Terri Doria - Realtor

For many home owners, deciding to sell a home they've lived in and enjoyed for many years can seem like a daunting task. But with the right realtor, it doesn't have to be. Below, I'll walk you through the process and give you some helpful hints.

Just about any homeowner is curious about what their home is worth. A good estimate should always take into account that every home is unique and deserves a personal overview for an accurate evaluation. It is also important to consider any improvements and inclusions in the evaluation. Location plays a vital role too.

An accurate method of establishing a value for a home is to compare the recent sales of similar homes in the same neighborhood. This will determine how buyers are spending their money. Before listing your home you will want to know not only how much your home will sell for, but also how much the net proceeds will be from that sale. I will provide you with a complimentary Market Analysis to help you determine the Fair Market Value of your home. With that information in hand, it is a simple step to determine what your net proceeds will be at the close of your sale.

If you are selling in order to purchase another home you will want to speak with a good lender. The lender will be able to tell you, based on credit scores, employment income and the proceeds from the sale of your home, what price home you will then be able to purchase. It is important to have that information in order to make a well informed decision before putting your home on the market. If you don't have a lender and need some referrals, here's a few local lenders who I believe can help. The list is not long but they are lenders that I have either worked with or interviewed and would be comfortable using myself!

I will begin by listing your home with the MLS (Multiple Listing Service). When your property is placed on the MLS, all real estate agents that subscribe to the service in the area, which are the vast majority, will have instant access to the property information. More than 4 out of 5 properties are listed on the MLS. As buyers discuss their needs with a real estate agent, the agent simply goes to his or her computer and searches the MLS for properties matching the buyer's criteria. If your property is on the MLS, the agent will easily locate it if it matches the buyer's criteria.

How will I advertise your home? Exposing your home to the broadest and most likely group of buyers is one of the most important issues in selling your home for the highest possible price.

My goal is to introduce as many serious buyers to a clients home as possible. Each home is different and many require unique methods of exposure. In addition to listing on the MLS, I find the local newspapers to be a valuable tool, as well as our local RE/MAX® website.

We find the majority of our buyers and sellers are trying to stay within their present neighborhood. Advertising my listings locally has allowed many of these people to find their next home.

Plant some flowers. Keep lawns and hedges neatly trimmed, weed flower beds
Clean out your garage or carport to show off its full size.
Clean the outside windows.
Oil gate hinges and latches, repair fence if necessary.
Remove dead limbs and branches from trees - especially from evergreens.
Check your outdoor lights; are house numbers faded?
Touch up outdoor paint if necessary.
In winter, make sure all mud, ice, or snow is removed from outside stairways, walks, etc.
Don't let anything obstruct the street's view of your "For Sale" sign - and keep it shining clean.

Wash down entry walls or give them a coat of paint.
Repair drawers and cupboard doors that stick, squeak or won't close properly.
Free up any hard-to-open windows.
Repair leaky faucets and any toilet that runs, replace loose tiles.
Wash the kitchen walls and shine up sinks, knobs, etc.
Make sure your closets are clear of everything except clothes that are neatly hung or folded.

Open drapes to let sunshine fill your home.
Try to avoid cooking a meal that might cause a lingering odor.
Put large pets outside. Keep all pets away from prospects.
Get the children settled quietly in one room.

Let your representative do the talking - and the walking. Unless asked, do not join the tour of your home.
Do not discuss price or terms. Give polite answers to direct questions, but let your representative negotiate the sale.
Do not apologize for the appearance of your home.

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