting you the highest possible price in the quickest amount of time.

8. Leave Room to Negotiate
   Your asking price should have a little wiggle room. While you need to get the best price you need to stay competitive and when the negotiations are on the table you won't want to give up a great opportunity because you are too firm on the price. Set the initial price such that you know you can move a bit if needed.

9. Invite Opinions
   Your point of view is important. When selling your home the point of view of the buyer is the key. Request the opinion of others. Have them view your home and provide feedback on selling features or items that deter potential buyers.

10. Clean Everything
    A buyer wants to do as little work as possible when they move in. They want to feel their new home is clean and sanitary. Be diligent in cleaning all aspects of the house. Hire help if necessary to get the job done well. You don't want to send any message that the home isn't fit and clean.

11. Manage Smells and Odors
    You may not realize but odd smells like traces of food, pets and smoking odors can kill deals quickly. If prospective buyers know you have a dog, or that you smoke, they'll start being aware of odors and seeing stains that may not even exist. Don't leave any clues.

12. Great Curb Appeal Makes a Huge Difference
    homes are sold emotionally. People buy when they feel the home suits them and first impressions make a huge difference. Do the necessary to set the stage.

13. Catering to the Buyer's Imagination
    buyers are like artists. They want to begin with their own blank canvass and they want to paint their own home. Keep the decor simple and friendly. Allow for their imaginations to place them in the home. Take care that religious items and family pictures are not the focus of any one room. Use soothing, neutral, and brighter colors.

14. Disclose Everything
    Smart sellers are proactive in disclosing all known defects to their buyers in writing. This can reduce liability and prevent lawsuits later on.

15. Manage Your Emotions
    A home will sell itself. Do not let you emotions drive you during the sale. Manage it like a business and handle it objectively. Don't take low offers personally. They will likely come. Some people make it their job to submit low offers on many homes. They will eventually get a few. If you are not ultra motivated then simple reject these offers. If you feel there may be some true negotiation then counter the offer such that it turns the tables.

16. Understand Your Buyer
    The more you can find out about your buyer the better off you are at the time of negotiations. You want to see as many of their cards as possible to understand their motives. The timeliness of the close, the amount of money down, their qualifications all make a difference. If the buyer is simply not qualified move on to the next buyer. Don't play Russian Roulette with your home.

17. Protect Yourself with a Complete Contract
    Spell out everything. Avoid problems and minimize liability by taking proper care of your contract. It will have many items you will need to review. Once you are in contract stick to it. Stay on target of getting the escrow to close.

NOTE: Information on this site is not guaranteed to be accurate. Some content is compiled from 3rd party sources. If you are aware of incorrect or outdated information, feel free to contact us.