Selling Your Home, Part 1: Hiring Professionals

In today’s volatile market, it takes professional experience and tools to most effectively sell a home. From inspection and appraisal to marketing and closing the deal, professionals can sell your home for more and save you time and stress to concentrate on your new home purchase!

Appraiser
A Certified Independent Appraisal Company performs a full appraisal of your home to indicate its market value. This is the same type of appraisal done for banks and mortgage companies. This report will substantiate current market conditions and home value, saving you a great deal of time on the market place in finding a buyer.

Realtor
Choosing a realtor is perhaps the most important decision you can make when selling your home. A few tips :
· When interviewing potential Realtors, ask each the same set of questions so that you can compare their answers
· Better to not choose a friend or family member to market your home
· Check referrals and others in your neighborhood who have used the Realtors’ services
· Do not tell the Realtor what you think your home is worth - rather ask them to tell you what they think its worth
· Have all marketing plans for selling your home put in writing
· Always use a Realtor that is a member of the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)

Inspector
A licensed home inspector will inspect your home thoroughly in much the same way that any potential buyer will do. Identifying and fixing problem areas can make your home more attractive and prevent possible pitfalls in the negotiation process.