DO'S AND DON'TS THAT ARE A “MUST KNOW”

Be available 24/7! I cannot stress this fact enough. If you want to sell your home, you must be available at all times. Make sure the phone number you use has a recording that tells people about your house.

Stop following people through your home! People need room to breathe.

Describe your home, give them room to walk around your home and feel them out. Some people like you to show them around, others don't want you around, they just want to walk through without being watched.

Don't let them know how motivated you are. Remember, this is poker so have a good poker face. I don't care how motivated you are. If the buyer sees that you're desperate your offer will be that much lower.

Get the pets out of the way. Lock them in the garage or cage but make sure they are out of the way. Do not let your pet ruin your sale or control your destiny. Some people simply don't like them and they should not be around when showing a home!

Hold an “Open House” as often as possible. It really works. (An ad in the newspaper saying “Open House” helps, but it is not necessary.) Directional signs work as good or better than advertising as people are out looking.

Use a guest registry. ALWAYS try to get people to sign it with either their phone or at least name and email. ALWAYS put 3 or 4 names on the sheet before people come over as NO ONE likes to be the first to sign an open house guest sheet!

Check on similar properties near yours to make sure your price is in the market range of your competition. It is better to price your property at the lowest you will take and hold firm. Thinking “I can always come down” doesn't work when selling by owner. It eliminates lookers and discourages offers.

A faster sale can be created by painting, fixing up yard and house , replacing or shampooing carpets, etc. but should only be done if needed.

Remember, the buyer always determines value! Assuming your home is marketed, the buyer is what determines the value. What you need or what you want has nothing to do with what someone is willing to pay!

Activity will vary week to week. Don't get discouraged – that's normal.

To get your property sold it takes:

• Price that that is comparable to others recently sold.
• Financing that appeals to the potential buyers in your price range and area.
• Exposure to qualified potential buyers.

If you are not getting any activity it is because of the price of your home or the condition.