In setting the list price for your home, you should be aware of a buyer's frame of mind. Based on a list of houses for sale in your neighborhood (which can be in the form of a printed list from us, or online search results that you've found yourself), buyers will determine which houses they want to view. Consider the following pricing factors: If you set the price too high, your house won't be picked for viewing, even though it may be much nicer than others in the area. You may have told your REALTOR to "Bring me any offer. Frankly, I'd take less." But in that list of houses, yours simply looks too expensive to be considered. If you price too low, you'll short-change yourself. Your house will sell promptly, yes, but before it has time to find the buyer who would have paid more.

To determine the proper list price, contact a REALTOR and have them provide you with the following professional services: contact a REALTOR and have them provide you with the following professional services:

No matter how attractive and polished your house, buyers will be comparing its price with everything else on the market. Your best guide is a record of what the buying public has been willing to pay in the past few months for property in your neighborhood like yours.

2.) Consider Market Conditions

Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) often includes Days on the Market (DOM) for each comparable house sold. When real estate is booming and prices are rising, houses may sell in a few days. Conversely, when the market slows down, average DOM can run into many months.

We can tell you whether your area is currently a buyer's market or a seller's market. In a seller's market, you can price a bit beyond what you really expect, just to see what the reaction will be. In a buyer's market, if you really need to sell promptly, offer an attractive bargain price.

3.) Estimate Your Net Proceeds

Once you've been given an estimate of market value, you can get a rough idea of how much cash you might walk away with when the sale is completed. This can be particularly useful as you start looking for another home to buy.

From the estimated sales price, subtract:

• Payoff figure on your present loan(s);
• Broker's commission;
• Any prepayment penalty on your mortgage;
• Attorney's fees, if any; and
• Unpaid property taxes.

4.) Getting Your House Ready For Successful Sale

A house that "sparkles" on the surface will sell faster than its shabby neighbor, even though both are structurally well-maintained. From experience, REALTORS also know that a "well-polished" house appeals to more buyers and will sell faster and for a higher price. Additionally, buyers feel more comfortable purchasing a well-cared for home because if what they can see is maintained, what they can't see has probably also been maintained.

In preparing your home for the market, spend as little money as possible. Buyers will be impressed by a brand new roof, but they aren't likely to give you enough extra money to pay for it. There is a big difference between making minor and inexpensive "polishes" and "touch-ups" to your house, such as putting new knobs on cabinets and a fresh coat of neutral paint in the living room, and doing extensive and costly renovations, like installing a new kitchen. Your REALTOR, who is familiar with buyers' expectations in your neighborhood, can advise you specifically on what improvements need to be made.

Don't hesitate to ask for advice. That's what I am here for!

Before putting your house on the market, take as much time as necessary (and as little money as possible) to maximize its exterior and interior appeal. Enhance your home's exterior and curb appeal by such things as keeping the lawn edged, cut, and watered to making sure you put a fresh coat of paint on the front door.

Enhance your home's interior by such things as giving every room in the house a thorough cleaning, as well as removing all clutter. This alone will make your house appear bigger and brighter. Some homeowners with crowded rooms have actually rented storage garages and moved half their furniture out, creating a sleeker, more spacious look. Also try such things as checking and repairing cracks as well as checking leaks or signs of dampness in the attic and basement. Remember, the better you prepare your home now, the more money you can get in return!