1. Choose the right time to sell. In the northeast the best time to sell is the Spring because the lawn will be green and the flowers will be blooming. But if you need to sell in the fall or winter you could take pictures in advance of the trees with no leaves and snow.
2. Hiring an experienced real estate agent is the first step to take once you make the decision to put your home on the market. They understand buyers wants and needs and can advise you on how to market the home.
3. Consider minor renovations that add value at minimal cost. Ask the advice of your trusted professional real estate agent. They would be the best person to ask for advice because they tour homes with buyers many times a week and they know buyer’s likes and dislikes.
4. Let your Realtor help you understand your local market by showing you homes that have sold, are in contract and active.
5. Set the right price. If you set the price of the home too low buyers will wonder why. They will start thinking there are hidden defects. If you set the list price too high then most likely the home will sit on the market for a long time and you listing will become stale.
6. Negotiate the best offer – Consider the highest offer but sometimes it makes sense to go with a lower offer that has better terms. A realtor can help you navigate the different aspects of the offer such as offer price, down payment, seller and buyer contingencies.