When making the decision to sell real estate privately, it requires serious consideration. There are many details to sort through regarding preparing the for sale by owner home for viewing. There is also the issue of setting an asking price. Of course the homeowner needs to hire an appraiser and perhaps a home inspector. There are o many details to remember and essential tasks to complete. It would help to have a for sale by owner check-list to guide the homeowner through the process. Here is a for sale by owner check-list that may make the whole endeavor less stress-full.

• Repair & Redecorate

  • fix major problems with plumbing, heating, electrical

  • repair any small flaws or holes in walls

  • replace worn out doorknobs

  • add new moldings, baseboards and trim

  • shampoo rugs and wax floors

  • get rid of unnecessary clutter

  • clean up the front yard, mow the grass, trim the trees

  • give the interior and the exterior a fresh coat of paint

  • accentuate any special features

  • accessorize

• Decide on the asking Price

  • consider recent renovations and repairs

  • hire an appraiser to provide an estimate

  • do not over-price a for sale by owner home

  • compare pricing to similar homes for sale in the area

  • leave room for negotiation

• Take care of financial interests

• hire an experienced real estate attorney to help with the transaction

• accept advice from the real estate lawyer because he/she is experienced in the field and capable of providing beneficial advice

• Advertise, advertise, advertise

• make sure to place an attractive sign on the lawn with detailed contact information

• place ads in local newspapers, home magazines

• place ads on the Internet, particularly on for sale by owner web sites

• when advertising, be sure to have plenty of colored photos of both the interior and exterior

• advertise your for sale by owner home on a local television station

• organize an open house and advertise it in the newspaper, on the local radio station and place an open house sign on the lawn

• place ads on bulletin boards in supermarkets, medical facilities, etc.

Taking the for sale by owner approach when selling your house is a huge commitment. It is certainly a great idea and the challenge will surely produce favorable results. It’s important to sit down before taking any action and draft a plan. To find help with this adventure, do your homework. Research to gain as much knowledge as possible about the real estate market, especially sources that are specifically geared toward for sale by owner homes.