Seller's Guide

Make sure you leave yourself enough room to bargain in your negotiations. Since a prospective buyer is likely to begin negotiations below the asking price, be sure your asking price is above the minimum you are willing to accept (unless you are priced very aggressively). Ideally, you will sell your home 3%-9% below your list price.

First impressions count, so make sure the first impression the buyer gets is a positive one.

Brighten your home. Consider changing window treatments, if necessary, to let in as much light as possible. A good cleaning or a fresh coat of paint helps brighten rooms greatly. Try to stick with neutral and light colors. Make sure all of the light fixtures work in your home and replace any burnt-out bulbs.

Clean like you have never cleaned before. Buyers react to what they see, hear, feel, and smell, so straighten up, de-clutter, scrub, scour, and dust. Make sure your carpets are clean, and if needed, replace the old, stained carpets.

Be prepared to stage your home. This can be as simple as moving furniture around to create the impression of spaciousness, to cleaning up your closets or cupboards, as you want to give the impression your home has plenty of storage.

Make all needed minor repairs and consider any needed major repairs. Anything, even the insignificant, needs to be fixed. Try not to put too much money into remodeling, just for the selling of your home, as you may not make the money back. For example, consider repainting your kitchen cabinets instead of remodeling the kitchen. This is a cost-effective attempt at updating your home.

Curb appeal is important. Make your home looks as inviting and attractive from the street as possible. Trim the bushes and any overhanging branches. You do not want your windows blocked by shrubs either.