Despite the market conditions, homes are still selling and some

homeowners have been able to successfully beat the odds and

sell for top dollar. To model the success of these savvy

homeowners, let's take a look at six tips to sell your home for top

dollar:

Setting the right price for your home is the single most important

decision you will make when you decide to sell. Go too high and

you risk turning off every buyer in the marketplace, go too low and

you leave money on the table. One simple but powerful technique

with yourself. Compared to the competition what would be a price that would position your home as the best value

proposition for buyers in your marketplace?

Not all listing agents are created equal. To find an aggressive full time agent, take the time to research the market,

talk to friends, neighbors, and colleagues about who they recommend, and interview multiple agents before making

a hiring decision. Don’t hire an agent just because they tell you what you want to hear. Make sure your agent gives

you a true picture about values in your marketplace, even if you don’t want to hear it. In addition, be sure to come to

an agreement about a specific, documented marketing plan before signing a long term listing agreement.

Buyers won't pull the trigger unless they become emotionally invested in your home. To help build a stronger first

impression, start from the outside first by working hard to improve your home's curb appeal. Remove the weeds,

plant fresh flowers and spruce up your exterior paint if needed. Next move inside and stage each space by creating

a focal point and a story for each room. A set dining table, a book by the bed, or a game in the kids room are all

simple examples of staging.

A buyer who has narrowed their search down to two or three top choices may need a little push to motivate them to

take action. To encourage buyers, many sellers offer incentives like buying the interest rate down on the purchaser's

loan, paying for closing costs, inspections, or repairs, or providing allowances or credits for home upgrades after

closing. In addition, many sellers prepay for services like internet services for a year, taxes, homeowners association

dues, or even golf club memberships.

Many sellers do pre-inspections of the home to provide buyers with a clear whole home inspection or pest and dry

rot inspection. (A word of caution: anything discovered during a pre-inspection will likely need to be disclosed

whether you fix the issue or not). It’s often easier and cheaper to do needed repairs in advance than trying to

negotiate them later with an emotional buyer.