With all the online real estate information available to today's home buyers and sellers, it is easy for some to consider buying or selling without the help of a real estate agent.

6 Tips for Selling Your Home Yourself

The main advantage for the for-sale-by-owner strategy is avoiding payment of a commission to a listing agent. But sellers taking on the task themselves need to be prepared to roll up their sleeves and put in the time and effort to get the home sold. Owners selling on their own must take care of all the tasks ranging from preparing and paying for advertising and marketing, showing the property to interested buyers, and handling the contracts and paperwork necessary to complete a sale.

1. PREPARE THE HOUSE FOR SHOWING
Curb appeal, an inviting front entrance, a clean, brightly lit, de-cluttered, odor-free, and freshly painted home that shows pride of ownership will get the buyers attention.

2. THE DIFFICULTY OF PRICING
Pricing too high because of your attachment to the home, or on the advice of family, friends, or neighbors, can be deadly. Homes that end up sitting on the market for too long not only miss out on potential sales because of a price that is too high, but can also miss prime selling months and waste marketing and advertising dollars. Trying to get top dollar for your property and also having it sell fast will depend on timing and the market. Pricing too high, or too low, will lose potential buyers and also cost you money and time.

3. WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT TO SAVE BY SELLING YOURSELF
Obviously your goal is to save the Realtor's commission and get as much profit from the sale as possible. But do you plan on discounting the price by the commission amount to attract a buyer faster? Also, what commission will you pay if a Realtor brings a buyer? How much will you set aside for paying the cost of advertising, signs, internet sites, etc. Do you plan to have open houses? How quickly do you need to sell? How many homes will you be competing with? How much time will you allow before you consider listing with a professional Realtor who will get your home on the MLS and take care of the marketing and the process of selling your home?

4. WHO WILL HELP WITH THE SALE
Plan ahead to have a title company or a real estate attorney assist you in completing the sale and paperwork. You will also need to get the necessary inspections and certifications done.

5. MARKET YOUR PROPERTY PROPERLY
For Sale by Owner internet sites can help in getting a listing online exposure. If you place an ad in the newspaper ask about having it posted online for free. The yard sign is still a powerful tool, but make sure you are clear on area sign laws. Be prepared to take the calls and be available when lookers and would-be buyers knock on your door. Making your home easy to see can speed up the selling process.

6. WHEN YOU GET A BUYER
Make sure any buyer is pre-approved with a lender (not just pre-qualified) and do not let too much time pass before a final lender commitment is due. One of the biggest reasons for sales falling apart is that the buyer is unable to afford the house and cannot get a final loan commitment. Finding this out after several weeks or months have passed, or when it comes to closing,  means you start the selling process all over again after losing valuable selling time.

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