Top Ten Tips to Win On the Sell Side

1. Use a professional real estate agent to help you!
   
   
2. Price it right.

   Set a price at the lower end of your property's realistic price range. A home will never sell for more than the market will bear, so overpricing will only result in no offers.

3. Organize and clean.

   Pare down clutter and pack up your least-used items, such as large blenders and other kitchen tools, out-of-season clothes, toys, and exercise equipment. Store items off-site or in boxes neatly arranged in the garage or basement. Clean the windows, carpets, walls, lighting fixtures, and baseboards to make the house shine.

4. Spruce up the curb appeal.

   Pretend you're a buyer and stand outside of your home. As you approach the front door, what is your impression of the property? Do the lawn and bushes look neatly manicured? Is the address clearly visible? Are pretty flowers or plants framing the entrance? Is the walkway free from cracks and impediments?

5. Stage your home.

   Get your house market ready before you begin showing it. Homes that are professionally staged typically sell for more than homes that are not.

6. Have a pre-sale home inspection.

   Be proactive by arranging for a pre-sale home inspection. An inspector will be able to give you a good indication of the trouble areas that will stand out to potential buyers, and you'll be able to make repairs before showings begin.

7. Be flexible about showings.

   The more amenable you can be about letting people see your home, the sooner you'll find a buyer. In today's market, if it's hard to show it's off the list!

8. Don't refuse to drop the price.

   If your home has been on the market for more than 30 days without an offer, you should be prepared to at least consider lowering your asking price.

9. Find your warranties and permits.

   Gather up the warranties, guarantees, and user manuals for the furnace, washer and dryer, dishwasher, and any other items that will remain with the house. Also find any permits you got for work done – you will need them to close!

10. Remember that if you are also buying right now you are "winning" on the buy side by buying at the bottom of the market…any "loss" you may experience on the sell side you will make up when you buy. It's the GAP that counts!