1)  Price it Right! Don't start out to high to "test the waters".  Your plan to adjust the price later may backfire.  Keep the window of opportunity open from the first time the "for sale" sign goes up. The first 30 days on the market is when you get the most attention from potential buyers and agents. You don't want your listing to "go stale" because it was incorrectly priced on the front end.

2) Looks count! Don't underestimate the importance of curb appeal. Your potential Buyers have many properties to choose from in their price range right now.  The sale of your home could come down to looks. Other listings that are staged well, landscaped, are well-maintained, and show better could outshine your listing and result in the loss of a sale.

3)  Clear your home of clutter.  Remove many of your personal pictures and personal items so the buyers can picture their family in your home, not yours.

4)  Clean up your yard.  Trim hedges, keep the grass cut and the lawn manicured so that your home looks like it is well-maintained.

5)  Make repairs.  Repair any items that might show up in the inspection anyway.

6)  Fresh paint and clean carpets can go a long way and these things will be a good investment in the selling of your home.

7)  Remove all signs of the family pets.  Not all buyers are pet lovers and many buyers are leery of pet smells, stains, and damages.

8)  Have your home ready to show at all times. Keep it clean and fresh so that if a buyers wants to see it on short notice, you are ready.

9)  Turn on lights and fans.  Light some soothing candles, bake cookies, and play soft music if possible.  Create an inviting atmosphere for your buyers. 

10)  Be prepared to leave your home for 30-45 minutes while your home is being shown. Showings typically do not go well when the owners are present.

11)  Gather all appliance manuals, pest/termite inspection receipts and bonds, receipts for repairs and maintenance, utility costs, neighborhood covenants, and property tax information.  This will come in handy for your buyers and will probably be requested anyway.

12) Don't be ambiguous.  Either you are selling or you aren't. If you manage to fetch a decent offer in this tight market, commit to sell.  If you have a qualified Buyer at hand, try to make the deal work out.  You don't know how long it may take for the next Buyer to come along, and the next offer may be lower.

13) Be ready for some negotiation.  No matter how sharp you have priced your property, Buyers will want to feel as if they have gotten their best deal.

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