Getting Ready

There are many things to consider while you are preparing to sell your home, and the more prepared you and your family is, the easier the journey will be. Here are a few things you should consider: 

Presentation is everything. You might want to spend some time sprucing up your home with paint and take care of any necessary repairs as well. You would be amazed at what a little cosmetic work can do in how potential buyers react to your home. This not only will help you get the very best price, but could also help you get an offer sooner.
 
     Document an inventory of your belongings before you pack. Also, decide whether moving yourself or whether hiring a professional moving company is better for you and your needs. Add up all the moving costs you may incur such as boxes, truck rental, gas, and insurance. Compare this cost to the cost of hiring a professional moving company. Also take into account if you will have the time to pack, move and unpack your belongings. If you can take the appropriate time off of work, will you have enough people who would be willing to help you? Will you be driving the rental truck, and if not do you know someone who could?
      
     If you choose to hire a professional moving company consider these options:
* Look at a few different companies and what they offer, get written quotes from each to compare. Perhaps a family member or friend will refer a company.
* Movers are limited by law regarding what they can give you for lost or damaged goods. To cover potential damage, check your existing homeowner or renter's policy.
* Determine if you want to do the packing or unpacking - some companies offer this service for an additional cost.
      
     Once this has all been decided, make another list of the little things people often forget to keep in mind on the day of the move (some may have to be done a week before the move):
* Have copies of new address handy for those helping you
* Complete a change of address with the post office and let others know of your address change (lights, water, phone etc)
* Keep some cleaning supplies out so you are able to clean after the house is empty
* Leave some toilet paper in the bathrooms of both the new and the old house
* Reserve the elevator in your building if you live in an apartment
* Double check closets, drawers, shelves etc to be sure nothing was left behind
      
Marketing Your Home 
Some things to think of regarding the marketing of your home (Your REALTOR® should be able to help you): 
With the proper steps of a comprehensive market analysis or schedule of marketing activities. 
Promotional materials with photos of your home and its special features - prepared for prospective buyers or even for distribution to an REALTORS® custom mailing list. 
Appropriate marketing sites and marketing publications in which an ad for your home can appear
 
Negotiating offers 
Learn as much as you can to prepare for the negotiation. Knowledge is power. Your best preparation is to get your house into top condition so buyers won't have any major physical objections to your home. Also have the facts on recent sale prices of comparable homes in your area.

You might want to make price adjustments for the pro or cons of your home compared to other homes in your area that are for sale.
 
Closing 
There are usually closing costs associated at the time of taking possession of your home. These could include the 
following (talk to your REALTOR® to find out a more detailed listing): 
* Attorney/Lawyer fees (yours and your lenders if applicable) 
* Property taxes (to cover tax period to date) 
* Interest 
* Title insurance 
* Any Documentation preparation fees
 
 
Before you sign any closing documents you should have your attorney/lawyer review your papers and closing documents to ensure your interests are protected. Your real estate REALTOR® might assist you on selecting a lawyer, or you could find your own.