MOVING ON: POWERFUL TIPS FOR SELLING YOUR HOME

Author: W. Troy Swezey

Maybe you're moving to a larger home to accommodate a growing
family, relocating for a new career opportunity, or purchasing a
townhouse for retirement. Whatever the reason for the move,
you'll need to take the necessary steps to sell your home for
the best possible price, within a reasonable amount of time.
Where do you begin?

If you're like most people, you'll start by seeking assistance
from a professional. A local real estate sales associate, who
knows your neighborhood, can help you determine a fair market
price. The sales associate should also recommend the extent to
which you should make repairs or improvements to your house.

In order to select a real estate professional who's right for
you, ask family, friends and neighbors for referrals. Attend
open houses and interview several sales associates to find out
how professional or experienced they may be. Get a written
outline of how they plan to market your property and the
services they will offer you.

Once you've identified a qualified professional, the rest is
chemistry. Is the sales associate someone with whom you would
like to work closely? Do you feel comfortable with the sales
associate as your partner, working with you to give you advice
and acting as your representative? Does he or she practice a
consultative selling approach, focusing on the long-term client
relationship and on the importance of exceeding client needs and
expectations or is he or she caught up in the proverbial 'hard
sell?'

The brokerage firm that your agent is associated with is also
important. Research the firm's success rate and commitment to
quality service. Does it survey existing clients in order to
ensure customer satisfaction? What are the results of those
surveys? How in tune are they with consumer needs? Do they offer
guidance with mortgages or any discounts for other home related
or moving services?

"To be competitive in today's real estate market, as agents, we
have to offer the buyer/seller products and services above and
beyond the sale. That's why the CENTURY 21 System has
established partnerships with various companies that allow us to
offer everything from mortgages to moving services. This
Preferred Alliance Services Program has enabled us to satisfy a
consumer need while maintaining a high-level of quality service.

Determining your home's fair market value is one of the most
important decisions you'll make during the home-selling/buying
process. Your sales associate can help you set a fair price
based on local market conditions. For instance, she or he will
provide sale prices and other statistics of homes similar to
yours that have recently been sold. Prospective buyers will be
comparing your home to others on the market. Therefore, setting
a comprehensive price can determine if your property will or
will not sell.

For the first offer made, it's rare that the prospective buyer
matches the asking price. If the offer is reasonably close to
the asking price, carefully consider the offer before you
consider turning it down. Curiously, it's the first offer that
can often be the best offer. If the first offer is unacceptable
to you, it may in your best interest to have your sales
associate respond with a counter offer. Whenever considering an
offer, ask yourself if you would purchase the property for the
amount being offered. Always be willing to negotiate, especially
if the prospective buyer is pre-qualified for a mortgage.

Once you decide what terms are acceptable, let your sales
associate negotiate with the prospective buyer to work out the
best agreement for you. You'll need to be patient while the
buyer arranges financing and as the real estate company compiles
and prepares pertinent data.

Careful planning and sound advice from a real estate
professional can make selling your home a very satisfying
experience.

About the author:
W. Troy Swezey is the author of “MOVING ON: POWERFULTIPS FOR
SELLING YOUR HOME." As a Realtor at Century 21 Paul &
Associates, he has helped many individuals with their real
estate needs. Visit his web site to download his free e-book,
“ REAL ESTATE SECRETS EXPOSED.” http://www.TroyIsMyRealtor.com or
mail to:TroyC21@usa.net