Before you make the decision to sell your own home, you should consider whether you will be able to do it successfully or whether or not you have the time and energy. Carefully review the following steps to help you decide whether to sell your own home or seek the assistance of a ERA Real Estate professional.

Step 1
Carefully research information regarding the price and terms of sales in today's real estate market. Investigate recent sale prices of properties similar to yours in your immediate area. Know lot size and current tax information. You'll also need existing loan information and your state's property disclosure laws. Then establish a realistic price for your property based on that information.

Step 2
Meet with local lenders and determine financing alternatives for your prospective buyers.

Step 3
Conduct your own mini walk-through inspection. Make notes of all items that need repair or improvement. Your check list might include:

• Fresh, clean paint throughout
• Clean windows and window coverings throughout
• Well-manicured lawn and yard
• Plumbing and all appliances in working order
• All sealants (window, tub, shower, sink, etc.) in good condition
• Roof and gutters in good condition; no repair needed

Step 4
Make all necessary repairs and improvements before you begin to advertise your property.

Step 5
Be available at all times so that you can walk through the property with prospective buyers to answer their questions and offer information about local schools, parks, transportation, shopping, churches, etc.

Step 6
Establish a marketing budget.

Step 7
Determine which newspapers will best advertise your property. Call them for rates and deadlines.

Step 8
Prepare a professional, attention-getting advertisement that will attract the right buyers to your property. Place your ad in the newspaper(s).

Step 9
Prepare a plan to reach local buyers plus those out-of-town buyers who account for a major portion of today's home purchasers.

Step 10
Purchase an eye-catching and weatherproof yard sign; install it in the front of your property.

Step 11
Purchase special "open house" signs and install them in paths that lead from main roads or thoroughfares, through the neighborhood, and to the property. Put these signs out each time you hold an open house (and be sure to take them down after each open house).

Step 12
Prepare a "feature/benefit fact sheet" outlining specific features of your home and the corresponding benefits to prospective purchasers.

Step 13
Schedule and conduct open house "weekdays" as well as open weekends.

Step 14
Learn how to separate the "lookers" from qualified buyers. Ask for names and phone numbers, and be sure to follow up with telephone calls.

Step 15
Be prepared to negotiate with the buyer(s) as though you are an impartial third party. Remain calm and refrain from any emotional outburst that might spoil a sale.

Step 16
Obtain all forms necessary for the legal sale of real property such as:

• Deposit Receipt & Offer to Purchase
• Buyer's Cost Sheet
• Seller's Disclosure Form (In our increasingly litigious society, it is imperative that all known defects be disclosed to the buyer(s).)

Step 17
Determine the type(s) of financing that you are willing to consider such as:

• FHA
• VA
• Seller Carryback First Loan
• Conventional Loan With Seller Carryback Second Loan
• "Wrap Around" Loan

Step 18
Negotiate with the buyer(s) all final terms of the sale including price, financing, inspections, date of closing, date of possession and other pertinent considerations. Have an attorney review contracts if appropriate.

Step 19
Plan a final walk-through with the buyer(s) before the settlement process is complete in order to resolve any dispute. Have a witness present.

Step 20
While you are marketing your current property, locate and negotiate to purchase your next home. Attempt to schedule both transactions so that they close simultaneously. In this way, you and the buyer are able to move at the same time.

Many people are very comfortable in the role of "For Sale By Owner." You may find that you are one of those people. If not, don't be afraid to ask for help. At ERA Preferred Properties of Gainesville we're here to help you in any way we can.