| Selling your home, whether it is the first time or the | | | | want to get, and if you are negotiable. |
| 10th time, can be an arduous endeavor. However, if | | | | 6. Understand what the broker/agent contract you |
| you have been through it nine times already, you | | | | are signing means, and how long it is valid for. Will |
| may have a handle on some components. Still, there | | | | you be locked in for a long time, even if your home |
| are a number of steps to go through before you can | | | | does not sell? If you have your own lawyer, have |
| move on to the next phase of your life. If you pay | | | | him/her go over the contract to make sure you are |
| attention to the experts, your home may sell much | | | | protected against an obscure clause. |
| faster than you had predicted, and you will be | | | | 7. Ask if your agent will lower the commission. If not, |
| pleased with the price you received. | | | | shop around to see which real estate agent has the |
| Here are some areas of a home sales transaction | | | | lowest fees. |
| where you may want to get yourself expert-ized: | | | | 8. Find out if your agent will put your home on the |
| 1. Choose whether you want to sell your house using | | | | MLS listings to create more interest. |
| an agent or do it on your own (much more work) | | | | 9. Your agent is legally required to tell you about all |
| 2. Get your home appraised before you put it on the | | | | offers that are put forth. Be clear of this point when |
| market. This will give you an idea about how much | | | | you are initially consulting an agent. |
| you can reasonably sell it for. | | | | 10. De-clutter your home. This has been preached |
| 3. Try to avoid having two mortgages (unless you | | | | time and time again, but if your home is cluttered, it |
| can afford it) by putting your house on the market | | | | gives the appearance (justified or not) that the home |
| long before you buy the next one. | | | | is not well cared for and will need a lot of work upon |
| 4. If you find yourself in the situation of possibly | | | | purchasing. If you are really motivated to sell your |
| having two mortgages (one that you don't want any | | | | home, you may want to hire a home stager. |
| more) talk to your lender about bridge financing to | | | | 11. Bump up your home's curb appeal. Get rid of toys |
| get you through the sale transition. You may also | | | | or tools around the yard. Trim bushes and add some |
| want to see if you qualify for a home equity loan. | | | | colorful plants to the scene, even if it is in pots that |
| 5. Assuming you have chosen to go with a real | | | | can be later removed when you move. |
| estate agent, let them know exactly what price you | | | | |