If you are considering selling your home you should ask yourself :
What other options do I have?
Should I better rent it?
I owe more than what my property is worth? Should I wait until the market improves? Should I consider a Short Sale?
Should I live there for a few more years?

Defining your motivation is the key to a successful Real Estate Transaction. As much as possible, and I know it is hard, try to treat it as a Business decision. I am one of those who think our house is our “home” but when the time to sell comes you have to get emotionally detached to make sound decisions.

Once you make you mind and selling your home is the final decision, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

1. Do Your Research! Find the Right Real Estate Agent, How she/he should be?
-Knowledgeable, expert in the the area and able to accomplish a smooth transaction. Someone who will provide you timely information and able to help you price right your property.
-Realistically Positive, someone enthusiastic about the job at hand!
-A Good Communicator, Communication Skills are essential because there are at least 10 people directly involved in a Real Estate Transaction.
-A Good Marketer…who will give the maximum exposure to your property using the right marketing tools including a comprehensive online presence. Aware of what consumers are looking for, great Pictures are a must!
-A Good Negotiator you will look for your best interests and willing to help you reach your goals.
-Detailed Oriented, a Real Estate Transaction is loaded with details that need to be taken care of in a proactive manner. Any overlooked detail may delay the process or, in the worst case scenario, kill the deal.
-A Problem Solver, even the most perfect transaction might face some challenges (be prepared for that) and someone who can remain calm and look for win-win resolutions is a big asset.
Most importantly your agent must be someone you trust and respect!!!

2. Dress For Success! I am sure you will not go to a business meeting or a wedding party in your pajamas…well that applies to your home as well. Prepare your home for sale! De-clutter, Repair, Clean, Organize, Show it’s best face during every showing! I personally have the challenge to keep my home picture perfect 24-7 but the times when I have sold my own homes, stressing as it can be with everything else we have going on in our lives, I kept it as if my obsessive future mother-in-law is coming to inspect it. This is a very competitive market and the only thing that can be traded off is the price of a home when it doesn’t look at it’s best. A $ 500 repair/update can look like a $ 2,000 problem for a potential buyer.

3. Be Flexible and Open Minded! Remember every Buyer is looking for “a bargain” or “a deal”; regardless of the listed price you might receive low-ball offers. If you were buying… wouldn’t you be tempted to try getting a property for 20% less than actual market value?. Please don’t take it personally, don’t get insulted…just counter and see what happens. If your property is well priced and attractive chances are that you will get some reasonable offers.

4. Communicate with your agent! Share your ideas, concerns and mostly your expectations.

Selling your home is a team effort, YOU, YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR REAL ESTATE AGENT. Everyone has to be “in the same page”.