The real estate commission earned by a real estate professionalon the sale of your property can be a considerable sum of money.And we know that you'll agree it's tempting to try to save thatcommission by selling your own property yourself.

So, if you decide to market your own property, we invite you toconsider the following steps that you must take in order to savethe real estate commission.

Make notes of all items that need repair or improvement.

So, if you decide to market your own property, we invite you to consider thefollowing steps that you must take in order to save the real estatecommission:

Your checklist might include:

• Fresh, clean paint throughout.• Clean windows and window coverings throughout.• Well-manicured lawn and yard.• Plumbing and all appliances in working order.• New or cleaned carpet.• All sealants (window, tub, shower, sink, etc.) in good condition.• Roof and gutters in good condition; no repair needed.

Make all necessary repairs and improvements beforeyou begin to advertise your property.

Carefully research information regarding theprices and terms of sales in today’s real estatemarket. Investigate recent sale prices forproperty similar to yours in your immediate area.Then establish a realistic price for your propertybased on that information.

Meet with local lenders and determine financingalternatives for your prospective buyers.

Determine which Internet sites, newspapers andhome magazines, etc., will best advertise yourproperty. Call them for rates and deadlines.

Establish an advertising budget. Prepare acontingency advertising budget in case yourhome does not sell as quickly as you anticipate.

Prepare a professional, attention-gettingadvertisement that will attract the right buyers toyour property. Place your ad in thenewspaper(s). Upload your information andphotos to the Internet.

Prepare a plan to reach those out-of-town buyerswho account for a major portion of today’s homepurchasers.

Purchase an eye-catching and weatherproof yardsign; install it in the front of your property.

Purchase special “open house” signs and positionthem in paths that lead from main roads orthoroughfares, through the neighborhoods and tothe property. Put these signs out eachtime you hold an open house (and be sure to takethem down after each open house).

Prepare a “feature/benefit” fact sheet outliningspecific features of your home and thecorresponding benefits to prospective purchasers.

Schedule and conduct open house weekdays aswell as open house weekends. Make your propertymore inviting by placing freshly cut flowers inseveral rooms. You might burn scented candles inthe living room, kitchen and baths. The aroma offreshly baked bread or cookies also adds to theambiance of your property.

Be available at all times so that you can walkthrough the property with prospective buyers toanswer their questions and offer information aboutlocal schools, parks, transportation, shopping,places of worship, etc.

Respond to telephone and e-mail requests forinformation in a timely manner. Learn how toseparate the “lookers” from qualified buyers. Ask fornames and phone numbers and be sure to follow upwith telephone calls.

Be prepared to negotiate with the buyer(s) asthough you are an impartial third party. Remaincalm and refrain from any emotional outburst thatmight spoil a sale.

Obtain all forms necessary for the legal sale of realproperty such as:

• Deposit Receipt and Offer To Purchase• Buyer’s Cost Sheet• Seller’s Disclosure Form In our increasingly

litigious society, it is imperative that all known defectsbe disclosed to the buyer(s).

Determine the type(s) of financing that you arewilling to consider, such as:

• FHA• VA• Seller Carryback First Loan• Conventional Loan with Seller• Carryback Second Loan• “Wrap Around” Loan

Negotiate with the buyer(s) all final terms of the saleincluding price, financing, inspections, date ofclosing, date of possession and other pertinentconsiderations.

Plan a final walk-through with the buyer(s) beforethe settlement process is complete in order toresolve any disputes. Have a witness present.

While you are marketing your current property,locate and negotiate to purchase your next home.Attempt to schedule both transactions so that theyclose simultaneously. In this way, you and the buyerare able to move at the same time.

Many people are very comfortable in the role of "For Sale By Owner." You may findthat you are one of those people. Whether you choose to take on the task of sellingyour property alone or prefer to work with a real estate sales professional, I will behappy to help you at any stage of your homeselling process. Don't hesitate tocontact me… even if you just have some questions.

Daney CarrasquilloReal Estate Sales Professionaldcarrasquillo@homesale.com717-479-3765 cell, 717-718-8593 direct, 717-757-7811 officewww.berkshirehathawayhs.com/

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty | 1680 Kenneth Rd. York, PA 17408

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