Selling This Year? Here Are 3 Steps to Success

We've all heard that the real estate market is changing and in some places is heading downward. But we also know that statistics can be misleading, and that reporters need to sell papers and airtime by keeping the pot boiling.

So what do you do if you are going to sell in 2006? Here are three important points, courtesy of Inman News, the real estate news source.

1. Be sure you really want to sell and are ready to be serious about it. Don't start the process if you just want to "see what my house is worth." What the home across the street sold for last spring doesn't matter any more. There are plenty of homes for sale, and you have to be realistic about your home's worth, today, in the current market.

2. Be sure your home is ready to show and in as close to move-in condition as possible. Listen to your Realtor® and look at it as if you were buying rather than selling. Do you need to paint inside and out? Are there minor repairs that will make it look much better? Is a good cleaning going to do the trick or do you need to replace carpets? Potential buyers will focus on the condition of the kitchen and bathrooms, so pay special attention there.

3. Do select a real estate agent with experience selling homes in your area. Ask your friends, neighbors, and family for recommendations. Remember that going it alone may sound like a way to save money, but most do-it-yourself sellers end up listing with an agent. A pro can handle all the advertising and showings as well as all the important legal paperwork that's required at settlement. Rather than worrying about a commission rate, tell your Realtor how much you need to net from the house. If she can get that for you, the commission doesn't really matter. You will have avoided a lot of headaches, and be headed for the bank with a big smile on your face.

Here in Charlottesville it's still a good time to sell, so visit my web site, give me a call, and let's talk about it.