Here are some tips we believe will help make your home selling process a little easier.

• Once you have settled on a reasonable asking price with your Realtor, the next step is implementing a marketing plan. Open houses, newspaper ads, internet listings, signage, photography, and highlight sheets are all strategies employed by Tradition real estate agents. Your Realtor can recommend repairs or cosmetic work that will significantly enhance the salability of your home.
  
• Check your "curb appeal". Use this checklist to view your property through an outsider's eyes:
  • Are the lawn and shrubs well maintained?
  • Are there cracks in the foundation or walkways?
  • Does the driveway need resurfacing?
  • Are the gutters, chimney, and walls in good condition?
  • Do the window casings, shutters, siding or doors need painting?
  • Are the garbage and debris stored out of sight?
  • Are the lawn mowers and various yard equipment properly stored?
  • Is the garage door closed?
    
• "On the inside". Strong curb appeal will lure potential buyers inside, where you have to live up to their expectations. Fortunately, there are plenty of easy improvements you can make to your home's interior without spending a lot of money
  • Cleaning is #1 - your windows, floors, bathrooms and kitchen should sparkle.
  • Get rid of clutter
  • Bad smells kill deals
  • Check for dripping faucets and replace burned out light bulbs
  • Watch your pets. Cats and dogs are great companions, but not when you're showing your home.
  • Let in as much light as possible; pull back the curtains and drapes
  • The list of tips here is endless, ask your Realtor to help you with these and others!
    
• Negotiating, monitoring, renegotiating and closing. The process of selling your home can become a fairly complex arrangement. The documentation and disclosure necessary to complete this transaction is overwhelming for most sellers. Don't be afraid to ask your Realtor questions - have a "comfort" level so that you understand what is happening should unexpected difficulties arise. The moral of this story is: there must be great communication between sellers and their Realtor - an honest and open two-way street.
  
• Expectations. Be sure you clearly state your expectations with your Realtor. No doubt a good Realtor will let you know what they expect of you. Like great communication, expectations must be set on both sides of the relationship and adhered to. A professional Realtor will work very hard to earn their commission - demand their best efforts and hold up your end of the arrangement. This will ensure what everyone wants: a successful sale.