Are you looking to sell your current house so you can move into another one? Perhaps you're even contemplating a move to another city or state? While this can make for an exciting time, actually finding a buyer for your current home is easier said than done. If you haven't sold a house before or you haven't done so in a while, perhaps it's time for a quick refresher on some of the things you need to do before you call your local real estate agent.

Get the Home Inspected

When you present your home to a potential buyer, you want to be up front with them on the condition of everything in the house. Most buyers will be interested in getting the home inspected by a professional contractor before they agree to close on the deal, but you can stay one step ahead of them by paying for it yourself before you put the house on the market. Get a written report from a professional who will verify that everything in the home is as it should be. This may decrease the amount of time you have to wait in between receiving an offer and closing on the deal, and it will remove the chance of the buyer coming back to the table and asking for a lower price because of defects found in the house.

Work on the First Impression

The first impression your house makes when potential buyers drive up to the lot is everything. Yes, it's important to spend time cleaning the inside of the home, but you want the outdoor portion of your property to shine as well. If you need to repave your asphalt driveway or get rid of those weeds in the front yard, do it now before you begin the selling process.

Get Rid of Junk

Just shoving all of your clutter into a closet or spare room before a potential buyer comes over is not the best real estate strategy if you are a seller. Buyers sometimes will want to inspect things like closet space so you never know what door or cabinet they might open. If you haven't done a spring cleaning in a while, now's the time. Hold a garage sale if you have to or simply donate your old furniture and children's toys to charity. You want the house to look lived in but you also want it to be clutter free enough that the buyer can try to envision his or her own things taking up space within the house.

If you are looking to sell your home, hiring a real estate agent is a solid step in the right direction. But before you make that phone call, take care to make your house as presentable as possible both inside and out. Get everything from the electrical system to the plumbing inspected by a professional so there are no surprises before you close on the house. For more tips, contact a local real estate agent.

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