Before you consider selling your house yourself, ask yourself if you are going to have the time needed to sell your house-even if you just cover the basics. 

The Basics

• Complete an extensive research of local market conditions before setting your price, including:

  • the listing and selling price of similar houses in your area
  • the listing price of houses currently on the market, visit open houses to see how your house compares
  • the listing prices of houses that were on the market but did not sell.
    Tips: Begin your research on the Internet. Follow-up by visiting the assessor's office to determine the selling prices of houses.

• Put together a marketing plan.
  • How will you market your house to real estate agents? Most buyers use a real estate agent, so marketing to real estate agents is essential. At a minimum, you'll want to send a letter and sales flyer to all the local real estate companies. 
  • Be aware that most agents will expect compensation for bringing you a buyer. 
  • How much money can you afford to devote to advertising? Call the local newspapers to determine how much it will cost for advertisements. You'll want to run daily and Sunday ads in the newspapers.
  • Who will create your sales flyers? Buyers expect fact sheets to take with them when they drive-by or tour a house for sale.
  • Where will you place signage? In addition to your front yard, is there areas leading in to your neighborhood where signage would be appropriate? We have found that a majority of our calls come from signs. 
  • How will potential buyers find information about your house on the Internet? You'll want potential buyers who begin their house shopping on the Internet to find your house. Be sure to build a website to help sell your house.
  • Who will take inquiry calls and schedule appointments? You'll want someone to be available to answer inquiry calls and schedule appointments. Be sure to schedule showings as quickly as possible - even the same day. Are you comfortable showing strangers your home?  Have you staged your house?
    Tips: Ask newspapers for a discounted advertising rate for multiple placements. Be sure to check with local officials to determine if there are any restrictions on where you place signs. 
• Confirm that the potential buyer has pre-qualified for a mortgage loan.
  • If the buyer is buying with cash, confirm that they have the necessary resources.
  • If the purchase is contingent on the buyer selling their own house, confirm that the buyer's house is on the market. (You may also want to determine how long the buyer's house has been on the market and if it is priced to sell.)
  • Have you considered the benefits of providing FHA financing as an option?  It can help the multitude of buyers who don't have enough cash for a down payment.  This gives you a larger pool of potential buyers.

• Negotiations, Contracts and Closings
• Are you prepared to negotiate the contract?
• Are you prepared to counter a "lowball" offer?
• What if the buyer wants a home inspection?
• Do you know what the legal responsibilities of the seller are in your area?
• Who will write the contract? Will you need to hire an attorney? If so, what will be the attorney's fees?
  Tips: In addition to the sales contract, you'll need to complete a Seller's Disclosure and a Lead Based Paint Disclosure which should be accompanied by the EPA booklet, Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home ,the directions can be found at the EPA Website.

I respect your decision to sell your house on your own. I would be happy to answer any questions you have about the process. 

You should know that most sellers eventually list with a real estate agent. And that most homes sold by agents sell for a higher price and in a shorter time frame than those sold by their owners. If you eventually decide you would like to hire a professional to sell your home, please consider interviewing me for the job.  I offer personal and professional service  and a HOME promise for client care. 

I can also help you start finding your next home while your house is on the market.