If you are selling your home as a FSBO (For Sale By Owner) or hiring a Realtor the home selling process is almost identical.  However, there are many things you need to consider if you want to sell your home for the highest possible price and to make it a smooth transaction for everybody.

You should first determine your reason for selling and contacting a real estate agent may be able to help you narrow it down.  It’s not a bad idea to interview a few Realtors to see who you feel most comfortable with.  The Realtor will also be able to help you price your house properly.  OVERPRICING YOUR HOUSE SIGNIFICANTLY DECREASES THE CHANCES OF SELLING YOUR HOME QUICKLY AND FOR THE HIGHEST PRICE POSSIBLE.    

After you pick your agent and listing price it is time to get your home ready for the market!  Prepare your home for sale by improving curb appeal, staging the interior, and store important items out of sight.  Professional pictures, online marketing, and flyers are a must.  You’ve got only one chance — and sometimes only 3 seconds — to make a good first impression.   

The next step is to be as flexible as possible for allowing potential buyers view your home.  You’ll get a significant amount of more showings if you let agents use a lockbox.  Also, your home will show better if you are selling in spring than selling in winter.  In addition, selling during the holidays will likely result in a lower sales price, regardless of what agents say.

Now let the offers come on in!!!  Once you begin to receive offers it is in the best interest for the seller to make counter offers.  Even if you receive a lowball offer, negotiate by issuing a counter offer.  This will increase activity rather than just letting an offer fall away that may have produced a buyer.  Don’t be afraid to make a full-price counter offer.  If you are priced right, prepare yourself for multiple offers.

Once an offer is accepted your Realtor will walk you through the escrow process and ensure your move is a smooth transaction.  The seller will have to disclose reports to the buyer (HOA Papers, Natural Hazard Reports, etc.) and also be flexible in letting the inspection, appraisal, and final walk to be conducted in order for things to move on time.  Once the home is sold you will be given your portion of the funds and be on your way to bigger and better!!!