Consider This Before Selling Your Home

So you've decided to sell your home. But should you do it yourself or use a real estate consultant? Before you decide, you need to ask yourself a few questions:

- Are you conversant with the real estate market?
- Do you have enough time to devote to the process?
- Have you ever done it before?
- Do you have the skills required?
- Is it worth the time, money and effort that need to be spent?

If you feel that you can answer the majority of the above questions in the affirmative, then by all means do it yourself. If not, you should hire a professional real estate consultant. Even if you hire a real estate consultant, make sure that they have the credentials and experience to get you the best possible price for your home, in a reasonable amount of time. Also make sure that all transactions will be properly documented, and decide on the fees that will be charged, right from the beginning. Conduct a thorough reference check if required.

We all want to squeeze as much money out of our house when we are selling for obvious reasons. Here are a few tips to help you sell for the best price the market can offer whether you decide to use a consultant or not:

* The external view of your home is the most important selling point. You can decorate it with colorful flowers, plants and other accessories. Ensure that the paint is not worn out. Trim the grass and the bushes regularly.

* Excessive furniture can make rooms look clumsy and cluttered. You can either rearrange it, or completely remove the furniture to make your house look more spacious.

* Consider using the services of a 'home staging' professional. Skilled at home décor, they will make sure that your home shows in the best possible light.

* Make sure that your carpets are not stained, and the walls and ceilings are free from blemishes. These minor aspects can decrease the value of your home to a great extent.

* Keep your home clean and tidy. The lighting should enhance the warmth and comfort factors. You can also use aromatic candles.

* Make sure that the ceiling fixtures are in good working order.

* Clean your doors, windows, walls and mirrors.

* Make sure that cooking odors are neutralized. You can use vanilla in bread and bake it in the oven. Buyers love the smell of baked food - studies show that homes with the aroma of baking sell quicker than those without!

* Consider sending your pet to a kennel during the selling period - even if you don't notice your dog's smell, a new homebuyer probably will.

* Repaint rooms using light pastel shades. Light colors make rooms look more spacious.

* Replace outdated fixtures, broken flooring, loose doorknobs and old light switches.

Although buying a home is usually one of the biggest purchases most people make, many don't live in it forever. On an average, people live in their homes for about 5 to 7 years before they decide to move on, either to a bigger place or a smaller one, depending on the circumstances. Whether you want to upsize or downsize, or just want to change location, it is important to make sure that you get a good price for the home you sell. The tips given above will ensure that you get a good return on your initial investment.

Charlotte Neuhouse lives in the Sacramento area and consults for real estate firms. For selling in the Roseville real estate market, she recommends Dayna Neuse, Roseville Realtor for a cure. Dayna specializes in reselling Roseville California homes, and surrounding areas of Granite Bay real estate and Loomis real estate.