Jul 28 | Posted by Barry

1. Look at your house from the eyes of the prospective buyer. What is the curb appeal? How does the house look when you approach it? I’m not referring just to the gardens, but the lawn, mailbox and trees (which most likely need some trimming and removal of dead limbs around this time of summer). Then close in by imagining yourself walking up to your house for the first time? Does the front door elicit a desirable feeling? Does the doorbell work? A house sale can be lost before prospective buyers even enter your home.

2. Do your homework with your agent. Take great photos, preferably with a professional camera setup and special attention to lighting. Get the "welcome" prospectus correct. Make sure that inclusions and exclusions are clearly identified. Know what your operating costs are for utilities and taxes.

3. Reduce clutter – less truly is more. Your dwelling should appear spacious, but not empty. This was covered under my previous article on staging. It cannot be emphasized enough how important it is to make the house both child and pet neutral. And don't forget the garage and other areas.

4. Be realistic in your expectations for price. Rely upon your agent to set the appropriate price based upon his/her knowledge of the area, the market and your home. Make sure you give your agent all the information necessary to arrive at this pricing decision. Know your ‘line in the sand’ and your deal breakers.

5. Title and Survey. Nothing can foul a deal quicker than not having these fundamental elements in order. Confirm that both are correct and accurate before you get an offer. If you retained a copy of the survey from when you purchased your home, this may suffice. Don’t be surprised if the mortgage company asks for another survey.

6. Let your lawyer know you are selling (and probably buying again). It is good to know that they are available and it will save the stress of finding out you have a document for them to review when they are on holiday.

7. If you have a mortgage, review its portability. Can the mortgage be transferred to the new buyer? What is the penalty to dismiss the mortgage? This information should be identified in advance.

8. Home inspections. If you want a quicker sale, pay for and order the inspection yourself and have it available at the time of sale. Again, refer to my previous article which discusses this at length. A prospective buyer might also perform a second home inspection at their own expense. Most likely though, they will review your document, barring a ‘conditional’ offer situation.

9. Be flexible. Potential buyers are often not available during the day, but will be after work, just when you are about to settle down for dinner. You need to be receptive to this, anticipating that there will be upheaval to your regular schedule.

10. Have fun and recognize that a new chapter in your life is about to begin.