Julie Dolan Explains Where to Start When You've Decided to Sell Your Home

Nov. 5, 2013 - PRLog -- If you've decided to sell your home, there are a few things that you need to put into motion before you actually put it on the market. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

Hire a Real Estate Agent

Don't just pick a name out of the phone book for this crucial decision, because your real estate agent is your best asset when you put your home on the market.  Ask around to get a few ideas about who your friends and family have hired (and liked!) in the past. Since 95 % of Buyers are coming from the Internet, be sure those agents are well versed in social media and committed to other aspects of marketing such as staging, professional photography, floor plans, virtual tours, etc. Once you've narrowed your search, ask each of the agents you are considering for a listing presentation so that you can learn about their various approaches to marketing your home. Find out how knowledgeable they are about your neighborhood and ask for their opinions about what your asking price should be. And above all, make sure you choose someone you feel you will be comfortable working with.

Determine Your Master Plan

Are you planning on buying a new home once your current home sells? If so, then you should start thinking about what you're looking for in a new house. Where do you want to live? What is the market like in that area? Research the neighborhoods that appeal to you. Now is also a good time to start shopping around for a lender so that you can secure a mortgage loan on a new property. Talking to several lenders should give you an idea of your options, and once you've found a loan that fits your needs, it's a good idea to start the pre-approval process so that you can start your new home search with a reasonable idea that you will be able to secure financing.

Get Your Home Ready for a Sale

Have you been meaning to get around to completing small projects or repairs? Now is the time to get them done! Take a look around your home with a critical eye. Peeling paint? Dirty carpet? Broken fixtures? If you want your home to sell, you'll need to have it in the best possible shape so that it appeals to prospective buyers. Fix up the yard and exterior, de-clutter every room and closet, and clean, clean, clean. Wash windows inside and out. Wipe down the baseboards. Mop the floors. Make sure that you bathrooms and kitchen are sparkling. You might also want to check into the "health" of your furnace, water heater, and roof and chimney. If you locate any problems, fix them or get estimates from a professional about repair or replacement. The more work you do up front, the less you'll have to worry about when an offer is in hand and the home inspection is looming.  The realtor you choose should be willing to be an active participate in and resource for facilitating this seemingly overwhelming process.

Now you're ready to list your home. With your agent as your guide, get your house on the market. The Bottom Line: getting the most exposure in the best light possible is paramount!

Contact: Alyssa LaManna

Tel: 617-797-9869

Email: Alyssa@exposeourselfpr.com