1.	Determine the reason for selling your property. This may have an effect on the price you set for selling your house.
	2.	Determine where you want to move: think about schools, jobs, proximity to medical facilities, worship centers, traffic, markets, etc.
	3.	Decide how much time you will need to actually pack and move.
	4.	Start getting estimates from moving companies.
	5.	Decide how soon you can relinquish possession to the new owner.
	6.	Walk across the street and look at your house from a buyer’s perspective. How is the curb appeal? Does the paint need touching up? How does the landscaping look? Are there malfunctioning sprinklers? Are the gutters clean? Is there excess “stuff” stored on the side of the house? In other words, is there anything that could be considered an “eye sore?” Does the door bell work? Is the door mat worn?
	7.	Next, walk through the house, room by room, and objectively inspect as a potential new owner. Operate all of the appliances (make sure everything works as intended); inspect the interior paint (look for cracks, chipping, missing paint, dirty paint); look at the carpet and flooring; are any rooms (i.e. kitchen or bath) dated; are the windows clean? Are there any pet/smoke/cooking odors? Look at the little things such as the switch plates, light bulbs, etc.
	8.	Gentlemen, tidy up the garage the best you can. Try and clean the driveway if there is excessive build up of oil and grease.
	9.	Make your house as clean and immaculate as you can. De-clutter, clean, paint, repair or replace should be your new motto until the house is in top condition. It should sparkle and smell fresh. Don’t forget to clean the light fixtures!
	10.	Make your house look livable, not sterile
	11.	Make it appear inviting and comfortable.
	12.	If you have a lot of sentimental items, collectibles, and/or knick-knacks, start packing now. Get some moving boxes and start packing away items you do not use at least weekly and things you do not absolutely need to have around you. This will allow the potential buyer not to be distracted by your personal items, and will permit them to see the house and envision their personal items in place.
	13.	Any personal property not staying with the house needs to be removed as soon as possible. After all, if you love it, there is a good chance a potential buyer will also and assume it is included with the sale price of the house.
	14.	Inspect the house often for cobwebs on ceiling fans, in corners, on light fixtures, and windowsills.
	15.	Make sure closets and cupboards are neat. Potential buyers will open them and inspect for spaciousness. Nothing is more deterring than to have items fall out onto the floor when doors are opened.
	16.	Clean out the refrigerator and take out the trash daily.

	1.	If you have an entry way or foyer, fresh flowers can be a very nice touch and present a “welcome atmosphere “;
	2.	Turn the lights on in each room;
	3.	If it is the appropriate season, have a fire in the fireplace; otherwise, try candles or plants;
	4.	Place candy dishes out and fill with mints;
	5.	Have soft jazz or classical music playing faintly in the background;
	6.	Make the dining room table look inviting by setting a few place settings;
	7.	If there is a reading chair, place a book on or near the chair to emphasize the coziness;
	8.	If there is a fountain near the front door or entrance, have it operating;
	9.	Place fresh towels in the bathrooms;
	10.	Make sure there are plenty of current flyers inside the home;
	11.	Think safety: if necessary, de-ice walkways/stairs; remove throw rugs; remove all clutter from stairs;
	12.	If there is a security system, make sure your REALTOR® understands how to properly operate it;
	13.	Open all window coverings to allow for more light;
	14.	Take care of pet odors; the best place for a pet during a viewing is at some else’s house;
	15.	If your house is being shown during the winter season and you work, put your lights on a timer;
	16.	If it is summer and your house has a cooling system, be sure it is on and set at a comfortable temperature;
	17.	Always say YES to a viewing appointment—even if the house isn’t perfect;
	18.	Do NOT allow REALTORS® who claim to have contacted your REALTOR© unless your REALTOR® contacted you personally to inform and confirm with you;
	19.	Do NOT allow into your house walk-ups who say they are inquiring about your house. Refer them to your REALTOR®;
	20.	NEVER show your home by yourself-ALWAYS have your REALTOR® present;
	21.	If you are present during a showing, please do not speak with the buyer(s) or the buyer’s agent-let your REALTOR® handle the questions and only help if your REALTOR® requests it.

At the closing, numerous documents, commonly referred to as escrow papers, will be signed, checks exchanged, and the house keys will be surrendered to the new owners.

CONCLUSION

It is our sincere hope that this information has proved to be helpful to you during this often exciting and stressful endeavor. Because this is a business transaction, listen closely to your REALTORS® and ask lots of questions!

Our job and responsibility is to get you the results you wanted: the most money for your house in the least amount of time. It is important to keep in mind that current market conditions fluctuate daily—as quickly as every time a house in your current neighborhood sells or goes on the market!

During our appointment, we will provide you with more information and specific suggestions for marketing your house. If you are serious about selling, and the buyer is serious about buying, we know how to sell homes!