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So you're going to sell your home and, of course, you want to get the
best possible price. You'll want to start by making a list of needed projects and involving a real estate agent.
Getting started:
Your first step in preparing your home for sale is to create an overall list of things to do. This
consumer guide can help, but you would also do well to consult with an experienced real estate agent who regularly
handles properties in your neighborhood. If you are still trying to decide which real estate agent to list your home with,
creating a things-to-do list is a good get-to-know-you exercise that will tell you a great deal about a real estate agent's experience and how comfortable you are working with him or her.
(Preparing a list will also help should you decide to sell your home on your own, since you will still need to fix up prior to putting it on the market.)
Involving a real estate agent: Involving the real estate agent as you make your list is important for two
reasons. First, an agent experienced in working with homes in your neighborhood is the most qualified person to tell you
how your home will be perceived by potential buyers who shop in your market. For instance, an experienced real estate agent can tell
you whether the kitchen needs painting or needs a new floor or new countertops. Second, a real estate
agent is objective and will see your home through the eyes of an outsider, just as potential buyers will. Things that look perfectly fine to
you, because you've been looking at them for years and years, may stand out as needing attention in the eyes of an objective observer.
Listening to objective advice: While real estate agents can be great resources, they are nearly useless if you
make it clear that you don't want any bad news. We all become quite emotionally attached to our homes. In many ways,
our home is an extension of ourselves, and it is difficult to have someone tell us that the shade of paint we picked out
for the den is a liability in selling the house. We are bound to be a little hurt and will often respond by, in effect,
shooting the messenger -- our Realtor's reward for providing what he or she feels is good advice. Instead, we should
make a decision up front: do we want good advice or do we want to hear only what makes us feel good? Just hearing
what makes us feel good can be expensive when the final sale price for your home is determined. A house that doesn't
show well can also take a long time to sell. A Realtor does not want to lose a listing, so if we make it clear that we don't
want to hear anything critical about our home, he or she won't offer such information. |
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