Before you consider selling your house yourself, ask yourself if you are going to have the time needed to sell your house - even if you just cover the basics.

The Basics

• Complete an extensive research of local market conditions, including:
  • the listing and selling price of all houses in your area for the last six months. 
  • Compare For Sale By Owners sales with those listed with a realtor®  You will probably find that the homes sold faster and at a higher price when listed with a realtor® who markets it to a much larger population than you can.
  • the listing price of houses currently on the market, and
  • the listing prices of houses that were on the market but did not sell.
    Tips: Begin your research on the Internet. Follow-up by visiting the county tax records office to determine the selling prices of houses.

• Put together a marketing plan.
  • How will you market your house to real estate agents? Most buyers use a real estate agent, so marketing to real estate agents is essential. At a minimum, you'll want to send a letter and sales flyer to all real estate agents within a 30 mile radius.
  • Surveys show that over 70% of home buyers begin their search on the internet.  What internet presence will you have?  (I submit my listings to 25 internet sites!)
  • How much money can you afford to devote to advertising?
  • Who will create your sales flyers? Buyers expect fact sheets to take with them when they drive-by or tour a house for sale.
  • Where will you place signage? In addition to your front yard, is there areas leading in to your neighborhood where signage would be appropriate? Are you familiar with local sign ordinance laws?
  • How will potential buyers find information about your house on the Internet? You'll want potential buyers who begin their house shopping on the Internet to find your house. Be sure to build a website to help sell your house.
  • Who will take inquiry calls and schedule appointments? You'll want someone to be available to answer inquiry calls and schedule appointments. Be sure to schedule showings as quickly as possible - even the same day.
    " Pre-qualify buyers before showing your house.

• Confirm that the potential buyer has pre-qualified for a mortgage loan.
  • If the buyer is buying with cash, confirm that they have the necessary resources.
  • If the purchase is contingent on the buyer selling their own house, confirm that the buyer's house is on the market. (You may also want to determine how long the buyer's house has been on the market.)

• Negotiations, Contracts and Closings
  • Are you prepared to negotiate the contract?
  • Do you have the appropriate HOA (Home Owners Disclosures) and CDD Addendums?
  • Mold Disclosure?  Do you have them the appropriate document?
  • Do you know what the legal responsibilities of the seller are in your area?
  • Are you aware of the Florida laws that pertain to seller disclosures?  Failing to comply with these laws can result in a future lawsuit against you.
  • Who will write the contract? Will you need to hire an attorney? If so, what will be the attorney's fees?  Who is going to pay for this? 
    Tips: In addition to the sales contract, you'll need to complete a Seller's Disclosure and a Lead Based Paint Disclosure, if applicable.  Do you know when the lead based paint disclosure is applicable by law or not?  Do you have access to the Lead Based Paint Disclosure if you are required by law to complete it?