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A Basic Seller’s To Do List
If you have decided to sell your home you are going to have to make several detailed “to do” lists. One will be for the immediate future, one will be while the home is on the market and one will be for the pre and post closing periods. For this list we will focus on the immediate future.
Your list of things to do right away includes finding the professional help you are going to need and getting everything around the house in order for the lead up to the listing.
1. Hire an agent – a majority of sellers are going to use the services of a real estate professional. Some people even turn to the agent who sold them the home in the first place, but whomever you choose be sure that they will really offer you the support and effort you need to get the best price possible in today’s difficult markets. Also, be sure they have a good edge in the area and are going to actively pursue all possible sales techniques.
2. Get all of your documents together – before listing a home you are going to have to provide your agent with all kinds of information. This means you will need your tax bills, utility bills, water or sewer bills, any legal information about the property such as restrictions or covenants, a list of all major repairs made on the home, any surveys or assessments, and a list of things to be included in the sale such as appliances.
3. Arrange for an inspection and an appraisal – before listing the home and getting any offers you should really know what it is worth on the open market. This can allow you to negotiate with confidence. Additionally, a good home inspection will identify any potential problems with the home that should be corrected if possible. This too will only add to your confidence in setting the price and sticking with it.
4. Consider adding value – before listing the home you are going to have to photograph it and consider if you should make any improvements. This does not mean major investments, however, and many homeowners take some time in the weeks before listing to declutter and eliminate unwanted or unnecessary items, and empty the garage of junk and clutter and clean up the yard. This is a great time for a yard sale as well.