Sellers that take a hands-on approach are in a better position to accomplish their goals. You may want to consider adopting the following suggestions:

1. Set the right price for your home
2. Use contemporary marketing to showcase your home's best assets
3. Small improvements can make a big difference.

Here's a simple list of things to do to get you started in Selling Your Home:

1) Define Your Goal:  Decide what you need to sell for, what is your bottom line, and how quickly you need to sell. Also it is important to think about what types of things you may be asked to pay for for the Buyer, such as Closing Costs and repairs.

2) Times Have Changed: The Real Estate Industry is very different from what it was 10 years ago.  Now Buyers are using the internet, receive Seller Disclosure forms, do home inspections, and are more than likely being represented by a Buyer's Brokerage and Agent. The result means Buyers are more aware, and are better prepared than they ever have been.

3)  Sparkle and Shine, also known as Organize and Clean: Get ride of things you don't want to take with you, organize closets and storage areas, clean everywhere. Buyers, like most people, have a difficult time looking past the messes, and as a result will knock the value of the home because they feel it is dirty or unorganized.

4) Mechanics Count: Buyers expect everything to work. Home Inspections are almost always done, and what the Buyer doesn't catch, the Home Inspector will.  Fix and paint things now, before they become an issue. If you aren't sure what needs to be fixed, have a Home Inspection done before you ever put your home on the market.

5) Set The Stage: You've probably seen or heard about how important staging your home is; if not turn your TV on to HGTV and almost every show they have will tell you that.  Buyers want an environment that they can see themselves in. De-clutter and hide knick-knacks that will distract them.

6) Know the Market: Real Estate is local. Your Real Estate Agent and Broker can explain the current market to you, and show you what is going on in the community, what homes are selling, and what homes are not selling. The information provided is important to setting a competitive price and terms.

7) Know the Competition: Your home will be competing for Buyer attention. Ask your broker how to be competitive and how to get that edge.

8) Be Realistic: Again, Real Estate is local. Markets differ by location and time. When interest rates are low and the local job base is growing, its a great time to be a seller. But when times are relaxed and mortgage rates are rising, homes also sell. The trick is to be realistic, to get as much as market conditions will allow.  

9) Have a Plan: Marketing involves more than a sign in the yard and an ad in the paper. Successful Agents and Brokers use a variety of marketing methods to attract and qualify prospective Buyers. (including the latest internet and communicating techniques.)

For more tips on Selling, please go to Seller's Tips & Advice