1.) Curb Appeal! Curb Appeal! Curb Appeal!
     -If there is one thing that will keep prospective buyers from even entering your home for a showing, it's curb appeal. How your home looks from the road gives an impression of how the home is on the inside. Prior to listing your home, it is best to clean up the yard a bit, get a fresh cut, pressure wash siding if you have it, pull some weeds. Typical yard maintenance is the first step to increasing curb appeal.

2.) Clean! Clean! Clean!
     -Ok a potential buyer likes the attractive curb appeal enough to request a showing. The last thing you want the buyer to see when they walk in is dirt, clutter and dust. The buyer most likely is moving into a place larger than the place they are in now. The last thing you want the buyer to think is "Ok now I have a much bigger house to clean" If you can box up other items that sit around the house that is helpful as well as it will make a living room or kitchen and bathroom appear roomier.

3.) Paint or no paint?
     -A nice paint job lets the buyer see they don't have as much initial upkeep on a new home. Many buyers however will choose to paint it their own style regardless. This can be a tricky situation as is could be an unnecessary expense on your part if you choose to paint. If the place is in bad need of paint job, do choose a neutral color that should be pleasing to most people. If it's already a neutral color and you have paint left over what can it hurt to toss a fresh coat on it.

4.) Don't be so quick to dismiss a lowball offer completely
     -You want the most from your investment to sell your home and a buyer wants the least out of their investment to get into yours. You can't be put off by a lowball offer. At this point a buyer has shown interest, you know they like your home. It's time to counter offer to hopefully at some point have a 'meeting of the minds' on the right price. It's all about negotiation that makes all involved happy about the transaction.

5.) Be Patient and keep a level head.
     -As with the buyers, it's important that sellers also keep a level head throughout the process. Buyers are just as nervous as sellers and sometimes emotions can come into play. Everyone wants the best deal for themselves so it's a matter of trying to work through the process of coming to an agreement. After an inspection done for the buyer you may get faced with a long list of repairs. Keep in mind you are under no obligation to complete each and every minute repair yet it is in the best interest of all to attempt to work out repairs by fixing certain things or giving allowances at closing.

6.) I've sold my house now what?
     -The excitement of selling a home is astounding. One can easily overlook the little necessities after the deal is done. Be sure to transfer all utilities to your new address, phone, power, cable internet. Call these companies a couple weeks prior to closing so you'll know exactly what you need to do to prepare the move and when. If you have already moved prior to closing be sure to cancel exisiting utilities in your old home. Forward all of your mail to your new address and change newspaper subscriptions to your new home as well. All of these are examples the little parts of home selling that can go a long way to making it a smooth transition from one home to another.