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Where do you need help in the sales process and how do you know? — Use the Mini-Quizzes to help you decide if  you should, or can go it alone to sell your own property.  Take the quiz for each seller checkpoint - there are six in all.  This is not one of those irritating quizzes that trick you into having to order something or sign up for something.

Seller’s Checkpoint #1: Test Your Ability to Prepare/Stage the Property for Sale

yes no   I am prepared to spend the time necessary to professionally clean the house prior to putting it on the market.

yes no   I am prepared to spend the time necessary making necessary repairs inside and outside the house prior to putting it on the market.

yes no   I understand the importance of curb appeal when attracting buyers and will spend the time, money and effort it takes to get the lawn, shrubbery, walkways and driveways in showing condition.  

yes no I am prepared to paint any worn or peeling areas, especially in the kitchen, bathroom, and near the front door of the home.

yes no   I will clear all clutter in the home, boxing up unnecessary items prior to placing the home on the market.

yes no   I will make sure flooring in the kitchen, bathroom and living room is spotless at all times when showing the house to prospective buyers.

yes no   I will restrain my pets and eliminate pet odors during showings.

If you answered “yes” to three or more questions, you have a better-than-average chance of being able to complete this home selling phase on your own or with only a moderate degree of help.

Seller’s Checkpoint #2: Test Your Ability to Gather Property Information and Price the Property

yes no   I know how to obtain a comparative market analysis (CMA) to help confirm the market value of the property.

yes no   I know how to obtain the legal description and property tax information with either the courthouse or title company.

yes no   I am capable of gathering and double-checking property facts and amenities and completing the MLS property information sheet for prospective buyers.

yes no   I am capable of measuring and calculating the square footage of the house and dimensions of the lot, or I know where to get them.

yes no I know how to obtain and complete the property disclosure form 17 and present and explain it to potential buyers.

yes no I know how to gather all information regarding homeowner’s insurance, zoning regulations, and conditions, covenants and restrictions to present to prospective buyers.

If you answered “yes” to three or more questions, you have a better-than-average chance of being able to complete this home selling phase on your own or with only a moderate degree of help.

Seller’s Checkpoint #3: Test Your Ability to Market the Property

yes no   I am web savvy and know how to place information about the property on various web sites in order to attract buyers.

yes no   I am capable of writing advertising and placing it in various print, web, and mediums.

yes no   I know the profile of the buyer most likely to purchase my home and target all advertising (including signage) to attract him/her.

yes no   I’m aware of the market type (seller’s or buyer’s) and structure my advertising to attract the best buyer prospects at this time.

yes no   I design my property information fact sheet to address the most pressing needs of my target buyer.

yes no   I can deliver or mail copies of my property information fact sheet to at least twenty homes across from, behind, and adjacent to my home to enlist their help in finding qualified buyers.

If you answered “yes” to three or more questions, you have a better-than-average chance of being able to complete this home selling phase on your own or with only a moderate degree of help.

Seller’s Checkpoint #4: Test Your Ability to Locate & Pre-approve the Buyer

yes no   I know the pre-screening questions I will ask of all prospects before allowing them to make an appointment to see the house.

yes no   I will never show the house alone without someone else home.

yes no   I understand the difference between a buyer being pre-qualified and pre-approved and will allow only pre-approved buyers to view the house.

yes no   If a motivated buyer is not pre-approved, I have referrals to assist them in becoming pre-approved.

yes no   I know the proper closing questions to ask prospects as they tour the house.

yes no   I will follow up within twenty-four hours with each prospective buyer that views the house, asking what they liked and disliked about the house.

If you answered “yes” to three or more questions, you have a better-than-average chance of being able to complete this home selling phase on your own or with only a moderate degree of help.

Seller’s Checkpoint #5: Test Your Ability to Draft the Purchase Agreement and Negotiate with the Buyer

yes no   I will spend time understanding the property purchase agreement most commonly used in my locale and will be able to complete it to serve my best interests in any offer or counter offer I receive.

yes no   I’ll design a negotiating strategy to prioritize what I want to win while allowing the buyer to win on issues of importance to him/her.

yes no   I’m able to determine my costs of sale (including closing costs) prior to accepting any offer from the buyer.

yes no   I understand the procedures and legal ramifications of offer and counter-offers in real estate negotiating.

yes no   I understand various contingency clauses in purchase and sale agreements, including the ramifications they have on my bargaining position as a seller.

yes no   I consider myself a strong yet fair negotiator when it comes to financial matters.

If you answered “yes” to three or more questions, you have a better-than-average chance of being able to complete this home selling phase on your own or with only a moderate degree of help.

Seller’s Checkpoint #6: Test Your Ability to Troubleshoot the Sale and Close the Transaction

yes no   I understand and can describe the sequence of events in closing a real estate transaction and can effectively navigate each one on my own.

yes no   I will prioritize the time and effort it takes to monitor the buyer’s mortgage process, keep current on the progress of the closing with service providers, and be available to answer questions and troubleshoot the sale to closing.

yes no   I know what to look for and the documentation required when the buyer makes the walk-through inspection prior to mutual acceptance.

yes no   I am capable of reviewing and interpreting all closing documents on my own.

yes no   I am capable of calculating the approximate amount of net proceeds I’ll receive at closing.

yes no   If need be, I am capable of re-negotiating any or all terms of the sale with the buyer prior to closing.

If you answered “yes” to three or more questions, you have a better-than-average chance of being able to complete this home selling phase on your own or with only a moderate degree of help.

Comments, questions, suggestions:

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