Before you consider selling your house yourself, ask yourself if you are going to have the time needed to sell your house -- even if you just cover the basics. There are discount Real Estate agencies that will provide some of the activities outlined below. If you feel more comfortable with someone taking responsibilty to help you every step of the way, a full service agent (like me) is what you seek.

The Basics

• Complete extensive research of local market conditions, including:
  • the listing and selling price of all houses in your area for the last six months,
  • the listing price of houses currently on the market, and
  • the listing prices of houses that were on the market but did not sell.
    Tips: Begin your research on the Internet. Follow-up by visiting the county tax records office to determine the selling prices of houses.

• Put together a marketing plan.
  • How will you market your house to Realtors? Most buyers use a Realtor, so marketing to Realtors is essential. At a minimum, you'll want to send a letter and sales flyer to all Realtors within a 5 mile radius.
  • How much money can you afford to devote to advertising? Call the local newspapers to determine how much it will cost for advertisements. You'll want to consider running daily and Sunday ads in the newspapers.
  • Who will create your sales flyers? Buyers expect fact sheets to take with them when they drive-by or tour a house for sale.
  • Where will you place signage? In addition to your front yard, are there areas leading into your neighborhood where signage would be appropriate? Are there any placement restrictions?
  • How will potential buyers find information about your house on the Internet? You'll want potential buyers who begin their house shopping on the Internet to find your house. Be sure to build an Internet presence.
  • Who will take inquiry calls and schedule appointments? You'll want someone to be available to answer inquiry calls and schedule appointments. Be sure to schedule showings as quickly as possible - even the same day.
  • If your house is vacant, how will you provide access?
    Tips: Ask newspapers for a discounted advertising rate for multiple placements. There are several FSBO opportunities on the Internet. Above all, consider personal safety when bringing strangers into your home.

• Confirm that the potential buyer is pre-qualified for a mortgage loan.
  • If the buyers are buying with cash, confirm that they have the necessary resources.
  • Know the difference between  a buyer who is "pre-qualified" and one who is "pre-approved."
  • If the purchase is contingent on buyers selling their own house, confirm that the buyer's house is on the market. (You may also want to determine how long the buyer's house has been on the market.)                                      Tips: Be certain a buyer is at least pre-qualified before scheduling a showing. 

• Negotiations, Contracts and Closings
  • Are you prepared to negotiate the contract?
  • Do you know what the legal responsibilities of the seller are in your area?
  • Who will write the contract? Will you need to hire an attorney? If so, what will be the attorney's fees?
    Tips: In addition to the sales contract, you'll need to complete a Seller's Disclosure and a Lead Based Paint Disclosure.