If you're planning on selling your home, one of your first considerations will be the listing price. This will be one of the most important decisions you'll make during the listing process. Buyers are resourceful, and do a great deal of comparison shopping, so your home will need to be priced according to fair market value in order to sell. A real estate professional can help you determine the market value of your home, and ensure that you obtain top-dollar for your property.

Some of the things to consider when determining a final price are :

>> What is the age and condition of your home?
>> Does it need updating?
>> What have similar homes in your area sold for?
>> Are there a lot of homes for sale in your area?

Always keep in mind that your home is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it!

When selling your home, you'll want to present it in as premium a condition as is possible. Buyers aren't going to take just a quick look, but can be expected to do a thorough and careful inspection. Enhance your exterior by painting the trim, clipping the hedges, mowing the lawn. In summer, you may even want to plant a few additional flowers. On the inside you'll want to add some fresh paint, and by all means, put the clutter away to give your rooms an open, airy feeling. Take care to ensure that there are no "stale" odors in the home - an area of special importance for remote areas such as basement or attic, or for homeowner with pets.

On the day of an open house, consider baking some cookies, or purchase some fragrant fresh flowers. Try to see your property through the eyes of a newcomer, and keep in mind that ever detail counts. The greater your efforts in preparing your home for viewing, the more quickly it will sell, and at a better price!

When selling your home, you must realize that it's not likely that the right buyer will simply walk through your door on their own. Generally, you have to bring your home to the buyer, and that means counting on us to put forth a successful marketing campaign. We make the best use of television and newspaper advertising, and use state-of-the-art techniques such as front end MLS system, and the internet and more.

When you have a home for sale, eventually a prospective buyer will "make an offer." As the seller, you basically have three options: you can accept the offer, reject the offer, or give a counter offer. A counter offer usually will encourage a buyer to continue their negotiations. You may also receive multiple offers. You may prefer to take slightly less for your property from someone who is willing to pay cash, versus someone who needs to sell their current home first. Contingencies, move-in dates, and financing are all things to consider when weighing an offer. If things seem a bit overwhelming, you can rely on us that we will go over various points with you, and help you choose the best offer for your situations.

Once you've accepted an offer on your property, there's a number of details that still need to be looked after. There could be an inspection of your home by a professional who will determine the condition and integrity of your property for the buyer. The buyer's mortgage company may choose to send out an appraiser who will assure the lender of your property's worth. The title group will want to ensure that there are no liens or existing encumbrances which would inhibit a transfer of title to the buyer. Rest assured that you can always rely on us to make sure the entire home selling process proceeds smoothly.

Fairfax Realty
Tel: (202)460-5636

DCMetropolitanHomes.com