Selling your home is a significant financial and emotional decision. In most markets, it can be a real challenge, too. That's why Relocation Rewards is committed to helping you sell your home quickly, easily, and at the best possible price. Plus, you'll receive cash-back!

Be Objective

Remember, a buyer doesn't always see your home the way you do. From the first time they step onto your lawn, they'll be comparing your home to others they've seen. And often, it's the little things that matter. Put yourself in the buyer's shoes and use a critical eye.

• Does your home need landscaping? Pots of flowers are a nice addition, and weeding and trimming are a must.
• How is the paint? A little touch-up or a power wash goes a long way.
• Be sure the yard is free from toys, tools, etc.
• Clean out the clutter. Your home will look more spacious.
• Get out the mop. Sparkling windows and a clean home show you care.
• Create a welcoming environment. Make sure the temperature is right, and add flowers or potted plants for excitement.
• Entice the senses. Sprinkle a drop of vanilla on a light bulb.
• Keep your buyer in mind. Soft, neutral colors appeal most to the broadcast range of buyers.
• Buyers need freedom to explore your home, so arrange to be out of the house when buyers visit.

Set a Realistic Price

Statistics show that a house receives its highest offer within the first four to six weeks on the market. Therefore, setting a realistic price is imperative in order to capture the attention of prospective buyers. Competitive pricing is essential to your home being shown and sold. So if you want to sell your home quickly, price it slightly below your best competition.

Avoid the temptation to overprice your home, as that brings serious risks. For example, overpricing:

• Puts your home out of the price range of a large group of buyers
• Makes other homes more attractive and competitive
• Discourages serious buyers who are educated on fair market value
• Results in repeated price reductions, which plant doubts in buyers' minds
• Wastes valuable marketing time, particularly in the first 30 days

Market Your Home

Your agent will help you develop a step-by-step plan, designed to maximize your home's exposure. Marketing directly to buyers, through a blend of ads and promotions, is key to selling your home. However, since most potential buyers will hear about your home from another agent, your plan should also focus on the real estate broker community. Frequent broker caravans (tours), distribution of flyers, and your agent's private referral network will help keep your home in front of the local real estate community.

Your first step in merchandising your home is to prepare your home for the market. Discuss with your agent the following marketing tools:

• "For Sale" sign in your yard
• Lock box
• Computerized listing service
• Home feature flyer, with color photo and home specifics
• Financing flyer, showing available financing plans, interest rates, and monthly payment examples
• Home preview by your agent's office and associated offices
• Public open houses
• Broker caravans
• Direct-mail campaigns (flyers, posters)
• Local, regional, and national newspaper advertising
• Color photo magazine-listing ads, sponsored by your agent's firm
• Web site listings
• Talking houses

Learn to Negotiate

Resist the temptation to dismiss the first offer you receive simply because it is the first. Studies show that the first offer is often the best. Consider all offers, even ones below your expectations. Every buyer has his or her own way of negotiating an offer.

• Respond quickly - don't leave an offer on the table for more than 48 hours, and make sure your agent knows how to contact you at all times.
• Make a counter offer if the buyer offers less than the listing price or asks for concessions.
• Be reasonable - don't jeopardize the sale over minor details or an insignificant amount of money.
• Be wary of offers contingent upon the sale of another property - that could delay the closing of your home.
• Make sure your agent is satisfied that the buyer is financially qualified to fulfill the contract offer; set a time limit in your sales contract for the buyer to secure financing.
• Seek a rapid close date to avoid paying mortgage and utility payments on both your old home and your new home.
• If the buyer asks for repairs and you agree, make sure the repairs are clearly stated in the contract.
• Consider offering a home warranty to alleviate the buyer's concerns regarding future problems.