1. Hire a Realtor® That Understands Marketing.
Many real estate agents get into real estate sales via another career or a career change. Ask potential agents about their background prior to being in real estate. If they were previously in a marketing position or they were a business owner, chances are they understand marketing and can manage the sale of you home effectively and efficiently.

2. Price it Right.
Acquiring the services of a real estate professional that understands how to research the market can help you determine an appropriate listing price. Your listing price should be backed up by recent comparable sale prices for similar homes in similar condition. You can always negotiate from a position of strength, knowing that another buyer will be willing to pay such a fair price. You may even end up with multiple offers, thus creating a bidding war. Over-priced homes may scare away both agents and buyers.

3. Get a Full MLS (Multiple Listing Service) Listing.
Marketing to an army of Realtors® can’t be beat. A full listing includes measurements of the rooms, a full written description of all the home’s positive aspects and lots of photos. Clear, well-lit color photography is critical to your MLS listing. Submitting your listing to the MLS should be the number one task in your real estate agent’s marketing plan.

4. Get Your Home in “Curb Appeal” Shape.
40% of the actual buying decision is based on “curb appeal”. Buyer’s first look at a home’s exterior from the street, as well as the location and neighborhood. Pay special attention to the landscaping and front exterior. Trim back trees and shrubs that block windows, plant colorful flowers in the front, cut the grass and remove leaves. Paint the exterior and trim. Pay particular attention to the front door, front windows and garage door; clean and/or paint if needed. First impressions can make all the difference in getting top dollar for your home!

5. Get the Clutter Out.
Another 20% of the buying decision is determined upon entering the home. Spending a little money on new carpet might add several thousand to the price of your home. Get an objective point of view from your real estate professional. Most buyers are looking for an uncluttered home with a free-flowing floor plan and a bright, clean interior that offers privacy and security for the family. This is the hardest thing for most people to do because of their emotional
attachment to everything in the house. Clutter affects the way buyers see the home, even if you do not realize it. In the kitchen, get everything off the counters. In closets, create enough space so potential buyers can visualize how their “stuff” will fit. In living spaces, give the illusion of space; you may need to remove some pieces. In the basement, stack boxes neatly. If it looks like a junk store, buyer’s can quickly be turned off.

6. Use a Lock Box for Viewing.
Buyers want to view a home on their own time schedule. Unfortunately their time schedule does not always coincide with your schedule. Ask your Realtor® to use a lockbox so your home can be shown when you are not around. This also allows other Realtors® that represent buyer’s to have access to your property without you having to be present.

7. Restrain Emotional Decisions.
Don’t allow a few hundred dollars to ruin a sale. A few hundred dollars will mean very little to you in the long run. Take a look at the big picture and react rationally. Use sound business judgment!

8. Give Full Disclosure.
Disclosure laws require sellers to list any known flaws to the property. If you are unaware of flaws or attempt to cover them up, you risk losing the sale and finding yourself in court. A knowledgeable agent can direct you to qualified inspectors that can give expert advice before listing your home to sell.

9. For Sale By Owner? Maybe not.
Most homeowners who decide to sell their own home do so because they believe they can save the commission paid to a real estate brokerage. The enormous amount of time and effort required to sell a home often surprises the “For Sale By Owner.” Additionally, many costly mistakes can be avoided with the right real estate professional.

Naert Realty offers listing and marketing services to sellers, as well as guidance
in helping you find your next home. Call Naert Realty at 314-773-5700 or e-mail at info@naertrealty.com. Learn more about selling your home at our seller’s page.

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