How to Sell Your Home in a Down Market

This article will help you locate the best For Sale By Owner website and save you thousands of dollars.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer
• Connection to Internet

1. It's easier to call a Real Estate agent and allow them to do all the work to get your home sold. Don't do it. The sad truth is that listing the property takes only a few minutes and most people are losing anywhere from 5,000 to 25,000 just to have an agent list their home in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). So, first of all--don't call a Real Estate agent when you are going to sell your home.
2. Give away or box up everything you can live without to get rid of clutter. If you have a garage, store the boxes in a corner neatly or ask a friend or relative to store them in their garage for a rental fee. If a buyers asks about the boxes, you let them know you have prepared ahead of time for a quick move by having as much packed as possible. Look around for defects in your home and fix them. Clean and scrub carpets, tire floors, paint or clean marks off walls, and everything. Keep it clean.
3. Compare homes in your area for pricing and go to MLS4owners.com where you can list on the MLS for only $595. They list with MLS and Realtor.com. Other for sale by owners usually don't. They even bring and install the sign box or have contracted with a close by agent to do this service. You need to take digital photos and make a great sales flyer. Offer 2% or less to the buyers agent. Offer a cash back bonus to buyers who deal direct with you and close within 2 months after listing (or pick a particular date that you can change for free). Then, get a real estate attorney lined up to do the negotiating for you and the paperwork. They are well worth the fee of around $950. compared to a real estate agent's commission. One is listed on the MLS4owners.com site. If the buyer has their own real estate agent, you still saved over half of the normal 5% to 6%. That could be anywhere from $10,000. to $30,000!

Tips & Warnings

• Once a buyer is interested, ask them for their best available times so you can coordinate an appointment with the buyers and your real estate attorney.
• Although it could take several months to sell your home, plan ahead your move to your next destination. Rent.com or other rental apartments or homes can be viewed online.
• If you are buying a new home, check with several movers for the best prices. Some movers charge less if you have your belongings packed up in quality boxes.
• Line up your real estate attorney before you list on the MLS. Be ready ahead of time.
• You don't have to have a key box if someone can be home to show the home.
• Do not leave valuables, checkbooks or cash lying around.
• Make sure pets are out of the way so they do not bother your potential buyers.