Sell a House

• Fix your house (Patch all holes, Fix all broken appliances, Repair leaky faucets, Repair the roof etc )
• Find out your reasons for selling. Everybody has a reason to sell. If you aren't truly motivated or committed to selling ? If you are just upset with your home over one thing and you want to move to the other part of the city, then you should completely thought through the process. It can be a lot of hassle and brokerage fee and you might find the same problem in your new home as well.
• Most people who sell do so to buy another home or go to a different neighbourhood. Put together a list of neighborhoods where you may want to live and drive there. Go to open houses or see online on various websites( Realtor.com, Zillow.com) where you can find the availibility options and pricing information. Weigh your options. You might want to stay at your current place.
• Talk to at least two-three Real Estate Agents in your neighbourhood. Ask each agent that what they can fo to market the house and what other services they offer which can be helpful to you. Additionally, ask the agents to prepare a comparative market analysis for you and ask each for advice about your curent home pricing. Moreover, ask them at what prices homes are selling in your neighborhood or on your street. It will give you a fair estimate of the value of your home.
• Sell before Buying : You should sell your home before you buy another one(except few cases). If you buy first then you are paying mortages on 2 homes and you end up selling your home for a lot lesser rate because you want to sell it ASAP no matter what.

Tips: While your home is on the market

• Keep your home show ready: If you're serious about selling, then your home has to be a sales showroom first and a living area second. Not a neat freak? Follow this simple tip: Keep up on a daily basis."If you've done little things — made the bed, picked up the laundry before you left for work — then you can send the agent through," DeHaven says. You should Vacuum daily and wax the floors.
• Be able to clear out: Have a place to go, as well as somewhere for kids and pets. You don't want to be home when prospective buyers walk through. It can make buyers feel uncomfortable, restrain them from asking questions and even potentially be a turn-off.
• Stay in touch with your agent: Ask your agent where and how your home is being listed and for updates on buyer interest. Establish a system early on for when and how your agent will provide updates. Put reminders in your own calendar to check for updates.

After the close:

• Select an escrow agent.
• Order a preliminary title report.
• Request a satisfaction letter from your present lender.
• Coordinate the home appraisal and inspections.
• Arrange final utility readings and payments.
• Obtain a home warranty policy if you've agreed to provide this to the buyer.
• Create a formal plan for handling repairs. When repairs are made, and who pays, is flexible. However, it's important that you and the buyer spell out your agreement before closing so no questions arise later. Put money for any outstanding repairs in an escrow account.
• Have an attorney prepare the deed. (If you're working with an agent, he will typically work with the attorney on this.)
• Arrange for payment of transfer taxes. Your agent will make sure that the financial requirements of your county are included in your closing paperwork and discuss possible payment options.

• They have the knowledge and experience. You don't need to know everything about buying and selling homes if you hire a real estate professional who does.
• They are familiar with the process of selling a home and can explain things to you.
• They can filter all those phone calls that lead to nowhere and try to induce serious buyers to immediately write an offer.
• They know when, where and how to advertise your property.
• They can set up appointments for the buyers to see your home.
• They will help you complete all the necessary paperwork when it comes to sell.
• They will be there at closing to answer your questions and make sure everything runs smooth.