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Tips for Sellers - Washington Properties

These tips are designed for the Washington DC metropolitan area. If you from outside this area, please consider these tips in consultation with your real estate professional.

As you consider putting your home on the market:

• Consider working with a real estate professional. Ensuring that your property is included in the regional multiple listing service is only the one step in selling your home. Pricing and marketing your home are also important.

As part of W.C. & A.N. Miller, we can also expose your home to hundreds of agents who are working with buyers. We will also present additional marketing opportunities tailored specifically to your home and needs.

• Know that if your home is currently for sale by owner, you can still sign up with an agency to help.
• Price your home reasonably, taking into account how it compares with other properties that have sold in your area.

If you do not know the value of your home, we can prepare a competitive market analysis that can be used to assist in setting a list price.

If your home is overpriced, you will miss exposure to potential buyers who can make a full price offer at the fair value of your home.

• Consider what incentives you are willing to offer. This may include paying points or a redecorating allowance. With  easier access to mortgages, owner financing is not as common, or for that matter, as necessary. An incentive, such as cash towards closing costs can distinguish your home from similar properties.
• Keep your home clean. Stack newspapers. Remove trash daily - strange odors will leave a lasting impression of your home. Make the beds. Set up the dining room as if you are entertaining - show that your home is conducive to different activities. Air out the home after cooking with onions and garlic or after frying foods
• Keep the home cool in the summertime. Prove that the air conditioning works and give perspective buyers a reason to linger.
• Understand how the recent tax changes affect your property sale. I can put you into contact with tax advisors as well as speak generally to some of the changes. The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 may mean that part of your capital gains will be excluded from taxation.
• Detail the strengths of your home. This helps in providing a fact sheet that sets your home apart. Detail the weaknesses as well, and think about which of those can be corrected and which cannot. If you have ever had an architect look at your home for expansion or renovation, even if those ideas were not implemented, locate those plans.
• Find pictures of your home in different seasons. Feed the imagination of your prospective buyers.
• Fix the simple, glaring problems. Make sure all lights work. Change bad lightbulbs. Repaint where necessary. Remove clutter, including clearing out closets. Keep your home clean and make the entrance inviting.
• Determine how your home will be shown. This can include having your home on lockbox or by appointment only. Discuss whether you want to have open houses and whether your agent is willing to commit to them.
• Buy fresh flowers before open houses.
• Know your obligation to tenants. If you have tenants, this should be disclosed as it can delay or even jeopardize closing.

Tenant rights vary by locality. As a real estate professional, we can help you through the requirements of your area.

• Work with your sales agent on a pricing plan. If your home is not getting the desired traffic, or is not getting reasonable offers, determine if and when you will think of changing your marketing strategy, your list price, or your agent

You have picked a wonderful time to put your home on the market. we look forward to helping you!

(c) 1998- 2004 and 2005. Dan Melman and Mary Jane Molik - the Melman and Molik real estate team at W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtors. All rights reserved. Information is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. If you are actively looking to market your home or purchase a home, or know someone who is,  please call us at (202) 895-8950.

Website originally created: March 1998
Last Updated: March 2005