The Truth About For Sale By Owner

Welcome to The Truth About For Sale By Owner

SELLING YOUR HOME TIPS PART 2, 13-24

13. Consider painting! - Probably the best dollar-for-dollar investment for selling your home fast is fresh paint. Neutral colors are best. Next to fresh paint, new carpeting if replaced for either condition or color can make a huge difference when selling by for sale by owner.

14. Unfortunately you can not trust everybody! - Anything that has a monetary or personal value and easily concealed should be packed away. You will not know everybody that comes into your house, and it is best to be safe rather than sorry.

15. Do not put money into your home that you will not get back! - Keep in mind that if you do extensive remodeling you run the risk of over-improving your home, you might not be able to recoup your investment when you sell. If your improvements will push your homes value to more than 20% over the average neighboring home values then do not expect to recoup the entire cost. However, some major projects, like replacing a roof or deck, should be done if they are needed.

16. It is a good idea to have someone with you! - Never show your house by yourself. You do not want all your friends over scaring and making perspective buyers uncomfortable when showing your house, but do not show it alone.

17. Not everybody is an animal lover! - Keep your pets out of the way. Not everybody likes pets, some people are even allergic to them.

18. Give perspective buyers some breathing room! - Buying a home is an emotional decision, people like to get a feel for a house and see if it is comfortable for them. It is not easy to do this if you are following them around the house. It may even make them feel uncomfortable and that is the last thing you want to happen, so give them some space.

19. Do not waste your time with Unqualified Buyers! - Only work with qualified buyers, those who are ready, willing, and able to buy your house. Working with a mortgage professional can help determine how much a buyer can really spend for a house, how much he/she has available for a down payment, how good his/her credit is, how much he/she can pay each month, how much he/she will realize (realistically!) when they sell their present home - and about a dozen other similar questions. If you only show your home to qualified buyers the number will be fewer (but the quality much higher) than if you open your front door to everyone who walks down the street with a dream of owning a home some day.

20. Consider different options - Cash is not always the most advantageous transaction. Income level, tax benefits and current legislation are all critical factors when considering purchase terms. Check with your tax advisor to see if a straight sale is the best option for you. You should also decide whether you are willing and able, to carry financing or offer a lease with option to buy arrangement. This would increase the amount of potential buyers you have to choose from.

21. Work with a real estate lawyer! - The contract for the sale and purchase of a home is a legally binding document. Real estate law is extensive and complex and if you do not have a legal background or real estate experience you should leave this to the experts. Get a Real Estate Lawyer.

22. Make your self available! - Most potential buyers call during business hours. Arrange to be available to take calls during the day, it could make the difference between selling your home and not.

23. Take Action! - There are lots of ways to sell your home besides a for sale sign and an ad in the paper. Consider placing round the clock online advertising at FSBO listing sites. Have a 24 hour free recorded information hotline, flyers and use free online local advertising. Look for ads written by realtors in the classified section for examples of how to write them, be prepared to participate in marketing your home.

24. Stay positive! - Approach negotiations with a win-win situation in mind. Buyers are not your adversary you both want the same thing a sale, reply immediately to an offer.