Before selling your house yourself - consider 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, including:
  • the listing and selling price of all houses in your area for the last six months,
  • the listing price of houses currently on the market, and
  • the listing prices of houses that were on the market but did not sell.

• Put together a marketing plan.
• How will you market your house to real estate agents?  All buyers use a real estate agent, so marketing to real estate agents is essential.
• How much $$$ 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.
• Create a sales flyer. Buyers expect fact sheets to take with them when they drive-by or tour a house for sale.
• Where will you place signage?How will potential buyers find information about your house on the Internet? You'll want buyers and agents to find your property.
• 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.
  Tips: Ask newspapers for a discounted advertising rate for multiple placements. 
       "Ask questions - Pre-qualify buyers before showing your house.

• 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.

• Negotiations, Contracts and Closings
  • Are you prepared to negotiate the contract?
  • 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, a lead based paint disclosure, and termite inspection, etc.
• And Remember:  80% of all For Sale by Owners eventually go with an agent.

Would you trust this agent to sell your home?:

• has never written a sales contract?
• never attended a real estate contracts class?
• has no license?
• Does not belong to MLS?
• Does not belong to Realtor Association?
• Has never negotiated any offers?
• Has never handled a sale,   thru to  closing?
• Does not have a network of professionals to facilitate inspections, insurance , mortgages, and closing?