Your boss has just given you the career opportunity of a 
lifetime, but the job is in another state.

Soon you discover that moving your family to another city may be 
one of life’s hardest tasks.  The thought of leaving behind old 
friends and schools for a strange town can be frightening.  The 
biggest challenge of all, however, it to preserve the equity in 
your housing investment so you will be able to purchase a similar
home in the new location.

Not to worry.  Even in these uncertain times homeowners can sell 
at very satisfactory prices in a reasonable period of time.  The 
secret?  Pay attention to details, utilize marketing savvy and 
price the home to sell quickly.

The following tips can help you get that “sold” sign up fast.

 

SELECT A SAVVY REAL ESTATE AGENT…one with a successful track 
record in your neighborhood, backed by resources that extend 
into outside housing markets.  Make sure the agent prepares an 
effective listing of your property –on that outlines all the 
features that make your home unique.  Also, it’s smart to 
prepare a separate fact sheet that can be distributed freely to 
all interested buyers.  In soft time, offering the agent a bonus 
if the house sells within 60 days can work to the homeowner’s 
advantage.

OFFER THE RIGHT PRICE.  Start with a price that is reasonable 
for your neighborhood and the size of your home.  Comparing the 
price of your home with similar nearby listings is an easy way 
to be sure you are offering the right price.  Comparing the 
opinions of two independent appraisers will also help you avoid 
over-pricing.

PAY PART OF THE CLOSING COSTS…usually 3 to 5 percent of the loan 
amount.  This will attract those first-time buyers who are short 
on cash for down-payment and closing costs.  Offering to turn 
over personal property such as washing machines and dryers, 
refrigerators and flower boxes can also attract buyers looking 
for the best deal.

ACCEPT CONTINGENCY AGREEMENTS.  Make your sale contingent upon 
the sale of the buyer’s home.  This takes away buyers’ fears of 
juggling two properties and mortgages at the same time.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE CORPORATE RELOCATION TRADE.  Be sure that 
your broker is connected to a relocation network – one capable 
of brining in buyers from distant places.  And, of course, try 
to get your employer to provide you with relocation assistance, 
too.

MAKE YOUR HOME STAND OUT.  Fresh paint and flowers can go a 
long way in impressing buyers.  Tend to such details as moving 
the lawn, fixing stubborn door knobs and sliding doors, and 
straightening up the basement.  Remember, your home’s appearance 
on the day it’s shown can make or break a sale.


The bottom line is that sellers should take the time to make 
their home as attractive as possible.  Compiling helpful tips 
for the buyer about school districts, utility bills and 
directions to the nearest shopping mall can go a long way in 
selling your house quickly.

With a little work and an active real estate agent, chances are 
good that your house will sell fast in today’s  market.