Wherever you are selling, certain concepts and behavior apply
to the process. These ideas are to help you net top dollar and
make selling work elegantly for you.
1. Price according to your motivation. The lower your price,
the quicker your sale. Know your market so you don't sell
yourself short nor overprice.
2. Make your property's appearance as appealing as possible.
The less problems, work, worry and hassle buyers (and their
lender and family and insurance agent and attorney and inspector
and agent) see, the easier it is for them to picture themselves
on the site as the new owners. The more attractive your property
is, the easier your negotiations and the higher your net will be.
3. Finance your property to your buyer if you possibly can.
You stand to make substantial income on interest, your security
is excellent, and you attract that many more buyers that can
afford your terms but not the banks'.
4. Offer extras. Throw in the mower, stove, fridge, or a home
warranty. Be very specific - in writing - about what items of
personal property you are going to throw in and what will remain
for your buyer.
5. Negotiate with your listing agent for a commission
structure that is favorable to you. This can keep - literally -
thousands of dollars in your pocket and all you have to do is
ask. If you don't have an agent and want one, call Best Real
Estate Services and we'll find you a great one!
6. Find an agent that you trust, can bond with, like, and who
treats you really well. Ask for references and honesty.
7. Make the property easily accessible for all buyers. Keep
tenants informed and in your good graces; to do otherwise may
prove disastrous.
8. Get backup offers. These work wonders for keeping your
first position buyers on track and you don't have to start all
over if the transaction with your first buyers falls apart.
9. Find out as much as you can as soon as you can about your
buyers' qualifications, creditworthiness, and general character
standing. Use local lenders - if you're not financing the
property yourself - they know your area and conditions.
10. Provide as much documentation on your property as possible
to prospective buyers. This saves you time and possibly money,
and moves the progress of your sale along quickly.
11. Disclose everything you know about your property's defects
to your buyers. This is short term pain for long term gain - much
better they know now what you know about the property's problems
than find out after the deal is done, they've parted with much
money, you're gone and they decide that you deceived them and
that it's lawsuit time.
12. Highlight the benefits of owning your property to your
agent, neighbors, all buyers, and friends.
13. Tell your neighbors that you're selling. They may want to
buy your property or know someone else that does. News travels
fast.
14. Know your local market and price accordingly. What you
know can't hurt you, and what you don't, might.
15. Monitor your property's progress in advertising,
promotion, and activity levels. Get feedback on showings. If
you're anxious to sell, act like it; call your agent every day.
16. Protect your privacy and insure your security. Specify
clearly how and when your property is shown; make sure all agents
leave business cards. Avoid surprising tenants.
17. Make it as easy as possible for buyers to paint themselves
into the picture of your property. Reduce clutter. Keep the air
fresh. Leave the premises if possible during showings as many
buyers are afraid to speak frankly and voice objections around a
property owner.
18. Be ready to move when it's time. Start packing now;
there's an energy and commitment to a sale that is evident and
self fulfilling to buyers and all witnesses when possessions jump
into boxes and are ready to depart the premises. However, don't
put the boxes into the van until you absolutely have to or the
check is in your hand. Things can happen (and do and have
happened to others) to delay your closing. Hedge your bets.
19. Avoid pushy or hostile buyers; they may make your life
unpleasant for far longer than your first meeting or negotiation
through excessive and unreasonable demands, overt aggression, and
even litigation.
20. Leave something on the plate for everybody. Be fair.
21. Remember that if the situation doesn't work for you, it's
not going to work for anyone else. You're in the driver's seat -
mostly.
22. Take good care of yourself and have fun! Celebrate!
23. Call or EMAIL: best@mcn.org Best Real Estate Services
for help. 707-YES-BEST
