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[SahmIam]

* Have a Realtor who KNOWS your area.

* Price your home based on comps that are as close to your house in design and age. Add to the cost if you have done upgrades that are big ticket (windows, siding, Heat/AC, new kitchen, new baths)

* Tuck ALL valuables away in a controlled temp storage unit with a heavy lock.

* Clean it like you're having a White Glove Inspection done (or hire someone). 

* Don't be home for showings. I don't want to talk to the owners while I'm trying to look at their house. Those that attempt to say how "great" their house is come across as desperate to me; huge turn off.

I have a love/hate with the declutter thing. I don't look at the furniture or stuff in a home; I look at the facts such as repairs made, upgrades, utilities cost, floor layout/design, location, nail studs, water stains... stuff like that. I've decluttered and it's an expense and pain; did it help? Not really. It made cleaning easier but that was it. I know many who refuse to do that and sell in one day. My family LIVES in the house; common sense should prevail. If you can't see past paint/carpet color or how a house is decorated, I feel sorry for ya.

[Puppy Lips]

Don't forget that the Realtor's commission is negotiable.  If you end up accepting less for your home, you can cut their commission as well.

[libbyannE]

Homeowners should not be there. I have always decluttered and out valuables in safe deposit box. I keep most jewelry there now, anyway. 

[SXMGirl]

I agree with everything already posted, but one thing not mentioned is for those with family pets.  If you have an open house, be prepared to take them with you for several hours.  If you have a cat, realize that some people will not care if they leave the doors open while looking at your home.  Also, sometimes realtors show up date and you have already been out with your pets for several hours.  This happened to us on a day that was pouring rain.  When the realtor showed up with her clients, I told them that we left when they were expected but would not leave again because our dogs were soaked. 

Not only would I put jewelry and anything of value away, I would lock them away.  Some people are not really interested in buying a home, but they are interested in what you have in your home.  Also, open houses can let many people in your home at one time and if there is only one realtor there, there is no control.

My advice is to select the best realtor that you can find and be diligent.

[IamMrsG]

Besides for valuables, another item I'd remove from the home is any prescription drug.   

Also, do not rely on an agent to either protect or respect your property.  I remember when our parents died and their home was on the market.  I'd get there to check on the house about once a week and too often found the doors unlocked and/or lights left on. Due to their negligence, raccoons got inside and did an unimaginable amount of damage.  

[BalletBabe]

I agree with everyone elses suggestions.   A good Realtor is very important.  I have moved so many times.  My last house sold in 24 hours.  I did not leave the house.  I just stayed out of the way.   I had a house for sale in Florida once and another Realtor brought them through.  I am glad I was there.  Several people showed up and some didn't look like I would trust them looking in my fridge, (if you know what I mean)  They seemed more interested in what I had sitting around then the house itself.   The Realtor is supposed to keep all people in her sight.  This Realtor did not do that.  They spread out in all rooms.  Make sure you ask for that. 

I also asked for a 4 hr notice.  They would call at 9:00 and want to come right over.  You have to have some control.  They claim to not have a lot on walls,  and not a lot of furniture in room if it makes the room look smaller then it is.   I moved nothing. 

Buyers can demand new carpet, new paint, pressure washing, trees cut etc.   I feel that if they like the house they will buy it.  You should not have to go nuts getting it ready.  Shampoo the carpet, if it is worn then replace it.  Some buyers would prefer a break on price so they can get the carpet of their choice.  I had a buyer that wanted me to shampoo the carpet (it was new) because I had a dog.  I said no way.  So Realtor paid for that.   Always ask for more then you want.   Good Luck!

[151949]

Use a full time professional realtor who makes a living doing this -- not a soccer mom who does this for extra cash.  Our realtor had no problem at all with my DH when he insisted he wanted to be home when the house was shown. My DH would wait on the back porch for the most part and the people viewing the house could ask him questions about the house. Actually, that is how we sold our lawn mower - someone who looked at the house asked DH if he wanted to sell it. The most commonly asked question was What would be the lowest bid you would accept? Of course DH did not answer that one.

[Kachina624]

I had a realtor call from out in front of my house wanting to show the place.  I said it would be okay but my 2 dogs and I weren't leaving.  It was a single female teacher and I answered a lot of questions.  This was the person who bought the house.

[riley1]

First, get a qualified agent that deals with your area. Second, clean out the clutter - basement, attic, garage, etc.

I did no open houses - You get too many looky loos, those that have to use the bathroom, etc. We did show by appointment - this was easier for us as I had 2 dogs at the time and wanted to get them out of the house.

Our house sold in less than 2 weeks. Good Luck.

[HisElk1]

We have moved twice in the last 4 years.  Our realtor who is also a friend comes out and looks around giving advice.  Declutter as much as you can.  Make sure your realtor does a comparison of other homes in your area as to what they sold for and price accordingly.

As for as having showings, we were told to never be there while the other agent brings them through.  This way, they are free to talk and make comments and don't feel like the owners are watching over them.  We looked at one house for sale and the owners stayed while we went through and kept asking us what we thought which was a real turnoff to us, so we did not even finish going through the house.  It can make the buyers feel uncomfortable.

Same with if you have an open house; let your realtor be there during that time and answer any/all questions.

Good luck.